Today I am really excited to have my friend Jennifer, from Another Jennifer writing a guest post. She and I connected shortly after I started blogging when she was featured on the SITS Girls website. I immediately fell in love with her blog because she has a love for giving back and philanthropy just like I do. She also loves to write and is a great blogger and teaches others how to blog well.
Writing Your Passion ~ Jennifer Barbour
When I started blogging at another jennifer, I was looking for a creative outlet. While I have always worked in the creative realm, writing, designing and strategizing for nonprofits and startups, I needed something that was all my own.
My others blogs were for other people. Other audiences who appreciated my words but never really got to hear the real me. Once I started writing my own blog on my own terms, things changed.
It’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself through writing your thoughts and ideas. Exploring the topics that intrigue you. Or maybe just throwing things out to the interwebs to see if anyone is paying attention. (Who knew how many people would enjoy my silly stories about being left-handed.)One topic that I really wanted to explore was philanthropy. I guess it was because I had been working in the social services field for about 6 years, and I was getting a little burnt out. When you work in the nonprofit world for a cause you believe in, it’s easy to get burnt out. You take on many hats, work for less money and find yourself wondering if anyone else cares about the great work being done in your organization. That’s how I felt anyway.
So I decided to write about philanthropy and what it is. Honestly, I wasn’t so sure I knew the proper definition when I started. But I wrote about how it means more than just giving money. It means more than just giving time. A light bulb went off in my head when I read the words “Charity is giving. Philanthropy is doing.”
I started a Philanthropy Friday series to feature how people and businesses incorporated philanthropy into their everyday lives. Honestly, I started it so I could find good businesses that made a difference so I could model my own after them. I wanted to connect with passionate people who might inspire me to make a bigger impact in my own community. I was looking for ideas!
And you know what? People enjoyed reading the posts. They thanked me for sharing the information I found or the thoughts I had on certain topics. And I’ve connected with some amazing people. People who after I spent some time talking with would offer to help me in any way they can in the future. How cool is that? (Did I mention one of those amazing people is Alexa of No Holding Back? See her awesome guest post For the Love of Kathryn.)
I guess my point with this post is that you never know what will happen if you take your passion and explore it. Write about it and put yourself out there. See what happens.
I’m still exploring the topic of philanthropy. I’m over a year into a Giving Pledge, where I donate to at least one nonprofit each month, and I’ve joined the Global Team of 200, a highly specialized group of Mom Bloggers for Social Good members who focus on maternal health, children, hunger, and women and girls. I’m even writing a book based on some of my philanthropy-related blog posts.
Funny, but I still don’t feel like I’m giving back enough. At least not in the most impactful way. I’m fine with that though, because I know I’ll get there. I’m still learning. And blogging is a great way to explore a passion, isn’t it?
Bio
Jennifer Barbour is a copywriter, blogger, aspiring author and new media consultant. She aims to inspire, to entertain and to make you think. Her passions are writing, philanthropy, her awesome family and bacon, though not necessarily in that order. You can find out more at anotherjennifer.com.
Isn’t Jennifer awesome? I knew you’d like her! I hope you’ll visit her website!
But before you leave, don’t forget to enter into the drawing for the Splash ‘N Boots CD and DVD. Your kids will love them! And if you don’t have kids, they’ll make a great gift for someone who does!
For more information on the group, please visit their website: Splash’NBoots
April @ 100lbCountdown.com says
May 30, 2013 at 7:30 pmI love the idea of writing about philanthropy. I don’t do nearly as much as I want to, but I will be doing some more soon.
Michelle says
October 6, 2013 at 7:23 pmJennifer IS awesome! I count myself very lucky to know her, even if it is only online!
another jennifer says
October 6, 2013 at 7:48 pmI feel lucky to know you too, Michelle! 🙂
katbiggie says
March 26, 2013 at 11:27 amYou are so sweet! Thank you so much for honoring me like this! I have shared it every way I can! I even just created a new board on Pinterest – Philanthropy, where I’ll start pinning your great philanthropy posts!