272: Giving Tuesday Through a Child’s Eyes: Lessons in Generosity and Community with Mallory & Emmie

Summary

What the Fundraising – Episode 272: Giving Tuesday Through a Child’s Eyes: Lessons in Generosity and Community with Mallory & Emmy

Episode Overview

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, host Mallory Erickson is joined by a very special co-host—her six-year-old daughter, Emmy. Together, they celebrate Giving Tuesday by viewing philanthropy, generosity, and community through a child’s perspective. Through lively discussion, storytelling, and a playful reading of the children’s book “How to Start Fundraising,” Mallory and Emmy explore what it truly means to give, be kind, and support the people and places we care about. The episode is filled with lighthearted, genuine moments and simple but profound lessons that remind adult listeners of the foundational values underpinning nonprofit work.

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Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Giving Tuesday and Community Generosity

• (02:07) Mallory explains Giving Tuesday as a global day to inspire generosity, bring people together, and raise funds for organizations making the world better. Emmy instantly connects this big concept to her daily life at school.
• Emmy’s View: At her school, generosity is practiced tangibly “by getting trash bags and gloves and picking up trash” (02:53).
• The conversation highlights that generosity isn’t just financial; it’s about action, care, and community, even for the youngest among us.
• Notable Quote:
  • Emmy (02:53): “Well, at my school, basically today we got trash bags and gloves, and we started picking up trash.”

2. Lessons in Kindness and Respect

• (03:19) Emmy recounts moments where kindness is shown at school, such as respecting property (“carefully putting our metal plates in the bins”) and supporting friends during games.
• She draws connections between encouragement and generosity, noting how cheering for each other in basketball made everyone feel supported and valued.
• Emmy’s humorous reminder: “Also be kind to your wiggly tooth, like I’m being kind to mine” (04:06).
• Notable Quote:
  • Emmy (03:47): “I was helping out. I was, like, cheering her on, and then she was cheering me on when we were scoring… But we were also being very kind.”

3. What Does Generosity Mean?

• (04:19) Mallory asks Emmy to define “generous.” Emmy responds simply but powerfully: “Generous means be good and be a good friend, kind of.”
• This interpretation sets the tone for the rest of the episode, showing that to children, generosity and kindness are inseparable.

4. Story Time: “How to Start Fundraising” Book Reading

• (04:53) Emmy takes on her first independent public book reading, joyfully adapting “How to Start First Grade” into “How to Start Fundraising.”
• Together, they explore themes of meeting new people, feeling included or left out, and resolving conflicts—mirroring the emotional rollercoasters of both childhood and nonprofit fundraising.
• As Emmy reads, she and Mallory discuss how sometimes feelings of jealousy or exclusion can arise when attention (or “donations”) shift. Mallory gently connects these emotions to what organizations often feel during big fundraising days.

5. Jealousy, Belonging, and Abundance

• (09:27) Post-story, they discuss key lessons, focusing on abundance and inclusive love.
• Mallory: “He felt like there wasn’t enough love to go around… but that’s not true… Donors and people can give to multiple campaigns. We don’t have to be jealous of the other ones because we might want to give to one thing and we might want to give to another thing because we care about more than one thing” (10:02).
• Emmy echoes the philosophy of gratitude and community spirit that’s central to fundraising success.

6. Child’s Perspective on Community Improvement and Social Justice

• (10:18) Mallory asks Emmy what she’d change in her community. Emmy’s wish is simply to spend more time playing with friends—reminding listeners of the simple joys that often ground us.
• Emmy brings up participating in a Climate March and Women’s History Month, complete with a song about women being “history makers and movers and shakers” (11:09), reflecting how even young children absorb and reflect on social justice themes.

7. Words of Encouragement for Fundraisers

• (11:21) The episode closes with Emmy’s uplifting message: “Good luck, be nice, and use the words we’re talking with. That’s all. Bye.”
• Mallory and Emmy remind listeners that kindness, courage, and belief in one another are at the heart of successful fundraising and community building.
• Notable Quote:
  • Emmy (11:31): “You can do it. We believe in you. We would like you to have good luck. Bye bye.”

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Emmy’s positive reframe on making mistakes (02:10):
  • “Cause sometimes you make mistakes, and that’s okay.”
• Philosophy on welcome and inclusion (06:37):
  • “They’re just trying to make Hannah happy because they’re trying to welcome her to the class.”
• Value of multiple causes (10:02):
  • Mallory: “Donors and people can give to multiple campaigns. We don’t have to be jealous of the other ones because we might want to give to one thing and we might want to give to another thing because we care about more than one thing.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:59 – Introduction of Emmy as co-host for Giving Tuesday episode
• 02:07 – Why Giving Tuesday is special and examples from Emmy’s school
• 03:19 – Everyday acts of kindness and being respectful at school
• 04:19 – Emmy’s definition of generosity
• 04:53 – Beginning the story “How to Start Fundraising”
• 06:37 – Exploring feelings of jealousy and inclusion
• 09:27 – Discussion of story lessons: joy, abundance, and belonging
• 10:18 – Emmy’s thoughts on community, fairness, and social justice
• 11:21 – Final words of encouragement from Emmy to fundraisers

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Tone and Takeaways

Mallory and Emmy’s conversation is unscripted, loving, and genuinely reflective of the “real and raw” atmosphere What the Fundraising celebrates. By seeing Giving Tuesday and philanthropy through Emmy’s six-year-old eyes, listeners are reminded of the powerful simplicity of kindness, community, and generosity. The episode reinforces that fundraising is not just about money—it’s about including everyone, welcoming newcomers, celebrating abundance, and leading with heart.

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If you’re seeking a warm reminder of the true spirit of giving—this episode is a delightful listen to start your Giving Tuesday with purpose and joy.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, my name is Mallory, and I'm obsessed with helping leaders in the nonprofit space raise money and run their organizations differently. What the Fundraising is a space for real and raw conversations to both challenge and inspire you. Not too long ago, I was in your shoes, uncomfortable with fundraising and unsure of my place in this sector. It wasn't until I started to listen to other experts outside of the fundraising space that I was able to shift my mindset and ultimately shift the way I show up as a leader. This podcast is my way of blending professional and personal development so we, as a collective inside the nonprofit sector, can feel good about the work we are doing. Join me every week as I interview some of the brightest minds in the personal and professional development space to help you fundamentally change the way you lead and fundraise. I hope you enjoy this episode. So let's dive in.

[B]

Hi, welcome to what the Fundraising. I'm here today with my daughter, Emmy Erickson. Welcome, Emmy, to what the Fundraising.

[C]

Hi, everybody.

[B]

Emmy, how old are you now?

[C]

Six.

[B]

You're six years old and you have been doing Giving Tuesday what the fundraising episode since you were how old?

[C]

I think maybe two or three.

[B]

I think you are three years old. And what are some things we usually do in our Giving Tuesday episode?

[C]

Well, we usually read books, and today we're gonna read how to start fundraising.

[B]

Yes. So you have this great book called how to Start First Grade. Because this year, what did you do?

[C]

Well, we started first grade and we're turning it into how to Start Fundraiser.

[B]

Cause we thought it'd be fun to make a little switcheroo on the book, right?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But do we wanna do before we get into the book? Cause usually in our episodes before we get into reading the book, we do wish fundraisers really good luck today.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Because why is today so important? Do you remember?

[C]

Cause you make mistakes.

[B]

Cause sometimes you make mistakes, and that's okay. But Giving Tuesday is a day when a lot of nonprofits and organizations are.

[C]

Come together. Yeah.

[B]

And they're raising money for their organization. It's like a day of generosity. Today is about all of the amazing fundraisers and how hard they've been working. And today is a day to inspire generosity across the world so that people want to make their world and their community better. What's one way you see in your community, like in your class or in your school or around where we live, where you notice people taking care of each other?

[C]

Well, at my school, basically today we got trash bags and gloves, and we started picking up trash.

[B]

Oh, you did?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

What was that for today?

[C]

Well, it was for a declare.

[B]

Oh, a declare.

[C]

Yeah, we need to declare it. Oh.

[B]

What are some other ways that you see people taking care of each other?

[C]

Well, we did have a respect thing, so we respected at school also by carefully putting our metal plates in the bins and not throwing them away.

[B]

Oh, that's a great thing. What about to take care of the people and the other students? What are some things that you notice people do to help each other out?

[C]

So we're playing basketball once, and I was helping out. I was, like, cheering her on, and then she was cheering me on when we were scoring and we got more scores than the boys. But we were also being very kind. Yeah.

[B]

Okay. I love that.

[C]

What do you. And also be kind to your wiggly tooth like I'm being kind to mine.

[B]

How are you being kind to your wiggly tooth?

[C]

Letting it stay my mouth like it wants.

[B]

What does it mean to be generous to you? What does that word mean to you?

[C]

Generous means be good and be a good friend, kind of. And now we're gonna start reading our book, right?

[B]

Sure. Now we can read our book. Oh, wait. Before we start, we have to tell them the best part of this year's book reading. Well, it's who's reading the book? This is the first year that Emmy is independently reading the book, which is pretty amazing, huh?

[C]

Okay, so how to start fundraising. And this book, we're going to change up some words, so keep a listen for it. I am Steve. Today I start fundraising. That is real work. I cannot wait. This will be the best year yet. I walk in with my friend David. Everyone's happy to see me. I love first grade so far, for sure. Now, what do you think Steve feels right now? He feels happy and he loves fundraising. But then when someone else comes, everybody looks like Ned. Everyone loves my stories from fundraising. Then Agabel runs to the window. Look, she cries. It's a.

[B]

Let's just read it how it is.

[C]

It's a girl on a dog sled. Ms. Chen says Hannah moved here from Alaska. She asked her to tell us about herself. One time, my dog and I raced a bear.

[B]

Hannah says that would be an interesting Giving Tuesday campaign.

[C]

Yeah, everyone wants to sit next to Hannah. She's cool. Says David says, so everybody does not like Steven. They like Hannah. But why do you think that is?

[B]

Does it really mean that they don't like Steve? Or are they.

[C]

No, they're just trying to make Hannah.

[B]

Happy because they're trying to welcome her to the class. Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But Steve is feeling a little left out.

[C]

Yeah. He feels they don't like him anymore and they just love Hannah and so he's feeling sad. Yeah. Okay, let's go back to that page. One time, my dog barked at a mean bunny. I say, that is just as cool. Soon it is time for fundraising. We go outside for fundraising. Everyone wants to see the gold nugget, but I. I do not. I think it's safe.

[B]

The gold nugget and fundraising. There's some important imagery here.

[C]

Yeah. It doesn't really make sense.

[B]

I know. Because we're throwing in random words.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Let's just have fun with it. You can just read the book as it is.

[C]

Hannah draws her house in Alaska with chalk. It is snow up to her roof. That is fake. I say. It is not.

[B]

She says, seems like he's getting kind of jealous, huh?

[C]

He's getting jealous of Hannah.

[B]

Yeah. Just because maybe he feels left out.

[C]

I robbed my house. It can fly to the moon for sure. David shakes his head. That is not your house. He says, I am not lying. I cry, hannah is a liar. Hannah is lying. Hannah gets mad. She said she never lied. She says, I am a liar. We yell at each other so much that Ms. Chen sends us to the principal. Yeah, I've read this book before.

[B]

What happens?

[C]

We wait by the office. Hannah looks scared. I tell her not to worry. I have been here lots of times. Thanks. Hannah says, sorry I called you a liar. I am sorry, too. I said, how did you teach your dog how to pull a fence? Hannah tells me he can teach my dog to pull one, too. I tell her about my shark. Principal Smiley thumbs out and asks us what is wrong. Nothing. Hannah says, I agree. I love making new friends.

[B]

Amazing. Such good job reading. What do you think the lessons are of this book?

[C]

So the lessons are maybe just don't scream at each other or be rude. Be joyful.

[B]

And maybe feel like, you know. He felt like there wasn't enough love to go around. Right. He was like, oh, because they love Hannah, they don't like me. But that's not true. Right? They can like both of them. Of course.

[C]

Yeah. They can like anybody. They just want to welcome Hannah kindly and just be kind to her.

[B]

Yeah. So maybe on Giving Tuesday, donors and people can give to multiple campaigns. We don't have to be jealous of the other ones because we might want to give to one thing and we might want to give to another thing because we care about more than one thing. Right?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

If you could help change two things in your community, or make two things better, what would they be? What makes your heart feel good?

[C]

Maybe just playing.

[B]

Playing with your friends.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Are there things that happen at school that you don't think are fair or things that you see around you in the world that you don't think are fair for other people that you.

[C]

Sometimes I do, but I don't remember. Well, yeah, Climate March was actually fun. I liked it. But I also like Women's History Month because, well, you could sing a song. Women are history big movers and shakers. You can't mistake their impact on our lives. Women are history makers, movers and shakers. You can't mistake their impact on their lives.

[B]

Okay, that was a great time to recognize. Okay, so we're going to wrap up here in a second, but what are some final words of encouragement that you want to leave all of the fundraisers with this Giving Tuesday?

[C]

Well, today I'd say good luck, be nice and use the words we're talking with. That's all. Bye.

[B]

You can do it. We believe in you.

[C]

We would like you to have good luck. Bye. Bye.

[A]

I hope today's episode inspired or challenged you to think differently. For additional takeaways, tips, show notes, and more about our amazing guest and sponsors, head on over to Mallorykson.com podcast and if you didn't know, hosting this podcast isn't the only thing I do every day. I coach, guide and help fundraisers and leaders just like you. Inside of my program, the Power Partners Formula Collective. Inside the program, I share my methods, tools and experiences that have helped me fundraise millions of dollars and feel good about myself in the process. To learn more about how I can help you, visit MalloryErickson.com PowerPartners Last but not least, if you enjoyed this episode, I'd love to encourage you to share it with a friend you know would benefit or leave a review. I'm so grateful for all of you and the good, hard work you're doing to make our world a better place. I can't wait to see you in the next episode.