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.

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.”

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.”

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

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.

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.