‘œNever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ ‘“ Margaret Mead

10 Percent SolutionJamie Welsh is the Founder of 10% Solution, an organization creating positive global change through certified giving programs for businesses. I like to think of it as the giving & green equivalent to ISO 9000.

They provide business certification for companies meeting rigid standards for corporate Giving programs in these key giving areas: volunteering, philanthropy and a commitment to green sustainability.

They also offer an individual component: What does it mean to live a 10% life?

It is a commitment to live a life where you actively give:

  • Your Time = 1 hour a week (based on 2.5% of 40 hours)
  • Your Income = 5% of net pay (what you take home each month)
  • Back to the Earth = give back by incorporating sustainable, green practices into your life

Any readers want to get certified? I think it’s a fantastic idea and a topic that we’ve covered in a variety of ways at Queercents from: charitable giving to the history of tithing to modern tithing to queer parents teaching kids about money. Giving is a broad and complex topic.

All the more reason why there is this need for a ‘œstamp of approval’ for corporate giving programs. I asked Jamie to explain how she came up with the idea for 10% Solution and this was her answer’¦

By Jamie Welsh

This is the question I get more often than any other. I guess, it all started with growing up in a home where service, tithing and respect for the earth were not just taught, but expected and required beliefs.

We were always the home that took people in, from the pregnant high school friend who came to live with us during her pregnancy because her own family and private school had both kicked her out, to the Japanese exchange students who brought a wonderful cultural experience to our home.

At times, money was not abundant in our home. Regardless of our financial situation, my parents’ commitment to tithing always held strong. It was, in fact, in those tough times that my Dad would say this was the most important time to be faithful and know that the blessings of tithing would always pull the family through.

However, it was my mother’s example of service to others that has had the strongest and most profound impact on my life. As my father said when I shared these thoughts with him, ‘œYour mother spent her life in service to others in the most unselfish and pure way because it was at the heart of who she was.’

My mother was a nurse at home and at work. She would volunteer for anything that would help others and more often just did what needed to be done without being asked. One such task was to give shots to the housebound elderly women in our church. She would take me with her when she would do her rounds. Now, in the 60’s and 70’s no one was labeled ADHD, we were just called hyper. I was one of those highly energetic kids. My mother would always stay for a visit after she had given the shots. It was during the visiting time that my mother would send me (and my energy) outside, not to play, but to pull weeds, mow their lawn or clean up the yard. I learned two things from these experiences, to channel my energy into productive work and to do it in the service of others.

It wasn’t until years after her death that I could reflect on the intricacies of my mother’s love, care and service-oriented life. I may not be an active member of my family’s chosen religion, but I saw and still believe in the principles of tithing and service.

Both of my parents grew up during the depression and served in WWII. There was a frugality to that generation that we might all do well to embrace. My mother always recycled (in a very 1930’s way) and my father was an avid lover of the road. We never flew anywhere you could get to by car. I will always cherish the memories of my father waking me to watch the sunrise over the desert. I recently took a solo road trip and had the opportunity to experience that moment of awe as I watched the sunrise over the horizon. I can tell you that in that moment, my heart was full and I knew this journey of 10% is the one I am meant to be on.

So, when people ask, ‘œWhere did you come up with the idea for 10% Solution?’ I simply say, ‘œMy parents.’

For more information, please visit: www.10PercentSolution.com