Philanthropy is often seen as an activity that is only open to the wealthy. However, there are many people who have made a significant impact on their communities through philanthropy, even without a large amount of money.
One such person is Marian Wright Edelman. Edelman was born in 1939 in Bennettsville, South Carolina. She was the youngest of 12 children. Her father was a Baptist minister and her mother was a teacher.
Edelman attended Spelman College and then Howard University School of Law. After graduating from law school, Edelman worked as a civil rights lawyer. She was one of the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education.
In 1968, Edelman founded the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). The CDF is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of children in the United States. The CDF has been successful in advocating for a number of policies that have benefited children, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Edelman has received numerous awards for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. She is a role model for all who believe that philanthropy can make a difference in the world.
How Marian Wright Edelman Changed the Face of Philanthropy
Marian Wright Edelman changed the face of philanthropy in a number of ways. First, she showed that philanthropy is not just about giving money. It is also about using one’s voice and one’s skills to advocate for change. Second, she showed that philanthropy is not just for the wealthy. It is for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world. Third, she showed that philanthropy can be used to address the root causes of problems, not just the symptoms.
Edelman’s work has inspired a new generation of philanthropists who are committed to using their resources to make a difference in the world. She has shown that philanthropy is not about giving back, it is about giving forward.
How You Can Get Involved
If you are inspired by Marian Wright Edelman’s work, there are a number of ways you can get involved in philanthropy. You can:
- Donate to organizations that are working to improve the lives of children. You can find a list of organizations here: https://www.childrensdefense.org/
- Volunteer your time to help organizations that are working to improve the lives of children. You can find volunteer opportunities here: https://www.volunteermatch.org/
- Advocate for policies that will benefit children.
- Educate others about the importance of philanthropy.
- Spread the word about the importance of philanthropy. Share this blog post on social media and with your friends and family.