APRIL 19, 2008 - Philanthropy: The Rise of Global Giving

Please join BIAHC at the Bainbridge Public Library (1270 Madison Ave. N.) on Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. for coffee, refreshments, a 30-minute video, and a Great Decisions community discussion on this timely issue.
Great Decisions is a nation-wide program of the Foreign Policy Association to broaden public involvement with the most important foreign policy issues facing the United States.

While half the world's population lives on less than $3 a day, the combined wealth of the world's 200 richest people tops $1 trillion. For generations, some of the wealthy have shared their riches for the public good, and today both individuals and businesses are looking for ways to be good philanthropists. But can private donors be more effective than governments in tackling world problems?  What really works when it comes to fighting global poverty?

While enjoying coffee and pastries, participants first view a 30-minute Foreign Policy Association DVD of a conversation between two experts on the topic to be discussed. To assist with advance preparation, please review the relevant chapter of the Great Decisions briefing book, which is available at the Bainbridge Public Library. Copies can also be purchased from BIAHC for $15.
 
THE 2008 DISCUSSION TOPICS ARE:  

• Talking to Our Enemies - Feb. 9
• Latin America: Shift to the Left? - Feb. 23
• European Union at 50 - Mar. 8
• U.S. - China Trade Policy - Mar. 22
• Russia - April 5
• Private Philanthropy - April 19
• U.S. Defense & Security Policy - May 3
• Iraq End-Game - May 17

Please contact BIAHC at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to be added to the Great Decisions email list for updates on the topic schedule and to receive topic background information.  More information about Great Decisions at the Library is here >>

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Suggested background readings for Philanthropy: The Rise of Global Giving (April 19):

Celebrities in Africa: Does the Help Exceed the Hype? Christian Science Monitor, www.csmonitor.com. A 2-part series. August 2007.

Hearts of Darkness. Trendy paternalism is keeping Africa in chains. By Michael Knox Beran. City Journal, Winter 2008.  www.city-journal.org

Does Corporate Social Responsibility Work? A Special Report. The Economist, January 17, 2008. www.economist.com

Foreign Assistance: What Works and What Doesn't with Recommendations for Future Improvements. Prepared for the HELP Commission. March 12, 2007. Finalized December 14, 2007. www.helpcommission.gov

The West Can't Save Africa. Locals Must Take the Lead. By William Easterly. Washington Post. February 13, 2006. www.washingtonpost.com

The Effectiveness of Foreign Aid: An Online Debate. Council on Foreign Relations. December 1, 2006. www.cfr.org/publication

How to Help Poor Countries. By Nancy Birdsall, Dani Rodrik, and Arvind Subramanian. From Foreign Affairs. July/August 2005. www.foreignaffairs.org

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