I’m sure you have been hearing about the KONY2012 campaign put out several weeks ago by Invisible Children.  It has set records in video views and it was trending worldwide on social networks for a couple of days.  Go to You Tube and plug in KONY2012 if you are not familiar with it.  This is a controversial issue as well.  I am not writing here to take sides.  My hope is that those who are passionate about this work will not stop seeking to fix the injustices of the world due to the controversy.

The Campaign was extremely effective as it made a war lord Joseph Kony famous, but is it going to bring about the right kind of change?  This points to a bigger issue within our society: Many people are not fully aware of how organizations in which they donate or invest are utilizing their resources.  We need to do our own research to give or invest responsibly and wisely.

Should we invest solely as an emotional response to an issue? This is typically not wise.  We should feel convicted about injustices, but we should also take measures to ensure that our actions are bringing about change and not causing more potential harm.  Some of the resources to help you be informed in your giving are Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Better Business Bureau , local community foundation or advisors working in philanthropy.

I would like to challenge you to research information and know what your money is supporting and where it is going.  Let’s hold investments and donations accountable for their spending, support and use as stewards of our gifts entrusted to them.  When you invest money in mutual funds or stocks you can learn from what activities they earn their gains and if you are opposed to such activities, then do something about it.  Make changes, and do less harm.  One site that looks at activities of environmental, social issues asks “Know What You Own”.  Do some self research or get help so you can align your money with your values.  Sort out what is just or unjust, clean or dirty and it does make a difference.  I want this for you.  Experience more love, power and contentment as you are aligned with your values.  You matter, and what you do matters.  What you give or invest into matters too.