Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) May 03, 2012 (Full Release)

This unique event will feature Nobel Peace Prize Laureate the Archbishop Desmond Tutu in conversation with Robert V. Taylor, author of the recently released book, ‘A New Way to Be Human.’ The focus of the discussion will be finding happiness and fulfillment, making the world a better place, and embracing a new, transformative way of feeling fully alive. The conversation will be moderated by Michael Govan, CEO of LACMA, with actress & philanthropist Jo Champa opening the evening on behalf of Girard-Perregaux.

“It is an honor for us to be part of this,” said Maggie Neilson, CEO of Global Philanthropy Group. “Events like this connect the vibrant creative and philanthropic communities in Los Angeles.” Global Philanthropy Group will also co-host a private reception for Archbishop Tutu and Robert V. Taylor following the event.

Pre-signed copies of ‘A New Way to Be Human’ will be available for purchase before the event; author signing with Robert V. Taylor immediately following the discussion. For tickets visit LACMA.org or call 323-857-6010.

About Global Philanthropy Group:
Global Philanthropy advises the world’s leading philanthropists. It works with individuals, charitable foundations and corporations to design and implement highly leveraged philanthropic strategies. Its management expertise and network of global experts help its clients achieve lasting, meaningful results. Global Philanthropy Group’s team has experience working at the highest levels of government, business and philanthropy, and has deep experience addressing the world’s most pressing issues.

About Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a South African activist and retired bishop who is known worldwide for his opposition of apartheid for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Tutu is an active champion for human rights and continues to campaign to support oppressed people throughout the world. In 2007, Archbishop Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Graça Machel convened The Elders, a group of world leaders who contribute their integrity and leadership in dealing with some of the world’s most pressing problems.

About Robert V. Taylor and A New Way to Be Human:
Robert V. Taylor is a nationally recognized leader, author, speaker and media commentator. Born and raised in South Africa, Robert worked tirelessly to end apartheid. In 1980 his mentor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu sent Robert to the United States to avoid imprisonment for his anti-apartheid activity. He graduated from Rhodes University, South Africa, and completed graduate work at Union Theological Seminary, New York, eventually becoming the highest-ranking openly gay clergy person in the Episcopal Church at the time. His book, ‘A New Way to Be Human: 7 Spiritual Pathways to Becoming Fully Alive’ (New Page Books, April 2012) offers a path to an integrated life of purpose.

Click here to view the press release on PRWeb.com

by Amy Neumann

“The world is more malleable than you think and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape.” ~ Bono

When it comes to world-shaping, Maggie Neilson, Partner and CEO at Global Philanthropy Group, has tremendous insight. With a background including working with some of the world’s best-know philanthropies and brands with Social Good vision, she has first-hand experience with helping to shape and develop impactful projects globally. Many of her clients are celebrities with a wide reach and equally big passion to help. Additionally, Maggie was on the United Nations‘ International Year of Microcredit Leadership Team, Synergos Insitute‘s international development programs around child malnutrition in India, sustainable global food programs and health programs in Africa, and has been a featured speaker at Harvard and Columbia on microfinance. She weaves her love of helping into every aspect of her life and her work, and shares some of her wisdom below.

You and your partner Trevor Neilson have worked with many well-known philanthropists, such as Bill Gates, Bono, Sir Richard Branson, President Bill Clinton, Rachael Ray, and numerous others. Are there strategies they share that individuals and organizations can also use?

Yes. Each of these individuals — as well as the corporations we work with — effectively leverages their unique strengths and passions. Bill Gates’ analytical approach and focus on measurable outcomes is unparalleled. Sir Branson deploys Virgin’s marketing genius to help launch new philanthropists. President’ Clinton uses his global network to build high powered coalitions. Rachael’s cooking expertise and approachability enable her to uniquely help people improve their eating. Every person can use what they have to make a change. Just look at what you care about, what you have and who you know. Some of the best philanthropic efforts I’ve seen in recent years have been by kids using what they have.

With your long track record of successful international projects, what changes have you seen in the global landscape because of things like social media and instant access to information?

Social media and information access have been an incredibly powerful tools in philanthropic work. Whether it is a rural farmer receiving crop price data via mobile phone or millions of young people learning quickly about African child soldiers from the Kony 2012 campaign, we see things that were not imaginable a decade ago. However, as with all tools, there is a downside. Pimps and johns can reach sex slaves within a click or two. I heard a john once say that he could order a girl as fast as a pizza. That’s sobering to say the least.

Based on trends you see now, are there new ways you envision individuals and causes interacting a few years from now?

Yes. Technology advances and the challenging economic environment are going to simultaneously result in more informed donors due to better information services and reporting as well as more effective, outcomes-oriented nonprofit organizations. In some cases, this will be due to mergers and acquisitions among duplicative organizations.

Having worked with the United Nations on microfinance/microcredit projects, what role do you see microfinance playing globally now, with the growth of smartphones, apps, text-based fundraising, etc.? What are your thoughts on microdonations becoming a bigger piece of fundraising internationally?

The current state of microfinance is transitional. Whether it achieves its potential will largely be determined by three issues; How can we protect already vulnerable people from abuses by unsavory microfinance practitioners? How can we scale up the provision of microfinance services like savings and insurance which help protect against the natural life events that often lead to extreme poverty? And how can we continue to unleash more commercial capital for microfinance use by low income customers?

I am very excited about the potential of microdonations. If, as I mentioned, we can improve the quantity, quality and usability of data available to donors, this could create a sizable, nimble funding stream.

Can you highlight a couple good examples of kids being involved in causes? What are some resources you’d suggest to parents who want to help their kids get involved and develop a passion for helping others?

This is one of my personal passions. We are in a time of great change in terms of who does what between the government, non-profit and corporate sectors. Everyone – including every person of every age – has the opportunity to be involved in philanthropy. Two good resources are Clover by Clover and Acme Sharing Company. Also organizations like Baby Buggy let parents give back in a way that is easy and makes a difference.

Click here to read the original article on HuffingtonPost.com

by Trevor Neilson

On the New York social scene, philanthropy is the primary organizing force. As any New Yorker can attest, it is very often causes that are the reason people gather in ballrooms and concert halls, and if managed correctly, these events can raise enormous amounts of money for important efforts, both in New York and around the world.

Why is it that philanthropy is at the heart of so many of these gatherings? I think the answer tells us a lot about human nature, and a lot about how smart companies will deepen their relationship with their most important customers.

Philanthropy feels good — and it should. While there is a certain school of thought that suggests that philanthropy should be anonymous, and sacrificial in nature, I disagree. Our brains and our bodies feel good when we help other people — it is a physiological fact. If you haven’t experienced it, go pick up some litter in the park, help an elderly person cross the street, or send a check to your local homeless shelter. You will feel good, and this is a profoundly good thing for our world. Altruism is embedded in our humanity.

Being thanked for philanthropy also feels good — and it should. When a philanthropist walks up on the stage at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and is applauded by 500 of their friends and colleagues for their work to make the community a better place, the chances of that philanthropist doing more of it increase. Even better, dozens of people in that room may think to themselves, “Hey, I’d like to be on that stage some day” and decide to get involved themselves. Everyone likes a pat on the back, and we should do as much as we can to reward those who decide to give back.

People wanting to become more philanthropic, and being rewarded for being more philanthropic, is a profoundly positive cycle. I refer to this as “Aspirational Altruism.”

Aspirational Altruism is at its a core a simple belief; people aspire to be associated with other people and efforts that do good things in the world, and they aspire to do good themselves.

The same is true for companies. Smart companies are starting to understand that philanthropy is a core way of differentiating their brand from the competition.

The data supports this. According to the excellent 2011 Cone/Echo Global Corporate Responsibility Study 94% of consumers are likely to switch brands to one that supports a cause, if both brands are similar in price and quality.

Companies around the world are now starting to see philanthropy and cause marketing as a core way of engaging their consumers and beating the competition. Corporate philanthropy is moving from being an optional, non-strategic corporate function to being a core part of many companies marketing strategies.

As consumers become more sophisticated about philanthropy, they will demand to see impact. The company who can prove to consumers that its products are making a clear impact on the issues it chooses to focus on will deepen its relationship with consumers in an exciting way.

Whether it is a New Yorker at a fundraising gala, a company seeking to beat the competition, or a customer trying to decide between two brands, we all aspire to altruism. It feels good to do good things in the world, and to be appreciated for it. By encouraging this cycle of giving and recognition, we can encourage the most powerful forces in our society to help address some of our biggest problems.

Click here to read the original article on HuffingtonPost.com.

by Trevor Neilson

Buried deep within Facebook’s IPO documents, and largely ignored by media who are focused on the wealth that will be created by the IPO, is a startling letter from Mark Zuckerberg. It’s a letter that should make the entire corporate world stop and take note, and a letter that marks a major evolution in our modern understanding of philanthropy.

The letter says that Facebook “was built to accomplish a social mission” and goes on to say:

There is a huge need and a huge opportunity to get everyone in the world connected, to give everyone a voice and to help transform society for the future. The scale of the technology and infrastructure that must be built is unprecedented, and we believe this is the most important problem we can focus on.
We hope to strengthen how people relate to each other.

Even if our mission sounds big, it starts small — with the relationship between two people.

Personal relationships are the fundamental unit of our society. Relationships are how we discover new ideas, understand our world and ultimately derive long-term happiness.

I have never met Mark, I’m not invested in Facebook, I don’t work with Facebook and I believe him 100 percent.

But I would argue that Facebook itself is a form of philanthropy.

Almost everyone forgets that “philanthropy” doesn’t mean check-writing.

The greek root of the word is philanthropia, (probably from Prometheus Bound) means “the love of humanity.” The Romans turned this in to “humanitas.”

In the last hundred years or so, we have started to use the word “philanthropy” as shorthand for the transfer of wealth. We seem to think that anything other than that doesn’t count.

But I would argue that the platform Facebook has given the world helps people connect with those they love, enjoy their lives, and improve the lives of others more powerfully than any other technology we have seen.

The hundreds of billions of interactions that Facebook facilitates every day help us enjoy those we know and love on a more frequent basis — no matter where they live.

This is philanthropy. These interactions, and the happiness they produce, is at the core of what it means to be human.

Will the founders and leadership of Facebook become philanthropists in the traditional sense? I have no doubt. But I believe the wealth they donate will have less of an impact than the amazing product they have built.

Click here to read the article on Huffington Post Impact

By BROOKS BARNES

Two philanthropic organizations are uniting to save celebrities like Hilary Swank and Beyoncé from the embarrassment of getting caught taking money from people or groups that abuse human rights.

Global Philanthropy Group, a celebrity-focused advisory firm, and Human Rights Watch on Thursday announced a free, confidential service to help stars and their handlers verify the records of people who want to hire them to appear at birthday parties and other private events.

It’s a response to an online brushfire that broke out last week involving Ms. Swank, a two-time Oscar winner. She accepted a reported six-figure payment to travel to Chechnya to attend a lavish ceremony that turned out to be a birthday party for Ramzan A. Kadyrov, the Chechen president whose rule, international critics say, has been marked by abductions and torture.

After suffering public criticism, Ms. Swank apologized and said she would donate her fee to charity.

These kinds of “oops-I-didn’t-know” moments have been happening with greater frequency as top stars, looking for ways to make up for diminishing studio paychecks, have become more comfortable making paid appearances. In March, Beyoncé said she donated to Haiti relief efforts the money she received to perform at a New Year’s Eve party thrown by the son of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi.

Trevor Nielson, president of Global Philanthropy Group, said he hopes celebrities will use his new verification service “to ensure that they do not find themselves in a situation where they appear to be supporting people who have done terrible things.”

The service can be accessed via humanrights@globalphilanthropy.com.

Click here to read the full article on NYTimes.com

Click here to read the full press release.

Global Philanthropy Group would like to congratulate Shakira on her new role and commend President Obama for his decision to appoint her to the commission.

Shakira has been deeply engaged for over a decade in a number of global education efforts, including the Barefoot Foundation, which she founded in 1995 at the age of 18.  Since that time, she has not only built schools & created programs to support approximately 6,000 children in Colombia, South Africa and Haiti, but has also been an outspoken advocate for the power of education to create peace worldwide.

In short, we cannot think of a better person for the job and look forward to great things to come from the Advisory Commission, which will provide advice to President Obama on education issues related to Hispanics and address academic excellence and opportunities for the Hispanic community.

To read the full press release from the White House, click here.

To read “Education for Peace”, an editorial for the Huffington Post by Shakira, click here.

When it was first created in 2005 by President Bill Clinton and his top advisor Doug Band, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) announced that it would convene the world’s leaders to work collaboratively to create innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

A lot of people had their doubts; could Clinton still bring leaders together without the power of the White House? Would partisan acrimony hobble CGI’s ability to accomplish its lofty goals? Did the world need CGI?

Since it’s inception, CGI’s annual meeting has become the most effective philanthropic forum the world has ever had. They have brought together 150 current and former heads of state, 18 Nobel Prize laureates, hundreds of CEOs, heads of foundations, major philanthropists, directors of the best NGO’s and the worlds top media leaders.

Those who attend are given the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone. They are urged to act in new and bold ways, and they are publicly applauded when they do. Having brought dozens of philanthopists to CGI over the years, I can say first hand that it is the easiest, and fastest, way for those with an interest in philanthropy to move from interest to action.

As a result, CGI members have made 2,000 commitments, which are having real life, quantifiable results. They have improved the lives of 300 million people in more than 180 countries. When they are fully funded and implemented, these commitments will be valued in excess of $63 billion.

So, while congress and the UN struggle with permanent gridlock, CGI has proven that it can convene and catalyze, addressing problems that many people long believed to be intractable. At a time when institutions around the world seem unable to make even the most basic decisions, CGI is working.

The 2011 Annual Meeting will take place Sept. 20-22 in New York City. Once again leaders from around the world will gather, grapple with wildly complex problems, and implement clear plans of action. resident Clinton will guide them, quietly urging them to do more and proving that despite enormous challenges it is possible for us all to collectively make progress.

Slowly but surely the Clinton Global Initiative has become one of the most important institutions we have.

Click to read article on HuffingtonPost.com

Click to read more articles from Trevor Neilson on HuffingtonPost.com

Philanthropy is no longer just checkbooks and charity balls. Celebrities and CEOs looking to
make a real impact hire strategist Trevor Neilson and his partners at the Global Philanthropy Group.

Click here to read full article.