What a great discussion on aspirational vs. sensible…and I agree that there’s no need for them to be in conflict! Why not be sensible about how you achieve your aspirations?

I was also struck by the comments on the rising desire for value. If consumers are looking for quality in the products they buy, it follows that they want quality in the non-profits they give to. With that in mind, I think UniversalGiving could be an excellent resource for your readers. I see that Pamela Hawley, our founder and CEO, has already mentioned our Holiday Gift Packages. I’d just like to chime in a second thought to mention how UniversalGiving ensures quality for a donation. We use a rigorous Quality Model™ which all of our partner nonprofits must pass through to appear on our site, ensuring that all donations to charities are going to good charities. As it said in the LA Times, “from quantity to quality.” Throwing quantities of money at a problem is one thing, but making sure that money is achieving quality results is ultimately far more effective.

Thank you so much for provoking such a thoughtful and interesting discussion!

Best,
Cheryl Mahoney
http://www.universalgiving.org
cmahoney@universalgiving.org

One of the ways we are tackling this Holiday Season is with our Gift Packages. People are still going to give.. but the question is what? Instead of buying that $100 shirt, why not give $50 as a gift to feed a family in Sudan? Or $25 to buy eyeglasses for a child in Tanzania? It’s about giving a meaningful gift.

Regardless of the times, we have to keep our services fresh, meaningful and relevant. Regardless of the situation of our world economy, we’ve seen a movement of people wanting more meaning. And that’s what we’re gearing towards… Meaningful Giving.

All my best and thank you for a great article!

Sincerely, Pamela
Founder and CEO
UniversalGiving
http://www.universalgiving.org
phawley@universalgiving.org

I had the same thought, on reading the NYT article, that aspirational and sensible don’t have to conflict. After all, hope and change — Obama’s central point of connection with voters — is aspirational, but engages (and may well serve as a overall framework for the administration) because its ultimately sensible.

As humans, we’re driven internally by sensible needs but also by hopes and dreams. Put these drivers together and there’s something really powerful.

Best,
Nancy