On the first day I arrived at the Valley of the Sun United Way office as a Fellow, Barb Perry, a talented Senior Development Officer, stressed the importance of saying thank you. She shared that a person — a donor, a volunteer or a partner — must be thanked twelve times before feeling appreciated. Anyone who has worked with me has most likely heard me say the words “thank you.” Still, I’d like to reiterate my appreciation for the many individuals who have made my Fellowship successful.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Jim O’Brien, Senior Vice President of University Affairs and Chief of Staff to President Michael Crow of ASU, for launching the 2013-2014 Inaugural Fellows’ Forum.

In 2012 I committed to building supportive communities in 12 settings and reporting the efforts on this blog.  Since making that post my days have been filled with learning and collaboration but regrettably, not much blogging.  Now, days before the end of the fiscal year, a time of accounting and reflecting, I will fulfill my pledge.

Former University Innovation Fellow, Chris M., taught me that IDEO uses a “How might we…” framework to invite ideas during brainstorming sessions. I apply it below to showcase the core questions the drove our community building processes.

Throughout the spring semester, members of the Student United Way at ASU dedicated hours of volunteerism to ensure that children and youth succeed in school and in life. Their efforts culminated with an education-themed carnival for over 160 children at the Tempe Ladmo Boys and Girls Club, on Friday, April 12.

A culture of giving leads to a lifetime of impact.

A strong culture of philanthropy stems from offering stakeholders ample opportunities to engage with the mission in firsthand and meaningful ways. Stakeholders can include donors, partners, volunteers and staff. And when an organization designs experiences with these stakeholders and the mission in mind, a culture of giving erupts. This culture becomes a collective understanding that there is work to be done, and we all have a job to do.