Guest Blogger: Amy Sinykin
A recent criticism by Joshua Horwitz, the executive director of the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, in Washington, articulates many of the comments made about the show throughout the philanthropy and nonprofit sectors. I don’t agree with Mr. Horwitz criticism entirely. (I’m Minnesotan, of course, anger sometimes turns me off…). He very articulately captures several points about the Big Give that reflect many of our thoughts at the Council:
“Oprah’s last words on the show Sunday night were to encourage the television audience to “give big,” which is a worthy goal, but the television program failed to show average Americans how they can become effective and strategic philanthropists.
If anybody has earned the right to experiment with philanthropy, it is Oprah Winfrey. She has given tens of millions of her own money away and another $51-million through her Angel Network foundation. She has clearly inspired others to give as well.
So while her show sometimes gave me heartburn, I admire her for starting a serious discussion about the meaning and effectiveness of philanthropy among average Americans.”
