Donating

I just found this statistic about how the different generations of American tend to give. I don't keep track of how much my wife and I give, but I have a good general idea (or so I should hope...). On my estimation then, the report shows that I am in the median for my generation in terms of giving, but at the same time, I am below the average. It is pretty disappointing for me. Maybe it is just vanity, but I would like to think of myself as an above average philanthropist. When I lived in Eugene, for instance, I could take pride in the fact that I donated much of my time, if not money to charitable causes or the promotion thereof. Or so I thought. I guess I got a little too high on myself, and for that, I am a bit ashamed. I am going to have to remedy this.

Also, this statistic shows that generation X - my generation - is below the average for all the generations in terms of percent who give. Poor form, my people. Poor form. Now I am ashamed on both my own behalf and on that of my generation.

So what is the next step? Find out a way to give (time or money) in a way that will maximize the efficiency of my efforts. This should help, but suggestions are welcome. I like the idea of local charities and those are just the kind that are likely to get overlooked by a broad assessment such as this one.