7 eBooks for activists and donors: Ways to give back during Giving Season and beyond 

Giving Season is here, and there are so many ways to give back to your community beyond donating money. Here are seven titles from Candid’s free collection of eBooks and audiobooks that offer guidance on how to make a difference through volunteering, career choices, and intentional daily actions. Get inspired by reading these books for activists and donors about ways to give back—this season and year-round.   

For aspiring philanthropists 

Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading by Chris Anderson. The internet has made it easier than ever to learn about acts of generosity and philanthropy. Read this book for a dose of optimism and inspiration with real-life examples from social media of how you can incorporate acts of kindness and generosity into your everyday life. 

The Art of Good Deeds by Dwayne Ashley. This collection of stories illustrates how philanthropy is about more than donating money; it’s a lifestyle of caring for your community. Get motivated to make doing good deeds a part of your life through acts of service and making time for others, like preparing a meal or mentoring. 

How We Give Now: A Philanthropic Guide for the Rest of Us by Lucy Bernholz. While IRS data may show a decline in charitable donations from individuals, those figures don’t account for other types of philanthropy like volunteer time, socially and environmentally conscious investing, and ethical consumption. This book evaluates the current giving landscape and discusses the value of such actions compared with those of monetary donations.  

For the experienced advocate 

Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World—and How You Can, Too by Ijeoma Oluo.  

The author of two previous books for activists about racism and its impact on our society. Oluo discusses in this book how we can take action to create positive change. The book illustrates what people are doing to bring intersectional racial equity to systems such as education, media, housing, etc. and suggests ways for readers to continue this work in their own lives. 

Becoming a Changemaker: Transform Your Career, Your Community, and the World by Alex Budak. Everyone has the potential to be a changemaker, according to Budak, a University of California, Berkeley business school professor and co-founder of the nonprofit StartSomeGood. He defines a changemaker as “someone who leads positive change from wherever they are.” Through data-driven insights and case studies, Budak highlights the traits successful changemakers have in common, such as empathy and resilience.  

Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause through Nonprofit Board Leadership by Rob Acton.  

One of the most meaningful and impactful ways to contribute to a cause or your community is by joining a nonprofit board. Acton makes the case for becoming a Causie, “someone who makes an intentional, substantial, long-term commitment to serve their cause.” The book provides a roadmap for readers to find their purpose and leverage their skills for social good.  

For the busy activist 

Being the Change: A Guide for Advocates and Activists on Staying Healthy, Inspired, and Driven by Dara G. Friedman-Wheeler and Jamie Sue Bodenlos, Self-care is important for everyone, but it’s particularly essential for activists or anyone trying to make the world a better place. This toolkit provides practical strategies and exercises to help you contribute in meaningful ways while maintaining a healthy balance and avoiding burnout. 

Whether you’re looking to volunteer or ready to become a board member, these books for activists and donors will inspire you to contribute to your community this giving season. 

For more titles, browse our collection of free eBooks and audiobooks on Advocacy and Activism, Individuals Doing Good, Individual Giving, Philanthropy, and Self-Help & Personal Growth. 

To get started, see How can I access Candid’s eBook collection? If you have additional questions or need assistance navigating Candid’s educational resources, reach out to our team of online librarians at [email protected] or via our website. 

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