“You have your reasons.”
It’s the distinctive tagline on a multitude of colorful banners heralding the many consumer delights found at City Place – West Palm Beach, Florida’s popular tourist attraction and shopping center. Conspicuous consumption is the flavor of the day at the plaza. And surely every visitor has a reason (or reasons) for parting with their money, which “makes the world go ‘round.”
Like many who work in the downtown area, I frequent City Place for lunch or an after work social hour with friends. This month we were getting together to celebrate Women’s History Month, the theme being “Women’s Education, Women’s Empowerment.”
In 1987, a congressional resolution was passed designating March as Women’s History Month. Not being an advocate of conspicuous consumption, but rather a zealot for conspicuous compassion (a major theme in Women, Wealth and Giving, the book I wrote with Nicki Nicastro McCuistion), I am perhaps more sensitive to being at a commercial venue when celebrating the benevolent accomplishments in U.S. Women’s history. At least that’s what I thought until a fluttering banner got my attention and I stopped to read the tagline: “You Have Your Reasons.”
Hmm… what a timely topic for discussion among modern day women as we honor tenacious and valiant pioneers like Jane Addams, Emma Willard, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Juliette Gordon Low (2012 is the Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary) during Women’s History Month.
We could reflect on what their reasons were, and we could openly declare our reasons for celebrating the past. We could also commit to more conspicuous compassion going forward with our time, talent and money to further women’s education and empowerment.
Yes, you (also) have your reasons for engaging in philanthropic and charitable endeavors for the greater good of your family and your community. There is no better time than right now to share a smile, give a hug, write a big check and be conspicuous in your compassion for “Your Reasons.” It’s time we each made our own history count and celebrate every day!
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