Generosity is Stewardship

Webster defines stewardship simply as 'managing, supervising, or caring for something'. Others describe stewardship as overseeing and protecting something considered worth caring for or preserving. As someone who lives life rooted in faith, I understand stewardship to be a collaboration in works of creation, redemption, and love. Personally, the latter definition is the one that hits home the most when thinking about "Generous-City In Action; Clean Up Challenge" that took place in Dawson Park on Saturday May 24th, 2025.

The day began with the Generous-City team and a few volunteers pitching a tent, hanging our banner, laying out safety equipment, and setting up a hydration station. Our Vice President, Kat Carr also prepared care kits which included snacks as well as essential hygiene items for any individuals struggling with housing insecurities that came by looking to volunteer their time or just needed a little pick me up for the day. We were then met by Steve, a representative of Portland Parks and Recreation, who charitably lent us buckets and pick up sticks for the duration of the event.

The purpose was to assist in cleaning up the trash and other debris within Dawson Park and the surrounding areas. What resulted, was astoundingly more than what was expected. During the two hours that we allotted for the clean up challenge, there were several unhoused individuals that came by and offered up their time to help our volunteers pick up trash. With each returned bag of garbage, they were given an envelope with a bit of cash for their efforts along with one of the care kits, a bottled water, and a "Generosity Starts With Me" bracelet to pass on.

(See the bracelet challenge here: https://www.generouscitycorp.org/our-projects/the-bracelet-challenge )

Thus creating opportunities for them to feel seen, needed, and helpful. Redeeming mindsets surrounding self-worth and what it means to be of value to something. Showing love not just to a park and surrounding streets but to the real humans who make up the communities that call Portland home.

If all that wasn't enough, we had multiple other community members stop and take note of what we were doing and wanted to know more about who we are and how they can help in the future. Stewardship does not have to require much. Just the willingness to help and action behind it.

See us in action; https://youtube.com/shorts/csmzIQpoll8?si=Yb7b6Eau3pQo_E_Q