Voices of Generosity: The "Why" Behind the Work

Is it possible for a 30-45 minute conversation to change your whole outlook on the city you call home?

Voices of Generosity - A GCC Podcast is our way of handing over the microphone to the everyday heroes; the neighbors and nonprofits whose radical generosity is transforming our community, one person at a time.

The History:

I was raised by a single father of three who needed to work the graveyard shift five to six nights per week to support his family. Often times we lived in small apartments, where the walls felt thin and the budget, even thinner. Yet, I watched my dad, refuse to let friends of mine who were kicked out of their own homes, be out on the streets as they figured out how to get back on their feet. He modeled for me the firm belief that generosity is an act of worship.

I saw this same generosity in the teachers who stayed hours after the final bell to help me understand my math homework, knowing perfectly well there wasn't a "bonus" coming for that extra time or labor.

I witnessed it in the new friends, in a new state, who showed up to help us move apartments and clean-up our backyard, bringing over donated furniture, and a horde of brand new tools, then conveniently "forgetting" those tools when they left so that we would have a set of our own.

What I learned in those moments is that generosity isn't about how much you have to give; it is about showing up in the spaces where you can and being willing to do so even if it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.

Simone & Her Dad

Moving the Mic:

That is part of why I started Generous-City Corp, and it's why we launched our podcast, Voices of Generosity. We wanted to move past the data points and into the "Why." Because while AI platforms or a quick Google search are great for finding basic information, they cannot give you the heartbeat behind the work. They cannot give you the "chills" you get when a guest dives into a story about how their personal history of abuse led to them becoming a self defense director, or the tears when a man who used to be homeless explains how he now helps lead kitchens feeding 300+ individuals 3X's per day and shelters giving 75 women a bed each night.

In our first few episodes, we've already learned that:

• Equity isn't just a buzzword: Culturally Responsive & Equitable Evaluator, Amani Austin taught us that the most generous thing you can do is ask the right questions and truly listen to the answers. If we aren't intentional about equity, we're just throwing aid into a void that has no power to grow. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6alg31XdKKvXG4wusfyDAM?si=d3ae4f4c891a4b2b

  
  

• Compassion is a literal cure: Executive of Strategic Initiatives at Blanchet House, Steve Cook talked about his father's legacy and the heartbeat of volunteerism. That what they do is much more than providing food or a bed count - it is about the radical idea that no one should ever have to go without dignity. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1qXHh0M1rvGs5y3znrppyr?si=4e7c672383164c43

  
  

• Self-defense is self-care: (Dropping soon!) Self - Defense Program Director Sara Johnson demonstrated to us how being trauma-informed isn't just for therapists; it's a tool for empowerment that can transform healing and a person's entire posture towards the world.

Coming to a Pair of Headphones Near You...:

We're not slowing down. We have some incredible stories in the pipeline that we're currently geeking out over!:

• We're diving into the heavy (but hopeful) world of mental health and family advocacy within some of Portland's women's shelters, offering more than a place to stay, but a fresh start for their futures.

  
  

• We are talking to a nonprofit run by scientists who are helping farmers with everything from crop management, pest control, even pollinator monitoring (save the bees!) to keep fresh food in our stores and on our tables.

  
  

• And - get your tissues ready for this one - we are featuring a woman who went from being unhoused with her young children and receiving aid from a food bank, to becoming one of their dedicated volunteers, and is now employed at the very same food bank bringing nutrition and resources to other struggling families!

The Mic is Open:

Generous-City through Voices of Generosity are on a mission to highlight the change-makers and the quiet heroes who show up even when they don't have to. Whether you are a nonprofit director or worker, a community volunteer, or someone who has benefited in the past from on-time resources, we want to hear from you! It is time to give everyday acts of generosity a voice.

Here is our two- part invitation to you:

1. Don't miss a beat: Subscribe to Voices of Generosity here so you never miss an episode. It's an easy way to fuel your week with a little more hope and a lot less "doom-scrolling." https://open.spotify.com/show/7GCxPF9WkMRFdw8gEk8S5B?si=ab2cd42df9b84fef

   
   

2. Tell us your story: Do you have a journey or story of radical kindness that needs to be heard? Do you know a nonprofit founder, a dedicated volunteer, or a recipient of aid whose life was changed by a simple act of showing up? We want to hear from you! (Information below).

Were looking for the heart behind the work. If you know someone who belongs in front of our mic, click here to contact us https://www.generouscitycorp.org/contact or you can email at info@generouscitycorp.org

So, is it possible to change our outlook with a short conversation? We are betting on it. These stories are proof that in a world of bad news cycles, uncertainty, and fear, generosity is alive and well. Our city is full of these stories, let's make sure they're heard.

Thank you for reading!

Stay generous,

Simone Gearing

Founder of Generous-City & Host of Voices of Generosity