After 10 years in the development/fundraising field, I have decided I am able to call myself a philanthropist. While I haven’t given significant sums of my personal stash-of-cash worthy of a slight nod from Merriam-Webster, I have given the other most important commodity on earth: my time.

I’ve given my time, passion, and energy day after day (and nights and weekends!) for the last 10 years. So, I think we all–fundraisers, aggressive givers, volunteers, nonprofit workers–should be open to redefining ourselves as philanthropists.

It can’t be for just a select few wealthy individuals. It can’t be an exclusive club to join that shows “you’ve made it.” It’s more than that.

No, it’s my day-to-day, 9-5, hardworking, nonprofit job.

I am a philanthropist. Will you join me in redefining yourself this way? Someone call Merriam and let her know we’re changing the definition!

Originally posted here on November 4, 2015.