Individual

Membership plan
For many people, the desire to serve others is a very private and personal decision. An individual membership as a Common Cents Philanthropist allows people to carry out their desire to improve human lives by taking on projects in a personal way. Individual membership and the commitment to the membership requirements is more than just making a personal commitment, it also is making a daily and a lifetime commitment to common acts of human goodwill.

Goal
To complete one daily act of philanthropy or human goodwill for life and to encourage others to do the same.

Bridge building steps

• Agree to the membership plan.
• Print out your lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date your membership certificate.
• Begin now your individual acts of philanthropy.
• Chronicle your acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• You can make a difference in the lives of others.
• Your attitude towards others can change in a positive fashion.
• You can make new friends.
• You may find yourself smiling more often.
• Your personal stress level may go down.
• You may become more creative in your desire to help.

Family

Membership plan
For any size family the Common Cents Philanthropist bridge building plan is an opportunity to establish important core values for family discussion and planning. The membership plan at this level recognizes that every family member on their own can personally choose to complete a daily act of human goodwill and share the excitement of service with other family members. This sharing is called “A Moment for Philanthropy”. This level of membership can create a positive and creative attitude about other family matters and discussions. It can build new bridges of human goodwill among family members as well.

Goal
To bring families together and for each family member to complete one daily act of philanthropy or human goodwill for life.

Bridge building steps

• Agree as a family to the membership plan.
• Print out the lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign (each family member) and date the membership certificate
• Plan and begin to carry out your family acts of philanthropy.
• Choose a time each day where each family member briefly mentions his/her philanthropy activity. This is meant to be done in an informal manner as part of daily conversation. 
  (A "Moment of Philanthropy")
• Choose a time each week to have one family member explain in more detail one of his/her acts of goodwill.
• Chronicle your acts of philanthropy in a family journal.

Business

Membership plan
In today’s business world, there is a place for Common Cents Philanthropists. The value this program can bring to businesses of any size, in any corner of the world, is powerful and significant. From the two-person business to the mega-corporation with thousands of employees, this simple membership opportunity can help build “new bridges of human goodwill”.

Goals
To promote an atmosphere and culture in the workplace that encourages acts of human goodwill among all employees, customers and to the communities the business serves.

Bridge building steps

• Obtain the endorsement of Common Cents Philanthropy principles from top management of the company.
• Print out the membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date the membership certificate. This should be done by the president or CEO of the company.
• Establish a committee to develop their program. Guidelines on building your team or committee.
• Incorporate “A Moment of Philanthropy” at all team meetings. “A Moment of Philanthropy” is when each team member shares, in just a word or two, his or her philanthropy during the previous week.
• Use company newsletters and other communication methods to recognize acts of goodwill.

Benefits

• Defines core values to shareholders, customers, employees and the general public.
• Provides an opportunity for all employees to be involved.
• Can improve employee morale and employee relations.
• Can improve customer relations and teamwork.
• Can improve production and employee pride in products and services.
• Can increase profits.

Senior citizens

Membership plan
Today’s definition of “Senior Citizen” is much different that it was twenty years ago. Today, one can be defined as a “senior” at the age of fifty-five. Many older adults are retiring early and are starting a completely different lifestyle. Although the life style that this age group chooses can vary greatly, it is often true that they have more time, more money, and less responsibility. These new “seniors’ may also feel disconnected from having a direct impact on the lives of others.

Goal
To complete one daily act of philanthropy or human good will for life and to encourage others to do the same.

Bridge building steps

• Agree to the membership plan.
• Print out your lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date your membership certificate.
• Begin now your individual acts of philanthropy.
• Chronicle your acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• You will have a daily goal that will enhance your life as well as the lives of others.
• You will have a new purpose and values statement for daily living.
• You will be able to serve people in a different and more exciting way.
• You will have a new way to enjoy your new freedom and also share it with others.
• You can be a Common Cents Philanthropist from the privacy of your own home.
• You will have the opportunity to make new friends.

Jail and inmate

Membership plan
Today, there are hundreds of thousands of men and women incarcerated in jails and prisons across the world. Prisoners are human beings who have been incarcerated because of their crimes against people and or property. Judicial systems have determined their punishment and have set the time-line for repaying society. Regardless of the crime and the punishment, those individuals confined to jails and prisons can choose to think differently and make a difference in the lives of others. The individual membership plan can also work for the prison populations.

Goal
To complete one daily act of philanthropy or human goodwill for life.

Bridge building steps

•  Agree to the membership plan.
• Print out your lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date your membership certificate.
• Begin now your individual acts of philanthropy.
• Chronicle your acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• You can make a difference in the lives of others.
• Your attitude towards others can change in a positive fashion.
• You can make new friends.
• You may become more creative in your desire to help others.
• You can become a more productive member of society now and in your future endeavors.

Nursing home and assisted living facilities

Membership plan
World-wide there are hundreds of thousands of men and women whose lives have taken a new path to daily living. They are receiving support from professional care givers who work daily to provide them with medical support, love, compassion and hope. The Common Cents Philanthropy program is a new idea for maintaining one’s involvement in the community.  Staff, along with residents and their families will work together to develop the Common Cents Philanthropy program.

Goal
To complete acts of philanthropy or human goodwill as often as possible.

Bridge building steps

• Create a philanthropy committee from the facility’s staff and volunteer base that will help to organize and implement the activities. Guidelines on building your team or committee.
• Adjust the membership plan to meet the needs of the facility and residents.
• Print out the lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date the membership certificate on behalf of the entire facility.
• Begin acts of philanthropy.
• Chronicle your acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• Residents can make a difference in the lives of others.
• Staff, volunteers, residents, and the community are brought together for positive activities.
• This program can add positively to your public relations program.
• Participants can make positive self esteem gains.
• More effective partnership with community volunteers.

Faith-based organization

Membership plan
For the faith based community, there is a place for the Common Cents Philanthropist program.  Because the principle of human goodwill is a foundation for most religious beliefs and actions, the program can be used in many ways to understand that helping others does not have boundaries. The desire to serve others is a fundamental trait of human beings.

Goal
To promote and encourage individual acts of philanthropy or human goodwill amongst the membership.

Bridge building steps

•  Appoint a Common Cents Philanthropy committee. Guidelines on building your team or committee.
• Agree to the membership plan.
• Print out your lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date the membership certificate on behalf of the organization.
• As a committee, outline creative and exciting opportunities to promote to the entire membership as individual projects. Encourage all participants to print out their personal membership certificate from the Web site.
• If possible, chronicle the completed acts of philanthropy. Encourage individual members to do the same.

Benefits

• Provides an avenue for 100% membership participation.
• Expands opportunities for service for members confines to their homes.
• Provides opportunities for more community outreach.

Non-profit

Membership plan
The value for the non-profit community is to promote and find ways for individuals and business groups to support short term volunteer projects. Many individuals and businesses want to share their talents and professional skills with non profits, but may be limited in their availability. 

Goal
To build new base of volunteers for non profit organizations with a focus on short term projects.

Bridge building steps

• Appoint a Common Cents philanthropy committee. Guidelines on building your team or committee.
• Print out your membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date the membership certificate on behalf of the organization.
• As a committee, outline creative, exciting and new opportunities for short-term volunteer projects focusing on specific professional skills and talents.
• If possible, chronicle the completed acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• Provides a new way to recruit volunteers with specific skills and interests.
• Provides opportunities for more community outreach to businesses.

College student

Membership plan
College students have very busy schedules and are also involved in an array of activities. Thinking about acts of human goodwill may not be on the daily agenda. The membership opportunity will help the student establish new core values along with the opportunity to personally choose acts of human goodwill.

Goal
To complete one daily act of philanthropy or human goodwill for life and to encourage others to do the same.

Bridge building steps

•  Agree to the membership plan.
• Print out your lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date your membership certificate.
• Begin now you individual acts of philanthropy.
• Chronicle your acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• Resume builder
• Philanthropic acts can be done individually or in conjunction with other college groups.
• You can make a difference in the lives of other people.
• You can make new friends.

Educator

Membership plan
For anyone working in the field of education, the Common Cents Philanthropy program can be a great tool to allow students at any grade level to learn the value of human goodwill.

Goals
To provide a positive individual membership opportunity for all students.
To engage young people to think positively about acts of human goodwill.

Bridge building steps

•  Agree to the membership plan.
• Print out your membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date your membership certificate.
• Begin now your individual acts of philanthropy.
• Encourage individual students to chronicle their acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• Membership is simple and no cost is involved.
• Atmosphere in the classroom can become more positive.
• Provides students with a journaling opportunity.
• Provides opportunities for students to reach out to others in their community.
• Provides students a opportunity to creatively think about the needs of other human beings world wide.

Teen

Membership plan
Teenagers have energy and ideals. In today’s society our teens need to see that service to others on a daily basis will make them more successful and that will lead to a more positive self image. Becoming a Common Cents Philanthropist can begin a path of building new bridges for life. Since Common Cents Philanthropy projects can be done individually, a teen can map out his/her own personal direction for making a difference in the lives of others.

Goal
To complete one daily act of philanthropy or human goodwill for life and to encourage others to do the same.

Bridge building steps

•  Agree to the membership plan.
• Print out your lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date your membership certificate.
• Begin now your individual acts of philanthropy.
• Chronicle your acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• It does not cost anything to become a member.
• Acts of goodwill can be done individually or in partnership with others at a convenient time for the member.
• You can make new friends of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.
• It can help one determine his/her career and life goals.

Middle school or high school club

Membership Plan
Middle school and high schools students may choose to start a Common Cents Philanthropy club in their individual school. Students working together in a collaborative way can have a major impact on their school, its students, and the community. Projects that are good for the community and are not associated with raising money can bring life time experiences to the success of the students and the people who are served.

Goal
Students form clubs in their schools that plan and promote acts of human goodwill as a club and encourage all students to become individual members as well.

Bridge building steps

• Receive permission from school officials to start a club.
• Obtain an official membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date the membership certificate.
• Have your club organize and plan your acts of philanthropy.
• Use the creative thoughts and ideas of the club members to implement projects and plans.

Benefits

• There is no cost to join. Starting a club is free.
• Raising money is not the goal.
• You can serve each other and the community in new and exciting ways.
• The club members are the leaders in the decisions making.
• It will help members become better citizens and will be a great career building tool.

Physically and mentally challenged

Membership Plan
The Common Cents Philanthropy program is for every single person regardless of life’s challenges. Every single person can become a member of this organization at no cost.

Goal
To complete one daily act of philanthropy or human good will for life and to encourage others to do the same.

Bridge building steps

•  Agree to the membership plan.
• Print out your lifetime membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date your membership certificate.
• Begin now your individual acts of philanthropy.
• Chronicle your acts of philanthropy.

Benefits

• No cost to become a member.
• In partnership with care givers, family and friends all members of society can work together to expand their individual and collective acts of human goodwill.
• Provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate acts of goodwill regardless of the size of the act.

Governmental entities

Membership plan
For any governmental entity, the establishment of a Common Cents Philanthropy program can provide huge benefits to the community. With dwindling financial resources, implementing a Common Cents Philanthropy program can attract skilled volunteers who can not only have a direct impact on improving a community, but will save the community money.

Goal
To promote an atmosphere of human goodwill within the community.
To improve the quality of life for all citizens.

Bridge building steps

• Embrace the principles of Common Cents Philanthropy.
• Print out the membership certificate from this Web site.
• Sign and date the membership certificate.
• Establish a committee to develop projects for Common Cents Philanthropists to complete.
• Promote and recruit Common Cents Philanthropists to fulfill the goals of each project.
• Guidelines on building your team or committee.

Benefits

• Helps to define community volunteers using one title. (Common Cents Philanthropists)
• Opportunity to recruit participation from all citizens.
• Saves taxpayers dollars.
• Improves quality of life of the community.
• Individual citizens may take a greater pride in their community.