Pay It Forward, Philadelphia

The model for this initiative is based on Malcolm Gladwell’s highly regarded book “The Tipping Point”. In it, Gladwell documents the manner in which the action of a few focused and passionate people can trigger quick, broad-based cultural changes with the same power and speed as the spread of an epidemic. LEADERSHIP will use its 150 annual program graduates, its alumni, and its diverse network to “tip” this movement. Pay It Forward will challenge individuals to conduct acts of service and compassion without the expectation of personal reward. Instead, the “payoff” is realized when the recipient of a kindness, in turn, performs an act of kindness for someone else.

The Pay It Forward initiative differs from other social and charitable programs in that its goal is no less ambitious than to challenge every citizen in the region to contribute to improving their lives, and the lives of the ones they love, by helping create a culture of service. In contrast to traditional charitable events and cause-related activities, Pay It Forward is a long-term and highly personal initiative. It does not depend on institutions and organizations to prescribe the nature or amount of service. Also, it is not intended to replace the good works people currently do to support their communities. Rather, it seeks to amplify people’s awareness and commitment to improving the lives of others in small but powerful ways. One can Pay It Forward by taking flowers to an elderly neighbor.

LEADERSHIP Philadelphia’s role in this program is to create a “seismic event” which will introduce the Pay It Forward concept to the community and generate the initial wave of compassionate acts. We are committing the resources of our organization, and the considerable influence of our 2,400 alumni, to lead by example in carrying out acts of kindness in the name Pay It Forward. LEADERSHIP Philadelphia will support the program over the long term by providing a basic Infrastructure for facilitates participation in the program. We will measure the impact of Pay It Forward on both the perceived quality of life in the region. It started in the summer of 2005 with 100 alumni. In August, the local utility inserted coupons with the logo and instructions to do some good and pass it on. Stay tuned for progress!

Contact: Liz Dow, President, LEADERSHIP Philadelphia: edow@leadershipphiladelphia.org For more information: www.LeadershipPhiladelphia.org.