Remember all my blogs about emotional triggers? Remember neuroscience and psychological research that proves that emotions trigger all human decisions? And there are 133 emotions. But who can remember that many? So I always remember the 7 emotional triggers identified by the direct marketing industry: anger, fear, greed, guilt, flattery, exclusivity, and salvation.
Here’s my story, why I founded the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island.
I’m a white, heterosexual, well-educated, affluent woman. I win – except for gender. I’m advantaged, privileged because I’m white, heterosexual, well-educated, and affluent. And by the way, I was born white and born heterosexual. And my parents paid for my education. And my advantages help me get jobs.
And I feel guilty about my advantages. And I’m hugely angry that we white, well-educated, affluent people have so many advantages. I’m afraid of living in a world and a community and a neighborhood that doesn’t welcome diversity and embrace inclusion.
But I’m enormously proud that I founded a social justice organization that fights against inequity. I’m flattered that people compliment me for founding the Women’s Fund and speaking out. I feel like I’m part of a special group of people who fight for social justice. Me and so many others want a world where everyone experiences equity. And it’s my life’s work to speak out, fight for social justice, tell my stories, give time and money to make the world a better place.
Anger, fear, greed, guilt, flattery, exclusivity, and salvation.
Which emotions trigger your philanthropic gifts of time and money?
