Showing up Together for a Purpose: The Essence of Sharing God’s Goodness Giving Circle

When two hundred community leaders – all who care deeply about the African American community – recently gathered at The Hunter Museum to celebrate the Sharing God’s Goodness Giving Circle, the pathway to community change felt doable and real. Keynote speaker Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House in Atlanta, challenged those in attendance not to “get stuck in ‘the always’ – the way it has always been.” 

Mr. Bullard formerly led Chick-fil-A’s Global Corporate Social Responsibility efforts and is now the CEO of The Same House, a public benefit corporation dedicated to furthering economic mobility by bridging social division. He returned to Chattanooga four years after speaking at the launch of the Sharing God’s Goodness Giving Circle to inspire us again to be personally involved in community change. As attendees, we heard more than we expected! Yes, we learned about the collaborative impact of the Giving Circle. But far more than that, we were challenged to “show up” and make our own personal impact. We must start by asking ourselves what condition will we leave our neighborhoods, our institutions, and our world?

Referencing Nelson Mandela, Mr. Bullard reminded us that even the deepest injustices and seemingly impossible circumstances can change. We must never allow the limits of our imagination to become the limits of our future. But imagination alone is not enough. We must show up. We must listen, build relationships, collaborate across differences, and take responsibility for the problems affecting us all. Progress requires more than good intentions. It demands courage, commitment, and a shared sense of purpose.

So, where do we begin? We begin in the space of the three feet surrounding us. Each of us has the power to make a difference immediately around us in that immediate three-feet radius around us—in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and daily encounters with others. We may not be able to change the entire world in a day, but we can change the world of the person standing beside us. We can choose kindness over indifference, understanding over division, and action over apathy.

My three-foot radius matters to your three feet. When each of us takes responsibility for the people and places within our reach, individual efforts become a collective force for meaningful change. One conversation, one act of generosity, one courageous decision, and one collaborative effort at a time, we can transform our communities.

Each of us can become a community hero—not by working alone or having all the answers, but by choosing to be part of the solution. We can challenge outdated thinking, bring people together, and use our influence, resources, and talents to make a difference.

Bullard closed with the powerful message “Chattanooga is our house. Chattanooga is our home. We are one people, one community, one family, with a shared responsibility for the place we leave to future generations.”

Together, we can change Chattanooga, Tennessee, the South, America, and the world—but it begins with each of us.

For the past four years, the members of The Sharing God’s Goodness Giving Circle have been engaged in change – neighborhood by neighborhood. The Giving Circle connects generous people with trusted ministries, recognizing that every area of our community is strengthened by faithful leaders who know their neighbors, understand their needs, and serve with love and perseverance. Each year, members pool their donations, then award grants to ministries and nonprofits that meet needs identified by local organizations.

Encouraging people to show up together for a purpose is the essence of the Sharing God’s Goodness Giving Circle. Through generosity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the common good, our members meet Rodney Bullard’s challenge. They show up. 

Imagine what could be! Work together. Start with your three feet. Leave your community better than you found it.

To learn more about Sharing God’s Goodness or to join, click https://www.thegenerositytrust.org/sharing-gods-goodness/ or contact Lindsey Gutierrez at the Generosity Trust, lindsey@thegenerositytrust.org. 

Sharing God’s Goodness Giving Circle Stats:

• We nearly doubled our membership as new members joined at the event!
• Since 2023 the Giving Circle has given over $230,000 to 31 local churches and nonprofits.
• Membership is just $50/month for individuals or $100/month for organizations. 
• Members can nominate up to 2 organizations per year, to be considered for a grant.