Freedom and Philanthrophy

Over the next few days, hundreds of Ducks Unlimited supporters will gather in Grapevine, Texas, for the organization’s 73rd National Convention. United Country’s CEO, Dan Duffy, will speak at a leadership luncheon during the convention, and today’s post is a preview of what he’ll share.

In 2009, Americans gave $300 billion to charitable organizations. That’s almost twice what we spent on consumer electronics, three times what we spent on gambling and 10 times what we spent on professional sports.

These numbers make the United States the most charitable country on earth – by far. Why is that?

1. First, we should note that a full third of those contributions were made to religious organizations, and we are the most religious people of any wealthy, developed country.
2. In addition, as a society, we respect the freedom of the individual and associations of individuals to make a difference. We believe we can make a difference.
3. Finally, while our capitalist economy places importance on success and wealth accumulation, the American culture’s definition of “ultimate success” is changing.

Bob Buford recently wrote a book called Half Time, which describes the two halves of a person’s life. While the first half may focus on success, the second half presents the opportunity to focus on significance. “Halftime” is a figurative term; it’s not calendar based. That means you choose when it’s halftime, not a calendar. For me, this is my halftime, and with United Country, I have the freedom to give back.

United Country has chosen Ducks Unlimited as the right organization for making a significant impact. The efficacy of the DU initiatives are without question, and the organization’s vision is precisely on target. Staff and local chapters have never been better equipped and focused on addressing the opportunity and challenges of responsible habitat conservation, and the next 10 years will impact habitat for 1,000 years.

Because of our company’s history and position in the industry, we are in a unique position to advance the DU mission. Our shared commitment, passion and contributions are required to maintain the freedom to move without encumbrance or politics to do what is required to be done to protect habitat for wild spaces and wildlife, based on science. “

Freedom in economic arrangements is itself a component of freedom broadly understood, so economic freedom is an end in itself… Economic freedom is also an indispensable means toward the achievement of political freedom.” ~ Milton Friedman