Mompreneur Rockstar, Merri Lee Marks, author of The Giving Game

I’ve been called the ” Conscious Philanthropist.” It’s a nickname that reflects how I pride myself on giving back for social good and empowering others on how to give back and find reputable organizations. I try to live by that nickname each day.

I’ve always been involved in philanthropy since a little girl. It was after having children and becoming involved in their schools where I was full throttle volunteering. I had to engage with certain women who, unfortunately, were similar to the desperate-for-attention housewives you see on reality television. It was years of socializing and having to work with these types of women that inspired me to write my first book The Giving Game: Surviving Philanthropy’s Schemers, Dreams & Volunteer Vixens – Come Hell or High Heels.

I am a big supporter of Charity Navigator, a site that evaluates the financial health, accountability and transparency of 6,000 of America’s largest charities. I am a member of The American Horticultural Society and The Robinson’s Gardens of Beverly Hills, which really interests me because of my deep interest in history, conservation and garden design. I recently designed and created Garden’s annual black tie Gala themed “The Queen of Hearts Rose Garden.” I’m also a member of The Beverly Hills Women’s Club, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Contemporary Arts Council, Center Dance Arts at the Music Center, The Library Foundation of Los Angeles, and a board member of The Latina Dance Project. I also serve on the American Landscape Society of LA, student chapter UCLA.

You can find me most days in Brentwood, Calif., with my sons Ian and Zachary… who never know what they’re going to come home to after I test out new visions for landscapes in the yard.

I was a victim of adult bullying by the women in my volunteer groups — and even at PTA meetings. It discouraged me at first and made me not want to continue giving back, but then the cause suffers and I miss out on the possibility of great connections and growth. I knew I must not be the only one having to deal with big egos and fake people in these kinds of social settings so I wrote the book as a way to reach out to other women (and men) who are faced with similar situations. Also, don’t get me wrong, I’ve made amazing, life-long friendships through my volunteer groups.

The book is a guide of sorts on how to handle different types of people. I discuss four major archetypes I encountered in the philanthropy realm. They are …

The Altruistas– the true worker bee rolling up her sleeves and working for a good cause,

The Philanthropista – your typical society maven, a leader secure in her place among society and a leader among those wishing to emulate her,

The Faux Philanthropista- a woman who wants to be high-profile but is not; a hybridized version of a snake charmer and control freak who can eat unaware Altruistas for breakfast as she desperately seeks recognition,

The Socialista – The socialite lacking depth or purpose, a Trophy Wife who will join everything but do nothing except try to enhance their husband’s philanthropic reach, including doling out the cash to buy expensive tables and fill them with prominent names at big charity events.

All mompreneurs will have to face and know how to deal with these types of people in all settings of their life and career. I hope The Giving Game empowers you to rise above the fray for the greater good.

I didn’t write the book to burn any bridges or point any fingers. The book is loosely based on my experiences and stories from friends.

 

Connect with Merri Lee Marks

Virtually you can find her  on genConnect.com where she is their expert in Giving Back: http://www.genconnect.com/author/merri-lee-marks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGivingGameBook
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MerriLeeMarks1
Instagram: http://instagram.com/givinggame
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/merrileemarks
Google +: https://plus.google.com/+MerriLeeMarks

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