Giving: More Than an Act
Giving is often described as an action — the transfer of time, resources, care, or support from one person to another. Yet at its heart, giving is far more than what is handed over. It is an expression of intention, values, and relationship. To give is to acknowledge connection: that our wellbeing is linked to the wellbeing of others, and that what we offer carries meaning beyond its immediate outcome.
The meaning of giving shifts across cultures, shaped by worldviews about community, responsibility, and reciprocity.
In Western societies, giving is frequently framed as a voluntary, individual choice
Western society generally sees giving as an act of generosity motivated by personal values, compassion, or philanthropy. It often carries a transactional undertone: time is donated, funds are raised, outcomes are measured. While this model has enabled large-scale charitable systems, it can unintentionally position giving as something separate from everyday life, or as an optional extra rather than a shared responsibility.
In Te Ao Māori, giving is inseparable from relationships and collective identity.
Concepts such as manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and aroha emphasise care, hospitality, and mutual obligation are integral to Te Ao Māori. Giving is not about surplus; it is about presence and participation. One gives because they belong — to whānau, hapū, iwi — and because maintaining the mana of others sustains the mana of all. Similarly, in many Pacific cultures, giving is embedded in values of reciprocity, service, and communal wellbeing. Acts of giving are expected, visible, and continuous, reinforcing social bonds rather than individual virtue.
The results of giving, therefore, extend beyond tangible outcomes. Giving can strengthen trust, affirm identity, and create a sense of purpose. It nurtures belonging — for both the giver and the receiver — and reinforces the social fabric that allows communities to thrive.
There is also growing discussion about how giving may differ between men and women. While these differences are not universal, research and lived experience suggest that women often give relationally — through caregiving, emotional labour, and sustained support — sometimes invisibly and without recognition. Men, by contrast, may be more likely to engage in giving that is task-focused, time-bound, or skills-based, often within structured roles. These patterns are shaped by social expectations rather than innate capacity, and both forms of giving are equally valuable. Recognising this diversity allows volunteering to better reflect and support different motivations and strengths.
Volunteering is not simply about filling roles; it is about offering oneself in service of something greater
In the context of volunteering, giving sits at the intersection of intention, action, and values. When volunteering honours diverse cultural understandings of giving — acknowledging reciprocity, relationship, and care — it becomes more than participation. It becomes a shared act of responsibility, connection, and hope.
Ultimately, giving is not measured by what is given, but by how it is given — through intention grounded in care, actions shaped by values, and a deep respect for relationships — reminding us that giving, at its best, is an ongoing expression of our shared humanity and our responsibility to one another.
Questions to leave you with ...
- How will I bring intention and care into my next act of giving?
- What’s one way I can make giving a meaningful part of my community?
- Am I ready to transform my time and skills into impact? Where could I start?
- As a leader, how can I inspire giving that strengthens connection and belonging?
- What does giving mean to me, and how could it shape the way I volunteer?
