The Concept

Family based service and giving to those in need.

Tons of volunteer agencies already are serving.
Lots of foundations already are giving.
Plenty of support groups are inspiring and equipping families.

Why does SixSeeds believe in combining all three aspects into one concept?

We seek to inspire and equip family based service and giving to those in need because we are convinced that this concept is critical to both the family and to society.

A dad giving his son a kiss.

Parents need to serve and give to those in need with their children alongside because that is how those virtues are passed across generations. Children are most imprinted by what they see their parents doing, and especially by what the family does together. Yet, the contemporary family faces significant challenges in realizing their desire to serve and give. Many are eager for a structure, ideas and stories to help them overcome those obstacles.

Simultaneously, a society that meets the needs of its most vulnerable requires the engagement of the family. In terms of resources available for giving, family money that will be transferred across generations in the next few decades (41 trillion dollars by one estimate) will dwarf the combined assets of all existing philanthropies. And in terms of volunteer service, most studies show that only Jeff and Tara in Tijuana a tiny fraction of time available to the average family is mobilized. The American family holds tremendous potential for social benefit, unrealized and waiting for a catalyst.

Finally, we wonder whether this concept could play a much needed voice in the strident culture wars of our day. “Family values” has become a call to battle, rather than a invitation to serve. We hope our concept of family based service could present a sort of DMZ in the culture wars, allowing the left and right, the secular and the religious to meet on common ground and actually labor together towards a shared good.

“Family values” has become a call to battle, rather than an invitation to serve.

You’d be mistaken to think we started with all these lofty thoughts. Rather we stumbled into this and are still finding our way. We don’t know where all this will end up. But we do have some important guiding values that will help us navigate the path ahead. We’re excited to see what lies ahead!

Learn more about the SixSeeds concept: