Amber Browning-Coyle is a Philanthropy Expert who provides opportunities to individuals and corporations to volunteer and give back both independently and through multiple nonprofit organizations. Through Spotlight On TV, Amber offers celebrities in entertainment, technology, sports and real estate the chance to shine their spotlight on causes dear to them.
Amber majored in Musical Theatre at The Catholic University of America, then attained an MBA in Marketing. After hosting and producing for years, she wanted to use her hosting skills “for good.” She is an experienced host and producer whose credits include numerous national television networks, but she has combined her skills in marketing, production, and hosting with her personal passion for helping nonprofit organizations to create Spotlight On Giving & Spotlight On TV. She’s now elated to shine the spotlight on amazing causes and facilitate conversations of giving with celebrities and nonprofits that address the causes that truly matter to them.
“Real conversations with real people about real causes” is Amber’s mission, and she’s thrilled you’re part of it! Welcome and thank you for shining the spotlight on giving!
*Photo Credit: Jesse DeYoung*
TAKE A WALK IN SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES
by Amber Browning-Coyle
I’ve always been a talker with a giving heart. One of my earliest memories is going to the grocery store with my mom. I would talk to everyone, that wasn’t uncommon, but this day I kept giving everyone my little red sweater in the frozen food aisle because I thought they were cold. From a young age, I’ve had a keen sense of empathy and sympathy. I always want to help as many people as possible by trying on their shoes. We have a unique ability as humans to put ourselves in another shoes. Sometimes those shoes are torn, tattered, lost, ill, or hungry, but if you let your heart guide you, you may be able to give someone a better pair.
When we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, the only thing that’s important is helping. The shoes will feel uncomfortable at first, they are not your shoes, but we are all human with the same desires of eating, sleeping, and loving. It comes down to primal needs, and so many of us on this planet don’t have them. Some are hungry, some have nowhere to sleep, or are ill and can’t rest due to worry and pain. Some experience no love in their life, only rejection and cruelty. It’s our job as humans to put on those shoes and DO SOMETHING. Find a cause that speaks to you, that is near and dear to you and take action!
You’re not sure of a cause in which you’d like to get involved? Think back to childhood. Think of what mattered to you as a child, or who, or when. Perhaps you had a dear family member who was ill. Perhaps you really enjoyed art class and couldn’t wait until 1:30 when the teacher would take out markers and paint. Perhaps you had a family pet that meant the world to you. Perhaps you had an uneventful childhood, no pets, no illnesses, and nothing to which you feel particularly drawn. Great- Be Grateful and let that gratitude lead you to volunteer in some capacity; I guarantee you an opportunity will arise when your help is needed. In my opinion, we all have an obligation on this planet to get involved, do something, and help others.
I’m often met with, “Amber, I don’t have any money, I’m barely getting by on my own, I can’t help others.” Yes you can. Helping doesn’t always require money. There are incredible organizations out there, amazing men and women who are in the trenches and working as hard as humanly possible to help people. HELP THESE ORGANIZATIONS. You don’t have money? Ok, donate food. Donate your car for a few hours. Donate TIME. That’s one thing we all have to give, whether we acknowledge it or not.
Social media is another way to try on those shoes. Let’s use social media for good! Spread the word, and become part of the conversation of giving! Saturday morning you can pack up your kids and volunteer at the soup kitchen. Get your company softball league to walk some dogs at a shelter. Get a group of friends and family together and walk for a cause. Every one of us has skills and talents. GIVE. Teach a class in something in which you excel, give a talk, write a book. . There are people out there who need your help. Care. Share. Donate.
So I urge you to put those shoes on, someone else’s shoes. They will be tight. They will hurt your feet. They will be uncomfortable. And that’s the very reason why we need to wear them. We are all humans and we are in this together. GIVE.