Thankful Thursday: The Big We by Hali Lee

There’s nothing like another rainy night in Seattle to huddle up in an independent bookstore to get real talk about real money doing real things in big and small ways.

It’s Thankful Thursday and today I’m thankful to Tuti Scott for her invitation to hear author Hali Lee talk about her new book, The Big We, How Giving Circles Unlock Generosity, Strengthen Community, and Make Change. Hali is a co-founder of the Donors of Color Network, founder of the Asian Women Giving Circle, and co-creator of Philanthropy Together, a national collective giving support organization.

Hali Lee at Third Place Books in Lake Forest, Washington

A group gathered at Third Place Books in Lake Forest, Washington to discuss several topics covered in Hali’s book. She spoke about how Giving Circles create a sense of belonging and how to think about creating standards to frame giving, or not. Using the metaphor of your kitchen table, we were invited to consider the power that environment represents when you seat a group of committed individuals with the goal of improving the circumstances of people both near and far.

I asked about such a time as this, when learning is paramount to advancing change and making lasting impact, how to encourage continuous learning in Giving Circles. Hali said, “make room at your table for folx who may not look like you. Expand your table. Add a few more chairs.”

I like this thought. I like Hali. And I’m sure I’m going to like her book. It just made my 2025 book list and lucky me, my copy is signed by the author!

Thank you, Tuti. Thank you, Hali. And thank you, Susan Long-Walsh for joining me and navigating me back to your home in the heavy rain. It’s Springtime in Seattle, y’all!