The unexpected joy of giving | Pam Sheemar | TEDxAstonUniversity

Core Message - Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world, emphasizing helping others through entrepreneurship, business, acts of kindness, and paying it forward [1] - The act of selfless service (Seva) brings joy not only to the recipients but also to those who are giving and organizing [7] - Encourages rethinking a world that starts with giving rather than receiving, emphasizing the impact of asking "Can I help?" [32] Volunteering and Community Engagement - Shares a personal experience of volunteering at a homeless feed, highlighting the concepts of "Langar" (communal kitchen) and "Seva" (selfless service) [4][5] - Describes how personal involvement inspired others to participate, leading to increased volunteers, donations, and fundraising efforts, including raising over 60,000 pounds for the charity [12][18] - Highlights the importance of non-judgmental giving, illustrated by the story of a woman collecting food for her grandchildren [19][20] Neuroscience and Benefits of Giving - Explains that giving releases dopamine and oxytocin, creating a sense of joy and suggesting that selfless giving is something our bodies are wired to do [23][24] - Notes that 27% of the population volunteered in 2002, posing the question of how to inspire more people to increase this percentage [21][22] Call to Action and Overcoming Barriers - Encourages listeners to consider how they can get involved, identifying time and knowing where to add value as potential barriers [24][25] - Provides examples of ways to pay it forward, such as being a magistrate, school governor, speaking on advisory boards, or participating in the homeless feed [26][27] - Inspiring one person can lead to a ripple effect, bringing joy and happiness, and questioning why more people are not engaging in such activities [31]