Hali Lee, "The Big We" (Zando - Sweet July Books, 2025)

New Books Network

Hali Lee's The Big We (Zando, 2025) offers a compelling counterpoint to traditional billionaire-driven philanthropy (which she dubs "Big Phil"). Instead of logic models and donor-centric metrics, Lee champions giving circles—groups of everyday people who pool resources to support causes they value while building genuine community connections.

Drawing from her experiences founding the Asian Women Giving Circle and co-creating the Donors of Color Network, Lee showcases giving circles making tangible impact: Seiji's neighborhood-focused Radfund in Brooklyn, Lily's youth philanthropy group in Arizona, and Lisa's circle that's moved over $1 million to progressive state legislative candidates. These stories illustrate how small, collective actions can drive significant change while fostering belonging and joy.

The book's "Me to We to Big We" framework guides readers from personal reflection on values toward collective action and ultimately toward strengthening democracy itself. Lee argues that giving circles aren't merely funding mechanisms—they're antidotes to loneliness, laboratories for civic engagement, and bridges reconnecting us to cultural traditions of generosity. By democratizing philanthropy, these circles transform not just how we give, but how we relate to each other and engage as citizens in an increasingly fragmented society.

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