What Does It Mean to Be a Humanitarian by Devin Thorpe?
A Guest Contribution for Be Humanitarian by Devin Thorpe
At Be Humanitarian, we often talk about what it means to live as a global citizen. But recently, I asked someone I deeply respect to help us define something even more foundational.
What does it truly mean to be a humanitarian?
This reflection was written specifically for Be Humanitarian by bestselling author, journalist, and social impact advocate Devin Thorpe.
About Devin Thorpe
Devin Thorpe is a bestselling author and renowned new media journalist celebrated for his lifelong advocacy of social good. His influential show, Superpowers for Good, has featured more than 1,500 changemakers, including Bill Gates. As a longtime Forbes contributor, Devin reached more than two million readers across 500 plus articles focused on impact investing, social entrepreneurship, and the growing crowdfunding movement.
Through his company, The Super Crowd Inc., Devin champions community builders, social entrepreneurs, and diverse founders. He organizes events that educate investors about crowdfunding local, mission driven ventures, especially those often overlooked.
His books and programs inspire audiences around the world to use their unique gifts for good. With a background as CFO of a top Inc. 500 company and as leader of a FINRA registered investment bank, plus academic credentials from the University of Utah and Cornell University, Devin brings both financial expertise and moral clarity to conversations about purpose driven leadership.
You can learn more about Devin and his work at
https://www.devinthorpe.com
When I asked Devin to define “humanitarian” for our community, this is the wisdom he shared.
What Does It Mean to Be a Humanitarian?
By Devin Thorpe
Defining the word humanitarian feels both simple and complex at the same time. On one hand, it could be summarized as being a good human. Yet that immediately raises a deeper question.
What does it actually mean to be a good human?
At Be Humanitarian, this question sits at the heart of everything we do. Because being a humanitarian is not about titles, recognition, or wealth. It is about how we choose to show up in the world.
When I reflect on what makes someone a true humanitarian, three essential actions rise to the surface.
1. Give Generously
Generosity does not come with a bright line. There is no specific dollar amount that qualifies someone as good. Every person’s circumstances are different.
Some of the most generous people I know have very little and still choose to share. Meanwhile, some who receive public credit for philanthropy may not give in ways that truly stretch them.
Real generosity stings just a little. It costs something. But that sting is fleeting compared to the impact it creates.
At Be Humanitarian, we see this every day. A twenty dollar donation can help install a garden tower that provides sustainable food. A child sponsorship can change the trajectory of a life. Generosity, no matter the size, multiplies when it is rooted in intention.
If you would like to see how giving creates lasting impact, visit
https://behumanitarian.org
2. Serve Actively
Money matters. But pairing your time with your resources transforms impact entirely.
When you volunteer, you learn things that no financial report can ever communicate. You see faces. You hear stories. You build relationships. You understand the complexity and beauty of the work.
Service deepens empathy.
That is why Be Humanitarian’s volunteer trips to Guatemala are designed to create connection, not just charity. Participants work alongside families, support nutrition and education programs, and experience the fullness of a community. In doing so, something shifts inside them.
If you are curious about what active service looks like in action, explore upcoming trips at
https://behumanitarian.org
3. Be Kind Always
This may be the most difficult of all.
Kindness does not require wealth or travel. It requires awareness. It requires choosing patience when frustration feels easier. It requires seeing the humanity in someone else, even in routine moments.
A simple smile. A listening ear. A softened response.
The more we practice kindness, the more joy we discover. Often, it fills spaces we did not even realize were empty.
And kindness is contagious.
A Moment of Reflection
Pause for just a minute.
Think of a time you gave generously. Sit with the memory. Remember how it felt.
Now recall a time your service truly mattered. What changed because you showed up?
Finally, think of a small act of kindness that shifted someone’s day.
You are a good human.
You are already a humanitarian.
The question is not whether you qualify. The question is how you will continue to live it out.
If you feel called to deepen that commitment through giving, serving, or traveling with Be Humanitarian, we would love to welcome you into the work.
Learn more at
https://behumanitarian.org
Written for Be Humanitarian by Devin Thorpe
https://www.devinthorpe.com
