This year’s Annual Celebration on June 25th features a reciprocity ring, facilitated by long-time SVP Partner and CEO of CuriosityBased, Julie Pham. We asked Julie what inspired her to bring the idea to SVP, why it’s needed now, and what people can expect from the activity.
What made you come up with this idea for the reciprocity ring?
The idea of a reciprocity ring isn’t new—it comes from Dr. Wayne Baker and Cheryl Baker. Dr. Baker wrote a great book called All You Have to Do Is Ask, in which he describes this structured group activity. I’ve done something similar in small group settings. At the end of my own social gatherings, I often invite people to make an offer and a request for help—it’s a way to keep the connection going. This will be my first time facilitating a reciprocity ring for a large group.
I’ve also seen how powerful asking for help can be in my own life. Growing up in a Vietnamese refugee community, mutual aid was just how we survived and thrived. We didn’t have a lot, but we supported each other. That spirit of reciprocity—of giving and getting—is personal to me.
Why do you think it’s needed now?
Right now, a lot of people are feeling stretched—financially, emotionally, socially. At the same time, we know that social connection is key to both mental and physical well-being. Asking for and offering help doesn’t just meet immediate needs—it builds trust, empathy, and stronger relationships.
There’s often this idea that philanthropists are just supposed to give and nonprofits just receive donations. But if we only give and never ask, we start to see others as just takers. In a community that practices reciprocity, we are all giving and taking at the same time. This allows us to engage and connect as peers.
What can people expect from this? What does this have to do with SVP?
If you’re someone who thinks, “I don’t need any help,” I invite you to stay curious. You might be surprised by how much you do need others.
The activity is designed to be simple but meaningful. In small groups, everyone will share one Ask and one Offer. Then we’ll put those on a wall to invite those outside our group to view them to see if they can connect with someone on their Ask or Offer. For those who give us permission, we’ll share their Asks and Offers later on to other attendees.
This ties directly into SVP’s mission—it’s about impact through connection. Being a philanthropist isn’t just about giving “treasure.” It’s also about offering your “time, your talents, and ties.” And that requires vulnerability. With the reciprocity ring, everyone shows up with something to give and something they need.
Do people need to prepare?
No prep is required! But if you want to get the most out of it, I suggest coming in with one thing you’d like to offer and one thing you could use help with. It doesn’t have to be big—sometimes small, specific asks lead to the most interesting connections.
And if you want more context, you can check out my Seattle Times op-ed, “Learning to ask for help strengthens us as a community”
