Chambers joins Aspen Ideas discussion on philanthropy

Merle Chambers, one of the founders of the Bell, shared some thoughts on philanthropy at a recent panel discussion at the Aspen Ideas Festival.

Specifically, Chambers spoke about the role of women in philanthropy. She was joined by television correspondent Katie Couric, an advocate in fighting cancer, Ann Friedman of the SEED Foundation and Laurie Tisch of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, among others.

"For a long time women haven't known or felt that they could claim their own giving," said Chambers, founder and president of Chambers Family Fund, according to an article in TheAtlantic.com.

About her philanthropic work, Chambers said: "This work is so wonderful, and you always get so much more from it than you think you give. It's always important to remind ourselves that we are doing something of tremendous value and worth in this world, and it's all right to enjoy it as well."

Chambers, Linda Shoemaker and Jean Dubofsky founded the Bell Policy Center in 2000.

Click here to read the article on the panel discussion, and to see how "powerful women in philanthropy" look at giving and the lessons they have learned.