Before Emily Kaminksy decided to start the GiveBackStack, I’d already been thinking about how I could use this platform to make a bigger contribution. A few ideas were circulating in my brain but nothing really landed because I’m new here and haven’t yet generated more than a few paid subscribers.
Then GiveBackStack launched and invited Stackers to participate. I knew this was the opportunity I’d been looking for, and within the week changed my paid subscriber description to include the following message:
Because I believe in giving back to the world, I have chosen to contribute 20% of my net paid subscription income to the following two very worthy causes:
Chef Andre’s World Central Kitchen, which provides emergency food and meals for people in areas of crisis, even when it’s dangerous to do so. They are true heroes.
Southern Poverty Law Center, which for decades has been a leading force for peace, justice, fairness, and equality for all people. Their integrity, heart, intelligence and grit inspires dignity among all. SPLC monitors hate groups and other extremists throughout the U.S. and exposes their activities to law enforcement agencies, the media and the public. Their work is a critical tool in exposing and combating hate in America.
These contributions will be divided equally between both organizations and paid quarterly. I will post the amounts paid to each organization from my net subscriber income at the end of each quarter on a post available to all readers, to stay accountable to my subscribers and in full transparency to everyone.
Image generated by DALLe, using my prompts
Why did I choose these two organizations?
First of all, they are two of my favorite causes: easing suffering globally, and stopping the rise of hate groups.
Secondly, over the course of my lifetime I’ve donated to many causes and organizations, but these two never fail in consistently delivering results. To me, that matters.
And finally, I believe in the power of microfunding. Every single penny counts, and no matter how small the amount I give I know it helps build their funds. It might be a penny, a dollar, or more, but it matters and I am happy to give it.
Then there’s another reason. I want to walk my talk. If I’m not doing it, how can I ask someone else to do it? I’m building this component into my business model because it’s good for me, it’s good for my readers, and it’s good for the world. My kind of way to be.
I’m staying accountable to my paid subscribers by giving them the bonuses I promised when they joined, and . . . at the end of every quarter, I will post how much I sent to each of the two organizations I’m supporting. In full transparency, no matter how large or small that amount turns out to be, I’ll share it publicly so everyone knows that I keep my word.
And maybe — just maybe — my doing that small act will inspire and encourage someone else to do the same thing. (I hope it does!)
If you’ve been reading my stuff for any length of time, you know that my life hasn’t been easy. A lot of struggle has brought me to a space where I actually DO have something to give — and to give back. I am so deeply grateful for this, and more than happy to share what I have to offer, in ways that work for me.
Please join me and consider what your contribution could be. Do you want a better world? What are you willing to do, to bring that about? Who can you support, that is making the kind of difference that inspires you?
That’s where to start. Then, once your heart feels that inspired beat, join us at GiveBackStack. Share what you’re doing with your readers.
This is a very important way that we can all create the kind of world no one needs to recover from. I’m all about that. I hope you are too.
Let me know if this post changed anything for you — and if it did, what are you going to do as a result? I’d really love to know!
#EmilyKaminksy
#GiveBackStack
#ChangeTheWorld
Thank you for sharing this!
I'm hosting some webinars over the next few months, which are ticket by donation - but I was also thinking about donating some of that money to charity. Thank you for prompting me!!
“Nurturing Spirit, what a perfect title.
Thank you for sharing this with me