July 29, 2013

*** Help a DUer *** (one veteran, one caregiver, and me)

[font color="brown"](I was previously given permission by Skinner to post periodically about http://www.wishadoo.org, especially when it involves DUers, with this required disclaimer: "The administrators of Democratic Underground have given permission for one discussion thread on this topic. The administrators of Democratic Underground make no claims regarding the legitimacy or illegitimacy of this fundraising effort. Permission was granted by Skinner on 8/6/2010, and the moderators have been notified.&quot [/font]

If you're not familiar with Wishadoo, please see my journal for previous posts.

* * * * *

[font size="3"][font color="green"]1.[/font size][/font color] The most critical need right now is, Josh, the son of a long-time DUer (feel free to message me if you want to know who). He is a veteran, with a family, and has to make a car payment and utility payments this week. He has hope on the horizon but this is a rough patch for him.

He's in Ohio (most of the most critical needs of late are people in Ohio, thanks to the GOP).

We've tried to find existing resources, including those for veterans, but again, in Ohio, this was not to be found. If you know of anything, please message me or contact Josh via Wishadoo.

More of his story can be found at his Wishlist post, as well as a donation button.

[font color="red"]UPDATE: Wednesday afternoon, now at $365 raised thanks to generous soul. Thanks to everyone for kicking, sending good vibes and helping how you can.[/font color]

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE WISHLIST POST:

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/185/help-with-some-bills/

Feel free to contact him at Wishadoo.



[font size="3"][font color="green"]2.[/font size][/font color] DUer, sunwyn (whom you have helped before and really made a difference in her life!), has another Wishlist post, regarding finding a vehicle. She cares for her mother, who recently broke her ankle, and they live in a fairly remote area of Ohio.

We've tried various programs to find a low-cost or even free vehicle, to no avail. Sunwyn is certainly open to any offers or tips anyone may have regarding finding a vehicle. Based on looking around in her area, she feels confident she can find a decent vehicle for her needs for $1500, if no other options are presented.


You can read more, contact sunwyn, and/or contribute at the following link to her Wishlist post. You can contact her here at DU as well, of course.

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE WISHLIST POST:

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/182/working-automobile-or-truck/



[font size="3"][font color="green"]3. ME![/font size][/font color] I need your help to spread the word about Wishadoo! So much of this process of helping one another directly is about trust; even if you may not know another DUer directly, there is a level of trust involved if they are a long-time member. But I need help expanding beyond DU; there are more members in need than there are those who can help.

Would you please spread the word and invite people to join Wishadoo!? Existing communities such as your family, your neighborhood, your workplace, any organizations to which you belong (Occupy!), any other online communities to which you belong, your place of worship, your school....anywhere and everywhere.

I admit that trying to get Wishadoo! off the ground essentially by myself over the last few years, while I simultaneously do the "struggling to survive" thing so many of us know all too well, is really wearing on me. Wishadoo! is all about community -- both virtual and "real" world communities of all types; I can't build it alone.

I need help!!! So much happens behind the scenes that never even makes it to a Wishlist post in an attempt to help those who have lost hope. There are tools I haven't even implemented, waiting until the community grows, like activity points to use in the marketplace, for example. I need to upgrade the site with the latest features, but can't afford to because I haven't been able to monetize the site yet in any way because I haven't been able to grow the site properly. (And I refuse to overwhelm with ads and pop-ups.)

Anything you can do would be appreciated. If you have suggestions, I'm all ears.

Click here for a printable link to a flyer which you can post at stores, libraries, firehouses, etc.

Thank you.




* * * * *

[font color="blue"][font size="3"]PLEASE ALSO: [/font size]

* Recommend this thread and keep it kicked for visibility;[/font color]

* Please scan the Wishlist in general on a regular basis; some posts are simply asking for information. It's not always about money.

* ACKNOWLEDGE these courageous people who have made themselves vulnerable by asking for help. Please offer whatever support you can (information, advice, well wishes, financial or other support, etc.)

* Share Wishadoo! with others (online and in person)...your friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, other networks and organizations; after all, the more who gather...[/font color]



[center][font color=green]* * * * *

ABOUT WISHADOO!: Anyone is welcome to use the tools at Wishadoo, so long as the Terms of Service are adhered to (basically "play nice" and don't lie). Wishadoo! is a comprehensive portal providing tools, resources and inspiration to connect, help/be helped, and cultivate compassion, cooperation and authentic community in myriad ways, online and in our own "backyards." Wishadoo!'s tools have been designed to integrate and be of service to all sectors of community: individuals, neighborhoods, schools, organizations and businesses.

Any contributions to Wishadoo! itself go toward the cost of maintaining the site, NOT toward any Wishlist posts. That takes place one on one, between Wishadoo! members. If you are able to help with costs to keep the site going, I'd appreciate your generosity tremendously and will be forever indebted.
http://www.wishadoo.org/support-wishadoo/

MANY, MANY thanks to those who have already
helped support Wishadoo! in various ways!



[/center]

July 20, 2013

The Extraordinary Lack of Empathy in the Case of Trayvon Martin

I've seen this graphic shared quite a bit in my social media circles in the last few days, with white friends and family members asking why white people who are victims of crimes committed by black people don't get the same media attention and comments by the President.

The answer, in short, is because there is no comparison. In the other horrific instances, such as the case of young Marley Lion, an investigation began immediately, and the alleged perpetrators apprehended, charged and jailed. The system worked. There is room for outrage in all instances of violent crime, but when a proper investigation (see below) takes place, resulting in finding and arresting those responsible, being outraged that your loved one's death was essentially ignored isn't one of the outcries.

In the case of Trayvon Martin, even though empathy has been in my awareness from the start -- because I am someone who takes the time to try to put myself in the shoes of another -- I haven't totally immersed myself in the details of the hypothetical: What if what happened to Trayvon Martin that evening happened to my child?

I haven't wanted to because to imagine that is too emotionally difficult. I do know what it's like to lose a child -- through no fault, no one was responsible -- and to willingly attempt to walk myself through what Trayvon Martin's parents experienced (understanding that I will never come close to understanding what they truly experienced and feel) is something I've avoided.

The negative, angry reaction from a significant segment of the US population to President Obama's remarks yesterday regarding racial issues shows many things, but the first thing which comes to mind is the extraordinary empathy deficit he spoke of many years ago. The lack of empathy I see in many places...the lack of willingness to even ATTEMPT to empathize...made me take the time to imagine this hell.

And I come away devastated and heartbroken.

Which is precisely where so many within the black community have been this past week...


MY FULL BLOG POST HERE

July 20, 2013

***HELP A DUER*** (YOU DID IT ONCE AGAIN DU!!!!)

[font color="brown"](I was previously given permission by Skinner to post periodically about http://www.wishadoo.org, especially when it involves DUers, with this required disclaimer: "The administrators of Democratic Underground have given permission for one discussion thread on this topic. The administrators of Democratic Underground make no claims regarding the legitimacy or illegitimacy of this fundraising effort. Permission was granted by Skinner on 8/6/2010, and the moderators have been notified.&quot [/font]

If you're not familiar with Wishadoo, please see my journal for previous posts.


[font color="green"]MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: I just heard from catbyte and, sure enough, her husband ended up in the hospital early Saturday morning due to a blood sugar issues. She tried to email me but had problems doing so.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE MONEY SHE NEEDED WAS RAISED, AND SHE ASKED ME TO THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH. SHE WILL TRY TO CONTACT THOSE OF YOU WHO CONTRIBUTED INDIVIDUALLY AS SOON AS SHE CAN.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

P.S. -- I'll be creating another Help a DUer post in a couple of days. If you would like to be put on my list of "angel DUers" -- those who would like to be notified by email when I create such a post, for fear they'll miss the post here at DU -- please email me at admin@wishadoo.org.
[/font color]


* * * * *

A few DUers need our help (and I'll post again in a few days), but I'm shining the spotlight on one today, as her need is urgent.

DUer, catbyte, has had the courage to share personal details of what is going on right now, and what has led her to need a helping hand.

More of her story can be found at her Wishlist post, as well as a PayPal button if you are able to help her situation right now.

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE WISHLIST POST:

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/183/help-paying-my-husbands-nursing-home-bill/

Feel free to contact her here at DU, or via Wishadoo. She will check in periodically to provide an update, and I will report here accordingly with amounts raised.



* * * * *


Wishadoo! is about so much more than helping with dire, critical needs. Please see a recent post where I try to show how Wishadoo! has the tools to foster a kindness bank of sorts and inject joy into our lives.


[font color="blue"][font size="3"]PLEASE ALSO: [/font size]

* Recommend this thread and keep it kicked for visibility;[/font color]

* Please scan the Wishlist in general on a regular basis; some posts are simply asking for information. It's not always about money.

* ACKNOWLEDGE these courageous people who have made themselves vulnerable by asking for help. Please offer whatever support you can (information, advice, well wishes, financial or other support, etc.)

* Share Wishadoo! with others (online and in person)...your friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, other networks and organizations; after all, the more who gather...[/font color]



[center][font color=green]* * * * *

ABOUT WISHADOO!: Anyone is welcome to use the tools at Wishadoo, so long as the Terms of Service are adhered to (basically "play nice" and don't lie). Wishadoo! is a comprehensive portal providing tools, resources and inspiration to connect, help/be helped, and cultivate compassion, cooperation and authentic community in myriad ways, online and in our own "backyards." Wishadoo!'s tools have been designed to integrate and be of service to all sectors of community: individuals, neighborhoods, schools, organizations and businesses.

Any contributions to Wishadoo! itself go toward the cost of maintaining the site, NOT toward any Wishlist posts. That takes place one on one, between Wishadoo! members. If you are able to help with costs to keep the site going, I'd appreciate your generosity tremendously and will be forever indebted.
http://www.wishadoo.org/support-wishadoo/

MANY, MANY thanks to those who have already
helped support Wishadoo! in various ways!


[/center]

July 16, 2013

Seems a surprising number here could use some information re: racism

(Sorry this OP may seem messy; I keep adding resource links and content as I go this morning. )

Recognizing and admitting it exists is a first step. It's systemic, it's institutionalized. (Edit to add: I'm white, btw, raised in an extraordinarily racist environment and saw the devastating effects of it firsthand.)


CLICK HERE to see a breakdown of the difference between racism, bigotry, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination.

Here is one resource to get you started, if you're someone who cringes with all this "racist talk" after the Zimmerman verdict.

http://racismschool.tumblr.com/

More resource links below for more information on racial equality (thanks to Cheerios commercial; see below):

http://www.adl.org/
http://www.hrw.org/
http://www.racialequitytools.org/intr...
http://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/
http://www.standagainstracism.org/ind...
http://www.unitedagainstracism.org/


And an OP from WillyT with tons of links for reading material!


Tim Wise is someone who speaks of white privilege (YES, it exists) and racism, and does so passionately, practically, and eloquently. Please note that race privilege is not the same as class privilege.

Here is his latest HuffPo piece, specifically regarding the Zimmerman verdict and what it means in the bigger picture:

I read an essay a couple of days ago that may be [font color="blue"]THE MOST POWERFUL ESSAY I'VE EVER READ[/font]. If you can spare the time -- it's rather long -- I highly, highly recommend it. Some Thoughts On Mercy, by Ross Gay.









HERE'S ANOTHER GRAPHIC I created yesterday; it's toned down, not directed specifically at white, Christian, heterosexual men as was my original intention, recognizing that there are many people to whom this message may apply. But if you're on social media, maybe it is something you'd consider sharing. (Edit: I neglected to include sexual orientation in the original graphic; my sincere apologies)


[center][/center]

July 2, 2013

***HELP A DUER*** FINAL UPDATE...and THANK YOU!

[font color="brown"](I was previously given permission by Skinner to post periodically about http://www.wishadoo.org, especially when it involves DUers, with this required disclaimer: "The administrators of Democratic Underground have given permission for one discussion thread on this topic. The administrators of Democratic Underground make no claims regarding the legitimacy or illegitimacy of this fundraising effort. Permission was granted by Skinner on 8/6/2010, and the moderators have been notified.&quot [/font]

If you're not familiar with Wishadoo, please see my journal for previous posts.

* * * * *

[font color="blue"]WEDNESDAY PM/FINAL UPDATE: YOU ALL RAISED $900!!! The car payments are taken care of for the month of July; I was able to transfer funds for use over the next few days for gas and essentials; and I'll be sending the balance via postal money order, which will come in very handy as a cushion as he starts his new job. I was delighted to chat with him and another DUer family member throughout this process. Both of them, and his mom, were reduced to tears more than a few times as you all came together to ease their burden at this time.

So, from them, THANK YOU. [/font]



* * * * *

A long-time member of the DU family needs your help. but has asked (for good reason, as was explained to me) to not reveal the DU name publicly. If you want to help and want to know who it is, message me and I have permission to share privately, or contact this person via Wishadoo (after logging in, click "contact member" box in the upper right-hand corner of Wishlist post).

Here is the situation, per the Wishlist post

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE WISHLIST POST:

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/181/need-one-time-help-to-make-car-payment/



[font color="blue"][font size="3"]PLEASE ALSO: [/font size]

* Recommend this thread and keep it kicked for visibility;[/font color]

* Please scan the Wishlist in general on a regular basis; some posts are simply asking for information. It's not always about money.

* ACKNOWLEDGE these courageous people who have made themselves vulnerable by asking for help. Please offer whatever support you can (information, advice, well wishes, financial or other support, etc.)

* Share Wishadoo! with others (online and in person)...your friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, other networks and organizations; after all, the more who gather...[/font color]



[center][font color=green]* * * * *

ABOUT WISHADOO!: Anyone is welcome to use the tools at Wishadoo, so long as the Terms of Service are adhered to (basically "play nice" and don't lie). Wishadoo! is a comprehensive portal providing tools, resources and inspiration to connect, help/be helped, and cultivate compassion, cooperation and authentic community in myriad ways, online and in our own "backyards." Wishadoo!'s tools have been designed to integrate and be of service to all sectors of community: individuals, neighborhoods, schools, organizations and businesses.

Any contributions to Wishadoo! itself go toward the cost of maintaining the site, NOT toward any Wishlist posts. That takes place one on one, between Wishadoo! members. If you are able to help with costs to keep the site going, I'd appreciate your generosity tremendously and will be forever indebted.
http://www.wishadoo.org/support-wishadoo/

MANY, MANY thanks to those who have already
helped support Wishadoo! in various ways!


[/center]