April 2, 2013

** HELP a DUer: Show What Community Really Means **

[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]




EDIT TO ADD that, in spite of the misery and despair all around, there is GOOD NEWS going on in the world, and we're posting it in the new group GOOD NEWS. Join us!

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


I NEED YOUR HELP, AS A COMMUNITY. PLEASE. It will surely come as no surprise to anyone here that the needs of DUers outweigh the number of DUers who see these posts and have the ability to help. I'm not only talking about financial support; we need more eyeballs and people to gather for emotional support and advice as well. I need your help in spreading the word about Wishadoo! The tools are there; I need help making more people aware of them. My time, energy, creativity and resources are severely limited at the moment.

Please click here for easy ways to help spread the word.

I've previously suggested one creative way of raising money for DUers and others via auctions, using Wishadoo's Marketplace (like "ebay for good&quot .

Honestly, my personal situation is very, very dire right now right along with many of you. I have so much already developed and built concerning Wishadoo! and spin-off projects, and other ideas waiting in the wings, but the business of survival and hamster-wheel existence of trying to find more work when over 40 and drowning in everything has taken a toll as of this morning. I am open to suggestions. About anything. I've always wanted for Wishadoo! itself to be a member-owned co-op, so maybe enough are realizing the beauty of co-ops and want to be part of moving Wishadoo! in that direction? If so, please let me know. Thanks. And, as always, A HUGE THANK YOU to the many people who have helped Wishadoo! and other DUers in many ways already. You are appreciated tremendously.



NOW, to focus on other DUers in need....

Click the DU name to see their Wishlist post. Please keep in mind that, even if you can't help financially (not all needs are financial), there are other ways to be supportive. Simple acknowledgment means THE WORLD; it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and ask out loud this way. As we work toward legislative changes to ease the needless suffering of so many, we also need to simultaneously come together and have the courage to ask, offer, give, receive, and pay it forward. Most of the Wishlist posts are a direct result of the lack of a social safety net and lack of jobs. You can contact these DUers directly via Wishadoo or here at DU with any questions. Some posts have convenient donate widgets embedded for you to see the progress of their individual fundraising needs.

(BTW, I swear PayPal works differently for every single account. If you have the option to select "Personal" and then "other," that should eliminate any fees. But, in my experience, those options aren't always provided.)

If there are other forums here at DU where this can be shared, would you please do so for me? Thanks.


[font size="3"][font color="green"]* The newest DUer Wishlist post is from long-time DUer, oxymoron: [/font size]

[font color="green"] "I've come here to Wishadoo in hopes of enlisting the kindness of strangers and friends, get resource suggestions, job recommendations...anything.

I was transferred to Denver last year, and my brother, who has AIDS, accompanied me. I have since been diagnosed with MS. My Mom's health is rapidly deteriorating and we need to get back home to Portland, OR as soon as possible. Monies used will be for moving our household, breaking our lease, and getting an appropriate place in Portland.

I am also looking for work there; transferring is not an option, unfortunately. I am a major account manager with a background in the Transportation (moving) Industry and have working with the likes of Boeing, Amazon, T-Mobile, State Farm and many others. Any donation would be greatly appreciated.

I am in my 50's and finding new employment is not easy in these times, even with extensive experience. Add my new diagnosis to the mix, and it's even more complicated, and stress certainly exacerbates everything. This is urgent for my family."

There is a PayPal button at the Wishlist post.



[font size="3"]* [/font size]rbrnmw has been under extraordinary stress for a long time, and recently you may recall that her father passed away. Please offer good vibes, well wishes and/or prayers regarding her father, and any other support you can offer regarding her s situation.

[font size="3"]*[/font size] You gamers and those of you who know gamers can help fulfill new, non-monetary Wishlist post by DUer, Akoto. He also happens to have an excellent OP in GD now discussing being disabled. [/font color][/font]


There are more...so many more. Please peruse the Wishlist or check my journal to see the list of previous highlighted Wishlist posts by DUers.


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

* Recommend this thread and keep it kicked for visibility;

* 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). This includes creating posts in the Wishlist, a "craigslist of compassion." Most of us are struggling with one thing or another, and as you'll see, there are many categories in the Wishlist to cover a variety of issues/needs.

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.

The Wishlist is where we can ask, offer, give, receive and pay it forward. If you create a Wishlist post, let me know your DU name, and I can start to do weekly or biweekly threads such as this to highlight DUers' needs and offerings.

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]


[center][/center]

March 22, 2013

Please share all pet-related organizations you know of...

And if you know of any good regional or national comprehensive portals that already have such information (and is kept updated), please share that as well!

This heartbreaking post in GD yesterday by HillWilliam is what inspires this post:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2547380


Along with supernova's reply, sharing info regarding an organization:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2549374


The need to find new homes for beloved pets is arising more and more often as a result of various traumatic life events, combined with the financial limitations of so many. This is a key reason people come to Wishadoo.

Compiling a resource directory of PET RESOURCES (rescue organizations, free/low-cost vet care, pet food banks, etc.) would be very helpful. I have the directory structure already set up; I just need the information to insert.

Would you kindly share resources you recommend? Again, if there is already a comprehensive directory out there that is maintained, please share that as well!

Thanks.

March 5, 2013

A chain email worth sharing :)

This is one of the few chain email messages that is worthy of being shared and forwarded, in my humble opinion. It seems to be incorrectly attributed to Andy Rooney but, in this case, the message is more important than the messenger.


I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned.... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.



Here is the same in blog form in case you'd like to share it that way.


Check out this page to see other inspiring news and stories: CURATE GOOD


[font size=3]Check out the latest "Help a DUer" post to DO GOOD, even simply K&R'ing.[/font]

March 4, 2013

Aaron's Last Wish: Servers gifted with $500 tips

Here's some GOOD to start your week. I thought this was a one-time thing when I read about it several months ago, but it's not! How wonderful, especially knowing how much servers struggle, essentially surviving on tips



“Back in July, my brother Aaron passed away and he worked here when he was 18,” Seth Collins told Nikki Moore, a server at Pizza Hut in Berea on Wednesday.

“In his will,” Seth continued, “the last thing was that he wanted us to leave an awesome tip for a waiter or waitress. Thanks to the response we got from everyone around the world, we’ve had the opportunity to do that 34 times, and today is the 35th. So today, for Aaron, I have a $500 tip for you.”

Since the sudden death of his brother in July, just weeks after his 30th birthday, Seth has given $500 tips at 35 locations in eight states. His goal is to visit at least 100 locations in all 50 states within the next year, he said.

In Aaron’s will, created several years before his death, he wrote: “Leave an awesome tip — and I don’t mean 25 percent; I mean $500 on a [freaking] pizza — for a waiter or waitress.”


FULL STORY AT LINK: http://richmondregister.com/localnews/x36435476/Aaron-s-last-wish-granted-at-Berea-restaurant


Check out this page to see similar stories of GOOD: CURATE GOOD


Check out the latest "Help a DUer" post to DO GOOD, even simply K&R'ing.

March 3, 2013

*HELP DUers: Please...we need to get creative!!! (Please K&R)

[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.

Please also check out two recent related OPs: 1) Asking for your help in spreading the word and 2) an OP -- a rant, really -- introducing the idea of a DU Angel Circle.


HERE'S THE SITUATION, and it will come as no surprise to anyone here. The needs of DUers outweigh the number of DUers (who see these posts, at least) who have the ability to help. And I'm not only talking about financial support; I'm also talking about emotional support and advice. I need your help in spreading the word about Wishadoo! so we can gather more people who may have the resources to help others and who want to be of service to The Common Good.

[font color=blue]I posted an OP yesterday offering another creative idea as a way to raise funds: AUCTIONS. Please read and let me know if it is something you may be interested in, both in offering products/services/creations/yourself (!) for auction or in bidding on such auctions. Before I get people involved in creating listings, I'd like to know there is some reasonable level of interest within the DU Community. [/font color]

NOW, to focus on the DUers in need....

Click the DU name to see their Wishlist post. Please keep in mind that, even if you can't help financially (not all needs are financial), there are other ways to be supportive. Simple acknowledgment means THE WORLD; it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and ask out loud this way. As we work toward legislative changes to ease the needless suffering of so many, we also need to simultaneously come together and have the courage to ask, offer, give, receive, and pay it forward. Most of the Wishlist posts are a direct result of the lack of a social safety net and lack of jobs. You can contact these DUers directly via Wishadoo or here at DU with any questions. Some posts have convenient donate widgets embedded for you to see the progress of their individual fundraising needs.

BTW, I swear PayPal works differently for every single account. If you have the option to select "Personal" and then "other," that should eliminate any fees. But, in my experience, those options aren't always provided.

If there are other forums here at DU where this should be shared, would someone please do so? Thanks.


[font color="green"][font size="3"] There is one new DUer Wishlist post to share today:

chervilant: "I am 57 and was wrongfully terminated the day before our Christmas break. I am one month away from homelessness. I'm planning to get back in school this summer, but I need help to make it til then. I have been and will continue to look for ANY work, and if I get a job in time to negate this financial need, I'll return the money."

There is a PayPal button on her Wishlist post.


So many other DUers are still in dire need of our help and support: [/font size][/font color]


* rbrnmw: In addition to ongoing extreme financial stress, and being turned down for SSD, there is the added stress of her father's health. Please offer good vibes, well wishes and/or prayers regarding her father, and any other support you can offer regarding her family's situation.

[font color=red]Approximately $75 has been raised thus far.[/font]


* kookaburra: Caregivers in this country are suffering tremendously. Kookaburra is the perfect example of our broken system and distorted priorities as a nation. Click her name to learn more about her situation.
[/font]

[font color=red]Please see her Wishlist post for update.[/font color]


* VenusRising needs support with rent and bills. Many here offered moral support when her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Please also see her recent DU thread for more information about her current situation.

[font color=red]VenusRising has received more donations but has a way to go. Her Wishlist post has a widget which shows the progress of her fundraiser.[/font]


* Another long-time DUer in good standing is asking for help. What he wants more than anything is to find an IT job but could use support in other ways now as well. He would prefer to not share his DU name but is indeed a member here.

[font color=red]This DUer has VERY PROMISING jobs leads thanks to suggestions by DUers!!!!! If you need a job or know of positions available, please see this OP.[/font]


* bakprkr , has posted the most recent request in the Wishlist. He is a vet, who has been struggling tremendously to avoid homelessness and needs transportation for employment (mass transit simply isn't available in many areas). His request is straightforward, and he's included a PayPal clickable icon. He has also permitted me to share his blog link, where you can follow his journey:

http://homelessvarmyvet.blogspot.com/

[font color=red]bakprkr also has received donations but has a way to go. His Wishlist post has a widget which shows the progress of his fundraiser, and his blog keeps us posted about his journey![/font]


* Deek's Wish You may remember deek's thread from April 2012, where she asked for votes to win a new wheelchair van for her daughter. DUers voted, but she didn't win. The engine on her van died and she needs a new one now, so she turned to Wishadoo! and DU for help.


* Silvershadow has a dream to start a non-profit organization for those who have Multiple Sclerosis and other similar neurological diseases.


* Akoto is a wonderful DUer I've interacted with behind the scenes; a very selfless young person, usually asking on behalf of others, but has a very real need for transportation.


* Mtnleo2 is asking for dental help for her niece, who is homeless.



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

* Recommend this thread and keep it kicked for visibility;

* 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.)

[font color=blue]* 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]


*** IF I HAVE NEGLECTED TO INCLUDE ANY DUERS' WISHLIST POSTS, PLEASE CONTACT ME!!! ***



[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). This includes creating posts in the Wishlist, a "craigslist of compassion." Most of us are struggling with one thing or another, and as you'll see, there are many categories in the Wishlist to cover a variety of issues/needs.

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.

The Wishlist is where we can ask, offer, give, receive and pay it forward. If you create a Wishlist post, let me know your DU name, and I can start to do weekly or biweekly threads such as this to highlight DUers' needs and offerings.

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]

March 2, 2013

Shop for Good (help and be helped)

Yeah, yeah, it's me again, with my Pollyanna-Ass Self (my new nickname).

If you aren't familiar with the Wishadoo|Helper a DUer posts here at DU, please see my journal.

As more people need a helping hand financially due to the lack of social safety nets (and jobs), the DU Community has a harder and harder time coming together to help everyone.

It's brutal out there.

It's why I ask you to also invite your other friends, relatives, neighbors and communities -- online and off -- to please join us at Wishadoo! After all, the more who gather, the more we can do to come together and help one another in various ways, ways we can't yet imagine, especially given the stress so many are under to just get through each day.

There are already new Wishlist posts to share here and I'll be creating a new OP soon, but I wanted to introduce another way we can possibly help others financially, while simultaneously providing more exposure for our entrepreneurs and creatives here at DU.



In an attempt to make this process of helping one another FUN instead of so laborious and draining as it can be after a while, especially when we see the ongoing needs, what about having AUCTIONS? Evidently this was done previously to help DUers who were devastated after Katrina, with great success (I was here then but don't remember this).

Wishadoo!'s Marketplace is set up much like ebay, with "buy now" and "auction" options. One DUer has already offered her tie-dye creations and more to be auctioned to raise money for DUer Wishlist posts. Another has offered a signed book. Yet another has offered to contribute a horseback riding class to this effort.

There are brilliant people here at DU. What are some outside-the-box ideas that could generate a lot of attention for auction within the DU community? Lunch with a beloved DU member, perhaps?

Do you have a product/service/creation to offer for auction or to sell? If you are someone who is in dire need financially, it doesn't have to benefit a Wishlist post; you could simply use Wishadoo!'s Marketplace as another outlet to offer your products to the general public to raise money for yourself.

[font color=blue]Also, did you know there is a DU MARKETPLACE? There is. Check it out as another place to share your creations/offerings with DUers. There are lots of different offerings there, including real estate. Do check it out. [/font]

We can work together in more creative ways to help fellow DU members -- and others -- in need, and maybe help ourselves in the process. Again, if you're part of a local community or another close-knit online community, the same tools at Wishadoo! can be used to help other communities' members as well.

Let me know what you think and if you'd like to be a part of the Wishadoo!'s Marketplace!, or if you have brilliant auction ideas.

As always, please K&R to keep this visible for others to see. Thanks.

February 13, 2013

**MY PERSONAL PLEA ** (updated)

UPDATE: PLEASE SEE THIS LATEST "HELP A DUER" OP!






(Edit to add: While my plea below is to gather a circle of DUers who may be in a position to help others financially...even $20...on a regular basis, please know that by kicking and recommending posts you are HELPING TREMENDOUSLY. Plus, joining Wishadoo! would be a huge help, and reading this previous OP to see other ways to help me spread the word. Offering moral support, your wisdom and insight and any suggestions -- especially when the requests aren't always financial -- is PRICELESS. As they say, the more who gather...)


First, huge props to DUer, xchrom, for the daily posts bringing the issue of poverty up for discussion. Today's post by xchrom, "Fall on Hard Times, Have Your Kids Taken Away? How America Treats Poor Parents Like Criminals," combined with messages I've been increasingly receiving in private, prompted this rant.

I am fucking FURIOUS right now and perhaps shouldn't create a post in the heat of the moment, but I'm going with it. I'm so fucking furious that I'm not going to apologize for profanity. If profanity offends anyone reading this more than the suffering being experienced all around, well...too fucking bad. I also don't have the time to say everything I want to say and compose this coherently because I must focus on my work-work so I don't go over the cliff myself in the next few days. To be perfectly honest, after having my hours cut back last year and with my S.O., who is over 50, unable to find a job for several years now, we often find ourselves living on $20 for two weeks. I shit you not. Many of you know exactly what that's like. I am sharing that so you know I hear you and know of what I speak. I'm saying it OUT LOUD now.

It's pathetic and ridiculous what we've been reduced to as a nation as far as our values and how we treat one another as a whole. We've been fed this "bootstrap/welfare queen" meme for decades now, so much so that it's part of our collective psyche. So many have been beaten down and fight amongst ourselves, which is precisely what a small segment of our society wants. People like Limbaugh and Beck are paid to perpetuate the anger, hopelessness and, eventually, hate.

The deck is stacked against most of us and things happen that are beyond our control, and without a safety net many of us are falling off a cliff. Silently.

Even many DUers who know this and recognize that our system has set us up to struggle, and who realize that we ARE in this together are writing me, too embarrassed to ask others for help. They're not only embarrassed to ask because they feel they will be viewed as a failure, but embarrassed because perhaps they have been helped by other kind souls before (which exacerbates the failure feeling) and embarrassed because they fear their need or request isn't as worthy because someone, somewhere is always carrying a heavier burden. This is happening both at DU and elsewhere.

I'm furious that so many WONDERFUL people are suffering in silence...NEEDLESSLY. For those who may believe in and pray to a Higher Power, they're too humiliated to ASK OUT LOUD -- to ask other human beings for help -- for fear of judgment. (Please don't derail this thread by slamming religion or beliefs; atheists are embarrassed to ask other humans for help as well. It's part of our human condition now, at least here in the States.)

IT TAKES COURAGE TO ASK FOR HELP OUT LOUD.

In my opinion, our government and institutions are a reflection of us. WE must change first. We must see and accept that we're all in this together.

Wishadoo!'s Wishlist -- a "craigslist of compassion" -- was created to be a safe place to have the courage to ask, offer, give, receive and pay it forward.

We all need something, and we all have something to give. One need isn't more "worthy" than another. We just need to ASK OUT LOUD.

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist


So, in this impromptu OP, I'm ASKING FOR SOMETHING OUT LOUD.

[font color=green]For any of you DUers who have the financial means to help other DUers when they are in severe distress and with a time limit -- or do know those of means who may want to be of service in this direct way -- would you please PM me? I could create a list of "go-to" people who are perhaps able to help fairly reliably (no expectation, no obligation of course), and then contact you directly rather than assume you will see my periodic Wishadoo! OPs.

A LONG-TIME, very well-known, beloved DUer is in a dire situation and needs help by Friday. There is no PayPal account so I'm trying to figure this out right now. An anonymous Wishlist post will be created later today, which will enable me to share here via one of the approved OPs, but for now I'm asking if there are DUers who would like to be part of an Angel Club of sorts, a go-to group of people I can contact whenever one of our own here are in dire need, as a way to expedite assistance.

If you're out there and see this, please contact me. And, please help keep this kicked.[/font color]

Thank you.












[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). This includes creating posts in the Wishlist, a "craigslist of compassion." Most of us are struggling with one thing or another, and as you'll see, there are many categories in the Wishlist to cover a variety of issues/needs.

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.

The Wishlist is where we can ask, offer, give, receive and pay it forward. If you create a Wishlist post, let me know your DU name, and I can include it in the periodic OPs.

February 9, 2013

REQUEST and invitation for you liberal, bleeding-hearts!

[link:http://www.wishadoo.org|
]

If you aren't familiar with Wishadoo! and how we use the tools there to help DUers, please see the latest OP: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022328448 (see my journal as well)

(Mods, Wishadoo! is vastly different from DU, so I hope this OP isn't viewed as a conflict in any way. Wishadoo!'s goal is to be of service to others, including existing communities like DU.)

Since most here are concerned about others and The Common Good (remember when Glenn Beck dissed Wishadoo! on his Fox show?), these OPs, which Skinner graciously allows me to create here at DU, provide an opportunity to put our values into action and DO SOMETHING.

We all realize that many of the needs we see all around could be prevented with more humane policies and systems, not the least of which is Universal Healthcare and strengthening our safety nets to prevent homelessness and other forms of poverty resulting from the gross wealth inequality. We know our priorities as a society must change.

As we pursue legislative changes and other means to change our society for the better...for The Common Good...Wishadoo! provides the opportunity to do what we can to show Love & Compassion NOW, even if we're suffering and struggling ourselves in some way.

Yet as more and more people are struggling in various ways simply to survive, it's harder and harder to gather enough people to help. I'm brainstorming some non-legislative, Robin Hood-esque (but legal, non-violent) ways of shifting resources and alleviating suffering -- a "Six Degrees of Compassion" idea -- but at present am left trying to gather people to help one another, even if it's merely acknowledgment and lending moral support. THAT in and of itself is huge in letting others know they're not alone, which is one of my primary goals with Wishadoo!

[font color=blue]BOTTOM LINE REQUEST: [/font] I need your help in spreading the word and funneling more people to Wishadoo! The more who gather, the more we can DO. I am a paycheck-to-paycheck person myself, doing the best I can with limited time, resources and energy (and with no PR/marketing budget or income via Wishadoo! yet), so if the DU community members would kindly share Wishadoo! with their OTHER networks and communities -- online and "real" world -- that would help tremendously since you see how it already works here at DU.

Just as DU is a huge community -- and people here come together as best they can via these Wishadoo posts -- surely DUers belong to other online communities as well, be they hobby-related, religious, health, parenting, sports, etc.

I need to start sending out a newsletter and make headway with other communities and show them how Wishadoo! can be of service to their members. Helping their community members via Wishadoo! takes away liability for their site and cuts down approval time for such posts, which is why it works well here at DU for all involved. I was a longstanding member here at DU, part of the community, before creating Wishadoo, so there was built-in trust. I don't really belong to other online communities like DU, not enough to be trusted or listened to.

[font color=green]I NEED AMBASSADORS.[/font]

Keeping this post and other Wishadoo! posts visible by K&R'ing helps, too!

[font color=blue]INVITATION:[/font]While we can certainly discuss this here in this OP, I also created a forum category for DU members at Wishadoo! so we can have an ongoing discussion of how the DU community can help one another, and others, via Wishadoo!'s tools. We could even use the Wishlist as a job board! You do have to join the site to comment, but it's just me...no corporate overlords gathering information or anything. (If you do sign up, be sure to check your spam folder for the verification email.)

http://www.wishadoo.org/forum/thread/354/welcome-duers/


Finally, below is a HUGE (sorry) infographic which shows the bigger picture of Wishadoo! and the potential involved to come together to do good. I hope to soon structure Wishadoo! as a member-owned co-op, and would love to brainstorm with others who resonate with all this.

Thanks for reading and K&R'ing!

February 7, 2013

HEY all you liberal, bleeding-heart, tree-huggin', pinko commies!!! (UPDATE w/link to most recent OP

[font color=red]NEW, MOST UP-TO-DATE "HELP A DUer" OP HERE.[/font]




I'M TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION WITHOUT USING PROFANITY (not that I'm averse to profanity whatsoever...just not in these threads)


[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.




Since we liberals/progressives/Democrats are concerned about others and The Common Good, these OPs, which Skinner graciously allows me to create here at DU, provide an opportunity to put our values into action and DO SOMETHING.

Many of the needs we see all around could be prevented with more humane policies and systems, not the least of which is Universal Healthcare and strengthening our safety nets to prevent homelessness and other forms of poverty resulting from the gross wealth inequality. We know this.

Yet as we pursue legislative changes and other means to change our society for the better...for The Common Good...Wishadoo! provides the opportunity to do what we can to show Love & Compassion NOW, even if we're suffering and struggling ourselves in some way.


[font color="black"][font size="3"]PLEASE:

[font color="green"]1. Recommend this thread and keep it kicked for visibility, as well as:[/font size][/font color]

* Share the Wishlist posts with your social networks (or share from here, of course)

* 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); after all, the more who gather...[/font]


[font color="green"][font size="3"]2. Read DUers' Wishlist Posts [/font size][/font color] [font color="black"](click the DU name to see their Wishlist post. You can contact them directly via Wishadoo or here at DU with any questions. Some posts have convenient donate widgets embedded for you to see the progress of their individual fundraising needs):

* VenusRising needs support with rent and bills. Many here offered moral support when her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Please also see her recent DU thread for more information about her current situation.

* Another long-time DUer in good standing is asking for help. What he wants more than anything is to find an IT job but could use support in other ways now as well. He would prefer to not share his DU name but is indeed a member here.


There are more...

A. bakprkr, has posted the most recent request in the Wishlist. He is a vet, who has been struggling tremendously to avoid homelessness and needs transportation for employment (mass transit simply isn't available in many areas). His request is straightforward, and he's included a PayPal clickable icon. He has also permitted me to share his blog link, where you can follow his journey:

http://homelessvarmyvet.blogspot.com/

B. Deek's Wish needs much, much more attention. Not much has been raised thus far. You may remember deek's thread from April 2012, where she asked for votes to win a new wheelchair van for her daughter. DUers voted, but she didn't win. The engine on her van died and she needs a new one now, so she turned to Wishadoo! and DU for help.

C. Silvershadow has a dream to start a non-profit organization for those who have Multiple Sclerosis and other similar neurological diseases.

D. Akoto is a wonderful DUer I've interacted with behind the scenes; a very selfless young person, usually asking on behalf of others, but has a very real need for transportation.

E. Mtnleo2 is asking for dental help for her niece, who is homeless.

F. Oak2004 has a request to help a disabled/senior housing project.



[font color="blue"][font size="2"]EDIT TO ADD:[/font] We can also use the Wishlist as a jobs board. There is already a category for "JOB NEEDED" and another for "JOB OPENINGS." Just sayin'....

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/category/49/job-needed/

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/category/45/job-openings/
[/font color]


Please consider reaching out to others at the Wishlist even if they aren't part of the DU Community.


THANK YOU!





[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). This includes creating posts in the Wishlist, a "craigslist of compassion." Most of us are struggling with one thing or another, and as you'll see, there are many categories in the Wishlist to cover a variety of issues/needs.

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.

The Wishlist is where we can ask, offer, give, receive and pay it forward. If you create a Wishlist post, let me know your DU name, and I can start to do weekly or biweekly threads such as this to highlight DUers' needs and offerings.

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, we all appreciate your generosity tremendously, and I would be forever indebted.
http://www.wishadoo.org/support-wishadoo/

MANY, MANY thanks to those who have already
helped support Wishadoo! in various ways! [/center]

February 6, 2013

Essay: A Brief History of Poverty and Homelessness

Excellent short essay by Barbara Anderson on the modern history of poverty and homelessness in the United States. OUR PRIORITIES NEED REDEFINED NOW. Our systems, institutions and laws have resulted in a decimated middle class, and as more people become impoverished (millions and millions of "working poor&quot , the more people are punished for it. It's a sick cycle.


http://m.newsandtribune.com/newsandtribune/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=4mJEJAFc&full=true#display

Poverty is not a crime in America, it is our shame. We have chosen to turn our heads to the poverty in this country by not challenging those who make decisions about programming for the poor.

When examining how we got to the point of having an average of 80 people a night living in our Williams Emergency Shelter — or in the streets — we have to first understand how it happened to be in our community at all. Historically, there has been programming. Albeit not always the kind of programming we preferred, it was at least an attempt to make sure people were fed, clothed and sheltered.

That aid took many forms over the years. Work houses or poor homes (county homes) existed in all 92 counties. Ours was located on Ind. 62 and New Albany’s was located on Grant Line Road. Ironically, New Albany’s continued to house disadvantaged youth and now houses the National Guard.

<snip>

The trickle-down theory of the 1980s did not reduce taxes. We all know that. They did redefine the priorities. We began to resent the poor, to fear them, and to criminalize them. Poor was no longer a condition — it was a crime. The federal government passed the responsibility to the states, the states to the local communities, and many now try to pass it on to the churches.