September 12, 2013

Time for a heart-to-heart, DUers (w/update)

[font color="green"]UPDATE: I just want to thank you all SO VERY MUCH for the thoughtful replies and all the K&Rs!!!!!!!! You have me in tears this Friday morning...in a good way. There are excellent, actionable suggestions below, with truly thoughtful insights that are priceless. (You should read through if you have time!)

I am going to really sit with these replies and see what I can implement sooner rather than later. I may do a poll to get specific input from the community about the way forward based on info shared below. I'll keep you all posted.

THANK YOU![/font]


EDIT TO ADD, to those of you who have written to me, asking for help in any way: PLEASE DON'T FEEL BAD!!!!!!! I just need to get others (DUers and beyond) involved. They probably assume I have a lot of help and that I don't struggle myself, and that if they don't K&R or help in any way, plenty of other people are. But that's just not the case.



* * * * *

CLIFFSNOTES VERSION of my missive below: As more and more people here (and beyond DU) need help, I need more people TO help. Wishadoo is just me, and I struggle. I'm having a hard time of late getting views and K&Rs on the "Help a DUer" OPs, so I'm asking for recommendations and suggestions regarding how to keep doing this effectively here at DU. I'm also asking for your help to spread the word about Wishadoo in general. The more who gather...

(Adding a shout-out to Thom Hartmann's team, Big Ed, or any of the other media personalities I've been wanting to contact forever, to explore collaborating in some way to DO GOOD.)

* * * * *

Listen, I need your help, and I really hope people will read this and reply with their thoughts and feelings on the matter.

As many of you know, I've been posting "Help a DUer" OPs periodically for a few years now. Here is the latest:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023623242


For those of you who are new, I've been a member of DU since 2004. When I created Wishadoo years ago, I naturally wanted this community to be involved -- to lead the way and show other communities (online and our local, physical communities) how the tools there can be used to connect and help one another in a variety of ways. My BIG dream was to have Wishadoo be the first member-owned cooperative social network; I still have that dream. (My dream has also involved, somehow -- via the various tools and spin-off projects I'm trying to develop -- sustaining myself financially via these efforts. I do work; I've been self-employed for 20 years, though my income was cut in half 18 months ago and I haven't been able to supplement it. My time and attention are constantly torn between doing my existing work, looking for more work, dealing with Wishadoo-related needs, and trying to expand Wishadoo and develop related projects, as well as the whole "basic survival" tasks each day, which those of us who struggle financially understand all too well. It's amazing how much more energy it takes to be poor...lol. Oy.

It used to be that, here on DU, for anyone to post about any need they have which involves raising $$ -- or for another DUer to do so on their behalf -- permission from admins was required. That could take a while. Plus, as the economic situation worsened, the number of requests was bound to increase and become overwhelming.

I wrote the admins and offered the tools at Wishadoo for this purpose, and Skinner kindly agreed. Instead of DUers creating separate posts regarding their situation and their needs, DUers would instead create a post in the Wishlist and I would create what are now known as a "Help a DUer" OP to bring these needs to the attention of the DU Community.

At first, when there were just a few DUers asking for help, these OPs (and the requests) got a rousing response.

Over time, however, as this community itself has changed, these OPs get fewer and fewer recs and are seen by fewer and fewer people.

Unfortunately, the number of community members in need increases daily.

[font color="blue"](I must inject my profound gratitude for those of you who DO support the OPs and the other DUers, and me. You really, really are human angels. You are appreciated!!!)[/font color]

Please understand that 1) I never intended for Wishadoo! to be all about raising $$; I still firmly believe we can help one another in other ways, such as finding existing resources that may have been overlooked; 2) I never intended to be so involved as I have become.

I created the safe, compassionate space for people to be supported in "putting it out there" (asking for help is the hardest part for most of us). Everything is supposed to be one-on-one, no middle person.

And the "no middle person" is supposed to include me.

Since nearly every single need that DUers are posting in the Wishlist involves raising funds, it has become very time consuming on my end to help set up a PayPal button, keeping the fundraising widgets updated, etc. To create the OPs on a regular basis to bring attention to these needs is also very time consuming.

A lot more goes on behind the scenes than people realize; often a need doesn't even make it to the Wishlist because I'm able to find help for the person's need right away. But as more people find Wishadoo (which is great), it gets more overwhelming for me to do all on my own, especially as those with resources (time, money, recommendations, whatever) are NOT finding their way there.

There must be more of a balance. I need help finding people who CAN help others, and that help can come in surprising ways. Sometimes knowing the perfect resource or having the perfect suggestion based on personal experience can help another person get beyond a seemingly insurmountable hurdle. People find their way to Wishadoo after they've exhausted the application process at social service agencies, etc. They often feel hopeless and beaten down. When someone is a member of a community such as here at DU, there can be a level of familiarity and thus trust, rather than feeling like complete strangers. Still, if before someone helps they require proof or more information, that is their right. It is between the individuals; that's where personal responsibility comes in. Unlike agencies and other nonprofits, people aren't screened (beyond basics) or required to prove their worth in any way; in fact, Wishadoo was created to fill that gap and allow our basic humanity to come through for one another, as individuals. It's a social experiment of sorts and, I must admit, I do feel it's failing, mainly because I haven't succeeded in engaging more people to help me spread the word.

As I mentioned in my latest "Help a DUer" OP, I'm having a really hard time with a personal crisis (this one doesn't involve money) myself right now. Granted, I've been having a hard time for years right along with many of you, living on the edge financially myself. Keeping my utilities on is often an issue; keeping the website going becomes secondary. But, thanks to a handful of kind souls, somehow the hosting fees have always been paid each month. Upgrading the site and adding features to make life easier is always put on hold, waiting for something positive to happen with my personal situation.

The events of the last week have brought me to the point of posting this plea.

Nearly every day I get heart-breaking requests from DUers who need help, yet the number of people engaged in these "Help a DUer" OPs decreases. [font color="blue"](There is a wonderful group I call "DU Angels," who asked to be put on an email list, to be notified whenever I create a new OP; if you would like to be added to that list, please message me.)[/font]

I'm not bitching at anyone at all; I am sorry that this comes off as whining (I hate that, but, oh well...). I'm spilling my guts and asking for some feedback and suggestions regarding this situation.

I don't know if the lack of attention (even views, let alone K&Rs) is because I suck at creating attention-getting subject lines or what.

I FULLY realize that perhaps most of us here struggle financially and thus even $5 is difficult.

I also FULLY realize that compassion fatigue is real; sometimes seeing the suffering up close and personal via our various communities (online and in the "real" world) is just too much and we close off.

But month after month, as I see the types of OPs that get recommended through the roof and see the OPs I create go unnoticed, it's disheartening -- not only for me but for those who had the courage to share their struggle so publicly.

Also over the years I have begged for help in spreading the word about Wishadoo to your other networks: work, school, neighborhood, faith-based, etc. I have never had a marketing budget or any help (Wishadoo is me, myself and I still), so I admit that I'm nearly devastated that I've never had any BIG help in growing the community over the years.

And in order for people to find help, the Wishadoo Community must grow. Wishadoo wasn't created to be strictly for DUers. At all. But what little time and energy I have of late as it concerns Wishadoo is devoted to helping DUers, and that's not even working out to their benefit lately. Not in a reliable way.

IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY, AND I CAN'T CONTINUE THIS WAY.

I really thought DU and the members here so devoted to the progressive concepts of community and The Common Good would help me spread the word so more individuals and other communities could come together to make use of the tools I created there, which I feel can still be of tremendous value.

There are now more names here at DU that I don't recognize than names I DO recognize. I don't have a feel for how much of a community really exists at DU any longer, to be honest. Obviously there are wonderful, wonderful people here who help one another in amazing ways; there is certainly still a sense of community, but I do feel it has diminished over the years, which is natural, I suppose.


With every single OP I create I ask people to please spread the word about Wishadoo so that community can grow. After all, the more who gather...

I fairly recently posted an OP with an activist idea I had to help citizens:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023385076


But, as I type this, I don't know what else to do to help DUers and/or get the attention of more community members here at DU to help one another. Any thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

Options as I see it are people creating separate posts here on DU with their needs; I'm not sure if that still requires admin permission or not. The problem with that is that if the site becomes more flooded with individual OPs, attention paid to such posts will wane just as they have for my Help a DUer OPs. I don't know. There are a ton of fundraising platforms nowadays (like gofundme.com, for example) which make personal fundraisers easier; of course, they charge a fee, on top of PayPal's fees, and -- like everything else online nowadays -- there are sooooooo many people using them that individual needs, unless they become viral in some way, get lost in the midst of the hundreds of thousands of other requests.


(Before anyone asks, I need to get updates from the DUers who do have Wishlist posts so I can manually update the widget that shows the progress. That's time consuming for me, too. In a perfect world, Wishadoo would have it's own built-in tools available there, that work properly. But that takes money. And, again, I did not set Wishadoo up as a fundraising site -- nor do I charge anything as fundraising sites do -- and I DO NOT INTEND for Wishadoo to become strictly a fundraising site. There is so much more to Wishadoo -- a marketplace, a business directory, ecards, a forum, groups, etc), and there's so much more we can do to help one another.)


Below is the content I include with every Help a DUer OP, in case you've never really read it.

Thanks for reading.





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

* 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). 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]

September 8, 2013

*** Help a DUer *** Sunday, 9/8/13 (9/13 UPDATE)

[font color="red"]9/13/13[/font color]

PLEASE VISIT THE INDIVIDUAL WISHLIST POSTS (links are given below), WHERE THERE ARE FUNDRAISING "WIDGETS" INSERTED. The widgets show the progress of the fundraisers.

The widget updates automatically if it is used for the donation, but the DUers who created the Wishlist posts are giving me periodic updates (sometimes people mail donations or don't use the widget) of total amount received, and I manually update the widget to reflect it as often as I can.

If Wishadoo is going to continue to have so many individual fundraisers (remember, I didn't set it up to be a fundraising site), I'm going to see if I can get a quote on modifying the Wishlist section of the site to have tools and features similar to fundraising platforms, to make this process easier on all concerned.

* * * *


[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. I respectfully ask that if you have concerns about the veracity of a DUer's request that you contact me privately. If you disagree with and dislike a DUer for any number of reasons and feel they may not be worthy of others' attention or assistance, please keep that to yourself. It has no place in these OPs. Thanks in advance for honoring that request.

* * * * *


I'm in the middle of a personal crisis of my own and don't have the time or energy to do a proper post with background info on each person's needs, but DUers are writing, expressing how they're in dire straits, so I'm doing the best I can with this OP. Please forgive my brevity.

I'd really appreciate it if you'd recommend and help keep this kicked. Write the DUer in question, here at DU or at Wishadoo if you have questions, recommendations/suggestions, want verification of some sort (remember, Wishadoo is about one-on-one, I'm just providing the platform), etc.

They're listed below in order of the most recent Wishlist post, with their DU name given; not every post at Wishadoo is from a DUer. If/when I can, I may figure out a way to flag Wishlist posts that are from DUers, rather than have to do these OPs which break it down; instead, I can post simply to remind people to please visit and view Wishadoo's Wishlist.


* * * * *

Are Grits Groceries

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/199/money-for-repairing-my-car-new-glasses-other/


stewert

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/196/money-to-help-me-pay-my-bills-until-november/


Lady Freedom Returns

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/197/money-to-help-till-i-get-back-up-on-my-feet/



PLEASE SEE OTHERS' WISHLIST POSTS (w/more info) IN THIS 8/27/13 "HELP A DUER" OP:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023542813


Sorry if this is messy or inconvenient. I won't have time to help keep it kicked much. I'll ask the DUers to please keep me updated so I can try to update their Wishlist posts and fundraising widget accordingly.

If I've missed anyone not listed in this 9/8 post or the 8/27 post, please message me.




* * * * *


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

* 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...

THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE IN NEED, HERE AT DU ALONE, THAN PEOPLE WITH RESOURCES TO HELP. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO EXPAND THE WISHADOO COMMUNITY.[/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]

August 27, 2013

*** Help a DUer *** from 8/27/13. UPDATE INSIDE

Sorry, I see people are kicking this one instead of or along with the new one from today, 9/8/13. So, I'm inserting the link to TODAY'S OP here as well since there are new posts not mentioned in this 8/27 OP.

Sorry again for confusion.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023623242







[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. I respectfully ask that if you have concerns about the veracity of a DUer's request that you contact me privately. If you disagree with and dislike a DUer for any number of reasons and feel they may not be worthy of others' attention or assistance, please keep that to yourself. It has no place in these OPs. Thanks in advance for honoring that request.

* * * * *

Okay, so it's my 50th birthday today!!!!! Yowzer -- looks freaky to type that out.

For my birthday, I'm asking that you please K&R to keep this thread visible, and if you can contribute even $5 to any of these posts that you feel inclined to help, it will be a birthday gift to me! Little gestures can really add up.

I also want to share a wonderful message I received this morning, regarding Wishadoo! The person who sent the message referred a friend to Wishadoo! a while back, asking for help in finding temporary shelter for her cats. This followup about that situation was a wonderful birthday present in and of itself:





* * * * *

The first post below is new, the others are carried through from previous "Help a DUer" posts. The DUer's DU name is provided, so you may contact these DUers here or at Wishadoo! with any questions, suggestions, etc. Some of the wishlist posts are able to make use of a handy-dandy widget that shows the progress of a fundraisers so long as there is no browser conflict. There is a PayPal button on each of these posts as well.


[font size="3"][font color="green"]1.[/font size][/font color] DUer, mrmpa, is the most recent DUer Wishlist post. I've made good use of it being my birthday to ask all my Pittsburgh friends for help regarding job leads for mrmpa. Having been unemployed for a while (as too many of us understand all too well), she's in dire straits and is asking for help for September. Obviously, the hope is that a job comes through really soon, but in the meantime...

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/193/unemployed-need-help-with-mortgage-and-monthly-expenses/



[font size="3"][font color="green"]2.[/font size][/font color] Duffyduff's Wishlist post is similar. We were initially hoping to raise $300 to get through the month of August, when she hopes to find more work as a substitute teacher, but after questioning her situation further, it's more realistic for us to try to raise a total of $600. She is in danger of losing her car, everything she has in storage, etc., all of which impact the ability TO find more work.

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/188/help-with-temporary-cash-flow-issue/


[font color="red"]$520 raised thus far. Thank you!!! [/font color]



[font size="3"][font color="green"]3.[/font size][/font color] Myrina has a post for you PET LOVERS!!! She is trying to raise funds to get her foster pup, Hammy, the surgery he needs. Just look at that face!!!



http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/189/assistance-requested-for-foster-dog-surgery/


[font color="red"]Less than $200 has been raised thus far, so we have a long way to go. [/font color]


[font size="3"][font color="green"]4.[/font size][/font color] Berlin Expat may be the first international post! He's trying to raise funds to get used appliances.

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/186/refrigerator-and-washing-machine-used/



[font size="4"][font color="green"]5. [/font size][/font color] sunwyn is still trying to raise funds for a vehicle for her and her mom. Actually, an update from her regarding her situation was just posted in her Wishlist post.

If you have any tips re: a used vehicle, let us know. [font color="red"] $175 of the $1500 goal has been raised thus far. [/font color] Thank you!

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



* * * * *


[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]

August 18, 2013

**Help a DUer** Sunday, 8/18/13 (Please K&R for visibility. Thanks)

[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.

PERSONAL NOTE: There was a bit of a brouhaha that broke out with the most recent Help a DUer thread. If you would like to understand more about how Wishadoo! works (as it concerns DU) and my intentions, you will learn more in the interactions in that thread. In that thread I stated that because I did not want to expose DUers to public scrutiny in the form of others judging their worthiness when there are so many personal conflicts here among members, I wouldn't continue these OPs. However, the needs are great. So, I shall try again and see how it goes. ([font color="green"]Because the needs are so great, I beg of you to please share Wishadoo! with others (online and in person)...your friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, faith-based communities, other networks and organizations, online and IRL; after all, the more who gather... Additionally, at this DU link is another idea I'm proposing.[/font])

I respectfully ask that if you have concerns about the veracity of a DUer's request that you contact me privately. If you disagree with and dislike a DUer for any number of reasons and feel they may not be worthy of others' attention or assistance, please keep that to yourself. It has no place in these OPs. Thanks in advance for honoring that request.


* * * * *


There are several Wishlist posts by DUers (screen names provided below) I'd like to bring to your attention this Sunday morning. As always, if you know of existing resources -- nationally or locally -- that could be of help in any of these situations, please let us know. Finding existing resources is always the first step at Wishadoo! You may contact these DUers here or at Wishadoo! with any questions, suggestions, etc. Some of the wishlist posts are able to make use of a handy-dandy widget that shows the progress of a fundraisers so long as there is no browser conflict. There is a PayPal button on each of these posts.


[font size="3"][font color="green"]1.[/font size][/font color] Duffyduff's Wishlist post is the most critical and time sensitive. We were initially hoping to raise $300 to get through the month of August, when she hopes to find more work as a substitute teacher, but after questioning her situation further, it's more realistic for us to try to raise a total of $600. She is in danger of losing her car, everything she has in storage, etc., all of which impact the ability TO find more work.

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/188/help-with-temporary-cash-flow-issue/


[font color="red"]As of Sunday, 7:00 PM ES, she's at $400 raised thus far. Thank you!!! [/font color]



[font size="3"][font color="green"]2.[/font size][/font color] Myrina has a post for you PET LOVERS!!! She is trying to raise funds to get her foster pup, Hammy, the surgery he needs. Hammy has inspired me to create a dedicated Facebook page for animal/pet-related Wishlist posts.



http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/189/assistance-requested-for-foster-dog-surgery/



[font size="3"][font color="green"]3.[/font size][/font color] Berlin Expat may be the first international post! He's trying to raise funds to get used appliances.

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/186/refrigerator-and-washing-machine-used/



[font size="4"][font color="green"]4.[/font size][/font color] sunwyn (whom you have helped before and really made a difference in her life!), has an ongoing fundraiser to help her get a vehicle. She cares for her mother, who recently broke her ankle, and they live in a fairly remote area of SW Ohio. (I just learned yesterday that sunwyn's situation is in flux...but not in a good way; she and her mom may have to move due to negligence on the landlord's part, so her needs are even more critical. She also has less time to update me but will do so as best she can.)

If you have any tips re: a used vehicle, let us know. [font color="red"] $150 of the $1500 goal has been raised thus far. [/font color] Thank you!

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



* * * * *


[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]

August 4, 2013

*** Help a DUer *** Sunday, 8/4/13

[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.


* * * * *


There are several Wishlist posts by DUers I'd like to bring to your attention this Sunday morning. As always, if you know of existing resources -- nationally or locally -- that could be of help in any of these situations, please let us know. You may contact these DUers here or at Wishadoo! Some of the posts are able to make use of a handy-dandy widget that shows the progress of a fundraisers.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read.


[font size="3"][font color="green"]1.[/font size][/font color] Duffyduff is hoping to raise $300 to get through the month of August, when she hopes to find more work as a substitute teacher.

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/188/help-with-temporary-cash-flow-issue/


[font color="red"]Friday 8/9 - update: stalled at $193 raised thus far. Thank you! [/font color]

[font size="3"][font color="green"]2.[/font size][/font color] Berlin Expat may be the first international post! He's trying to raise funds to get used appliances.

http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/186/refrigerator-and-washing-machine-used/



[font size="3"][font color="green"]3.[/font size][/font color] This post was removed, see subthread below. Edit to add that while I personally did not take offense with the post in question resulting in this person being banned -- though I don't agree either -- I choose to go ahead and remove a link to his Wishlist post since others are taking exception to it since he is indeed banned, and I don't want to invite more animosity into this thread. Please see my post #62.


[font size="3"][font color="green"]4.[/font size][/font color] sunwyn (whom you have helped before and really made a difference in her life!), has an ongoing fundraiser to help her get a vehicle. She cares for her mother, who recently broke her ankle, and they live in a fairly remote area of SW Ohio.

If you have any tips re: a used vehicle, let us know. $150 of the $1500 goal has been raised thus far. Thank you!

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



Finally, if you would please read an OP I created the other day and offer your thoughts, I'd appreciate it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023385076


* * * * *


[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 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]