You know the pleas for help which create such tension here?
Last edited Thu May 7, 2015, 01:36 PM - Edit history (4)
5/7/15 UPDATE: Since there is interest, I will work on the next step of feedback needed. I'll try to post a followup to this OP tomorrow, or Saturday morning. Thanks much. 
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(Edit to add: I'm going to be persistent about keeping this kicked to be on the front GD page for 24 hours, to give people a chance to see it and chime in, or contact me.)
I have a way to help; it's how it used to be done here. Please let me explain, especially for those of you who don't know me. If there is a pitiful response to this post, I promise to leave everyone alone after this.
(BTW, this link will explain me and my work more thoroughly as of 2015. I'll be focusing on these six sectors in moving forward with the work of creating a more Caring Society:
Caring Culture | Caring Democracy | Caring Economy | Caring Ecosystems | Caring Education | Caring Organizations
If you're interested in any of this, please let me know or follow the Caregiverism blog.)
For those who don't recognize my name, please refer to my DU journal. You'll get a better feel for me there. Older DUers can vouch for me, as they did in a recent post about my daughter being in Nepal when the earthquake hit. Thank you, old friends, for doing that. (BTW, after those 9 harrowing days, I probably should have waited a day or two to post this, as I may poop out really early and not check this as often as intended...lol.)
I recently posed a question here, asking how this community feels about the possibility of doing a fundraiser in order to create jobs for a few current and former DUers. There was little response, but having OPs seen and rec'd is a crap shoot and always has been...lol. I don't know if there is interest or not, which is why I'm trying one more time.
[font size="3"]^^^ That is still my primary question. I provide background and more info below.[/font]
Reading through Torch the Witch's latest thread is what prompts this post.
Before this current version of DU, members used to have to ask for permission to post requests that involve money. Because I had created a platform which, in part, exists to connect people who need assistance or support to those who want to connect directly to be of service, and since I had been a long-time member here at DU, such requests started to go through me and Wishadoo rather than await permission from admins.
I would then post a weekly OP listing the DUers who were asking for help after doing some behind-the-scenes due diligence to verify the veracity of the request if the person wasn't already familiar to me and the community. For people already known to the community, it's a much easier process, obviously.
Additionally, one of the first things that has always been done when someone new comes to Wishadoo and expresses need of some sort, is to search to find existing resources (which is why developing this directory is critically important), connect them to other community members who may live in the area or who may be able to help or provide insight about the situation in question, etc.
A fundraiser is a last resort; we try to find other ways to solve the problem first. Of course, as the social safety nets have disappeared over the years, the need for money to solve the problem has increased dramatically.
I quickly became overwhelmed. I did NOT want the site to become another gofundme. My intention all along has been to cultivate connection and genuine community, not simply have yet another fundraising site.
[font size="+2"]So, I put Wishadoo on hold. I knew I had to find help before I could relaunch, and I want to provide paid positions and not rely on volunteers.
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There are a couple of DUers who have helped me so much over the years with Wishadoo and they totally "get" what it's all about. They are among those I want to provide part-time employment for, to supplement SS and SS Disability and to supplement income for those basically homebound due to being caregivers.
If I had help, one of the ways Wishadoo could still be of service here at DU (and other communities) is to take away the fear that you're being scammed. As I said, due diligence is done first. Unlike sites like gofundme (which serve a great purpose, I'm not knocking them) which are starting to require your gofundme page be linked with a Facebook profile, I have worked with people over the years who needed to keep their "real" names shielded from the public; their request was valid, they're who they said they were, but they were victims of domestic abuse or were searching for a job and having their name online forever would have been embarrassing, etc.
I do the behind-the-scenes work, and that's one of the types of positions I need help with in order to move forward and expand. There are satellite, synergistic projects beyond Wishadoo which also can also be relaunched, and provide both paid and volunteer/internships, when I have a core team of help in place. Volunteers and interns can then supplement helping with this enterprise, but I need reliable help and paid positions are the only way for that to happen. (http://ourgood.org is the portal site)
Plus, we need more jobs of integrity, right? Especially part-time jobs for those who are essentially homebound and/or on a fixed income.
A few weeks ago I wrote about the couple in Ohio who took their own lives, because they felt absolutely hopeless. They had created a gofundme page and online outreach on other sites, but no one replied.
That is another key difference with Wishadoo: Again, because it is about community, everyone is acknowledged. First and foremost, they are acknowledged and they know right away that someone cares.
I can tell you for a fact that has saved lives along the way. That's what I've been told repeatedly: Being acknowledged is what helps those suffering feel human again, and that in and of itself can create hope. When the pleas for help are real, it is devastating to be questioned and told you're a scammer; even worse is no response or acknowledgment at all.
As I emerged from my own personal crucible in early 2015, I've been exploring ways to raise funds for job creation. Foundations and grants move too slowly; impact investors only want to invest in start-ups (and younger people...ageism anyone?).
I've returned to once again give consideration to crowdfunding.
I have ways to generate revenue once I have help and can activate the social enterprise model in earnest so that the enterprise is self-sustaining (and worker-owned), including structuring Wishadoo itself as a member-owned cooperative as I have envisioned all along. Wishadoo was created eight years ago and has worked as intended; it worked too well, perhaps, as it became overwhelming without reliable, ongoing help.
So my question is:
[font size="+2"]IS THERE ANY INTEREST HERE AT DU IN ANY OF THIS ANY MORE? [/font]
= new reply since forum marked as read
Thank YOU for always being so supportive. I'm short on time, too, but wanted to come back and say hi and give hugs.
It is perfectly understandable, because there ARE scammers out there. It's rough out there. 
Hope you've been well.
as I've had it on hold.
The part-time jobs are for those who are seeking that specifically, especially those who are on SS disability, for example, and can only earn "x" amount before disability is cut off.
I'm not knocking GoFundMe, but I think it's getting a bit out of control.
For people on a fixed income, creating a part-time, at-home job is a great idea.
Last edited Wed May 6, 2015, 03:31 PM - Edit history (1)
Helping people out of a tight spot is only one aspect of my vision and the tools and projects via http://ourgood.org.
Decrease suffering, increase joy is what I say the ultimate mission is.
Good for you regarding the business you're building, and who you ultimately are trying to help the most. I'm really big on women-owned enterprises myself, especially for those of us over 50.
Have you ever considered creating your business as a cooperative, which means those working for/with you are also owners and thus invested in the business?
I've been an advocate for worker-owned cooperatives for decades, and they're finally starting to catch on.
Best wishes on your recovery from surgery, and your plans from there.
I haven't been on DU much these last 18 months, but when I have checked in, I see you sharing or doing something wonderful.
until tomorrow after all.
The 9 days of hell have caught up with me, and I'm pooped. My apologies.
Maybe others can keep it kicked so as many people as possible may see it, and then I can answer questions tomorrow?
I almost forgot your screen name here...lol.
, my friend, and thanks.
The most grievous problem for people who get to the point of coming to "ask the Internet" for help is housing. The problem is: you need to shell out for housing month after month. For this same reason, not a lot of "programs" help with it. Traditional forms of "welfare" do not cover market rate rent. Most charity programs dealing with rent will give one month emergency help - only if you can prove you have a job to cover the rent next month. But what if you are applying for SSI and will be in this same situation for many months, if not years to come?
Even worse is the possibility that to get that help you will have to exchange your autonomy. Everyone has things they indulge in that make them human, and everyone makes imperfect decisions under stress. These decisions actually get worse as the stress cranks up: it's like procrastinating the night before your term paper is due. If you're poor there is a fear of being "caught" enjoying yourself. The year before last, I spent extra money to go to San Francisco to see a movie for Christmas: I didn't want to get "caught" indulging in a movie by people who might know me in Berkeley. I haven't watched a movie in the main theater here for a decade. The more dependent you are - especially if you are asking other people for money - the more you feel you need to justify your every decision. In TtW's case, I think a lot of what people saw as suspicious could be explained by the fact she had certain "indulgences" (staying in her apartment, her dog, her computer) that she was trying not to have to answer to other people for.
The problem for everyone here is that while TtW's needs are probably going to be monthly (even if she tries, I doubt she will be able to hold on to work for very long in the state she's exhibited here) while other there are other people that need help, too. In this sort of situation - which I saw on Daily Kos - people start resorting to a sort of poverty grandstanding. And in those cases help may end up going to the squeakiest wheel rather than the person who needed it most but became ashamed when a more dramatic person posted right after them. (For example, when I posted about welfare on Daily Kos (without asking for money) my posts were immediately posted by a medical drama [valid if you accept the disease in question] and a "Suddenly Homeless" guy [scam] - they both seemed hyper-vigilant that I was about to work a "virtual corner" that they were determined to stake a claim to). I would like to support finding ways to help people without anyone jealously guarding "virtual corners" and issuing a new post whenever they see some new kid on the block who they think might be dipping into their bowl.
So what really excites me about this Wishadoo concept - if I'm reading it correctly - is the possibility for people with recurring financial needs for several months to take a sort of part time temp job so they won't have to write begging posts. Is this how it works? After their cases are vetted, and it's determined they absolutely need financial help to tide them over, they can take a job with Wishadoo for a few months?
If this is the case I have one other question: are you going to be careful to tax report this in such a way that it doesn't screw anyone's application for SSI/SSDI (re: they "are unable to work"
. Also, if they are receiving food stamps or other government aid, this kind of job might also undermine that, so a discussion of forms of payment might be in order. One thing you could do is pay someone's rent instead of cutting them a check, though.
and almost posted in reply, thanking you for your insight.
You could help me a lot if this progresses. You really do have a tremendous amount of helpful, practical insight and bring up so many excellent points here.
I wasn't thinking of employment in the way you mention, but that is a great idea to explore. (I'm needing a core group of long-term employees with certain skills, and already have most of them in mind [DUers] who have helped on and off for all these years.)
Thank you. If it's okay with you, I'll message you shortly.
I'll come back to this thread a bit later to reply to other comments as well.
Over the last eight years, I've acted as a sherpa of sorts (and that's what I want to hire a few others to do as well).
I completely respect the need -- the right -- to autonomy. There is no bureaucratic red tape at Wishadoo, though based on the eight years I have created a protocol, though not nearly as stringent and soul-sucking as most social services are required to do.
And, yes about the SSI application. That is a HUMONGOUS gaping hole in the social safety net. Definitely.
I am going to message you with other contact information, understanding that any form of communication is limited for you right now.
Thanks again, daredtowork
I had not heard of that couple, I can't bear to read about it at this moment but will come back this morning.
I have faith in you and in the effort.
At the same time that I kind of cringe at how easy it is to raise funds for a clever iPhone accessory or other gadget, I want to think that a similar funding vehicle can work for human causes if only we can find the right way to engage.
People have the giving spirit in them, never give up believing that.
I'm here to help, let me know.
Gracias.
I don't want to create a separate post to ask this, so hopefully someone will see this and know the answer.
When polls are created, are we able to see who voted how in the poll?
I'm hoping not. I want to ask a fairly sensitive question via a poll here and want people to feel free to answer without anyone else knowing HOW they answered.
Hope that makes sense. Thanks.
I may try to set up a SurveyMonkey poll tomorrow and post a link to it. I need to also set up a MailChimp newsletter and I see they merged with SurveyMonkey, so that's cool.
Now that I'm ramping up to get back on track, I need to get my ducks in a row. DU members provide great feedback about a variety of things, so I am grateful interest has been expressed in this thread.
Thanks again, Phentex!
Thank you for the PM. I appreciate you, niyad.
