HELP a DUer NOW: Hope + Action = Wishadoo!

Required disclaimer: The administrators of Democratic Underground have given permission for regular -- though limited -- discussion threads generated on the topic of Wishadoo!. The administrators of Democratic Underground make no claims regarding the legitimacy or illegitimacy of Wishadoo! or any fundraising efforts shared at Democratic Underground via Wishadoo!

I anticipate posting once or twice a week to bring attention to any DUers in need, and to keep you updated about the evolution of things at Wishadoo! (For those who don't know, I am the founder of Wishadoo!)

:)



I know things are dismal throughout the world right now, and even the word "hope" can cause some to have a knee-jerk negative reaction, as hopes have been diminished or destroyed altogether. The following Howard Zinn quote is one of my favorites and speaks to this issue so well:




I'm asking you to please try to have hope; if you can't, please allow those of us who are hopeful to hold that space for you, and support one another.

This is what Wishadoo! is all about. I invite you to learn more by visiting Wishadoo!, read about The Wishadoo! Vision, and learn what you can currently do at Wishadoo!


COOL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR DUERS: Not only is there a private group created at Wishadoo! for DUers where you can gather to discuss Wishadoo! specific things such as wishes, needs, and offerings, but we also have our own private Wishlist now as well! When DUers are in need, sometimes they want to keep it "in the family," so to speak, so the private Wishlist enables this to happen. When you register at Wishadoo! and want to join the private DU Group, please message me there (I'll be your first friend, "Wishadoo")or here, provide your DU name, and I'll send an invite.

:hi:

Now, on to the DUer in need….. phrigndumass (don'tcha just love that name? :rofl:)

He shared some of his story in this DU thread last week.

Here is a summary:




Please visit his WISHLIST POST to read more; at the bottom you'll see a DONATION button where you can offer whatever assistance you're able.

Money won't always be what is required to help one another, but sometimes that is indeed what it takes.

phrigndumass is one of many brilliant DUers; he has investigated his options thoroughly and is reaching out for help now. If by some miracle you have suggestions to help his situation, please contact him here at DU or at Wishadoo!

THANK YOU FOR READING!!! :hug:

:hug::hi:

to BE the change we wish to see in the world.

My hope level is not as high as I would like it to be, and knowing that DUers of all types come together now & again to help one another is a wonderful reminder that people *CAN* do good for one another. Altruism is not dead.

Even if all I can give is $20-50, maybe that will encourage others, maybe making noise about helping one in need is also good for us...

:grouphug: to my DU fam, I have been supported so much in the past few years here... I offer myself to this cause.

:kick:

K&R

n/t

Once you are on the receiving end of such generosity, you have no choice but to be changed for life. When my situation is finally resolved, I will pay it forward. For those in need, I'll be a friend in hope and in action.

Thank you! :grouphug:

And I'm beyond excited to see it up and running and *making a difference* even at this early stage. You go, girl!

:toast:

Thank you so much for your gift! I am in awe of this community of sharing, and my life will be easier to manage thanks to your generosity. May it come back to you tenfold! - Sven =) from:BonoboYour Note to Disability - Med Bills Skyrocketing; Need Funds to Close on House Sale; Possible Lawsuit:Sorry you are having hard times. I hope this fundraiser helps you.

:loveya:

:kick:

I've been reading it daily for the last few weeks; it helps me stay focused. ;)

:hi:

kick

If everyone that thought to rec gave just $5, the cost of a sandwich, he would already have over $200.

So what the fuck?

that this would have had 80 recs within the first hour or two.

Most everyone is struggling financially, so I try not to judge in that regard since I struggle so myself (but you're right about even $5 contributions adding up).

But I am surprised this didn't get more attention and support, especially since there is now a place at Wishadoo! for DUers to gather and help one another in this way without getting admin approval, which was always so cumbersome for all involved, including the admins.

I guess I picked a bad day to post it, but there shouldn't ever be a "bad" day to post about helping one another, imho.

:(

BTW, I send hugs your way, Bonobo. Keeping Japan and all who live there in my thoughts and prayers...:hug: :hug: :hug:


:grouphug:

Goal: $8,000
Raised Yesterday: $95
Raised So Far: $455
This is 5.7% of Goal
Needed to Reach Goal: $7,545

Thank you to everyone who gave yesterday! I am very grateful!

The giving graphs are at the links below (I don't have a webspace to store them):


http://www.box.net/shared/keuc1mj2cn


http://www.box.net/shared/7hp7nqohje

Things could change greatly for my situation if that happens. Please ask others to rec this thread this morning! Thank you!

:grouphug:

.

Good morning, phrigndumass!

:hug:

Thank you for doing all this for me! You're a remarkable person!

:hi:

Will donate later today -- good luck.

:loveya:

is that it supports the status quo. We keep propping up capitalism, an inherently unfair economic system, and then try to make amends by giving the few extra pennies we have to charities. Our primary goal should be destruction of a cruel system, not band-aids while perpetuating it.

That said, it's hard to knock helping other DUers - I am certainly in favor of that. But please keep in mind the larger issues involved.

I'm largely in agreement about charities, and feel we should instead fight for social justice.

If you're referring to Wishadoo! it's not a charity; it's about people connecting directly, in ways beyond money, to help one another.

And to brainstorm about ways to tackle the larger issues of which you speak on a variety of levels. ;)

I hope that helps clarify things.

:hi:

to help with specific needs. It's not "charity".

And the OP of this thread is more active with ideas on how to change the system than most people on this forum...she is just bursting w/ideas. ;)

but the OP's claim that this does not involve money is somewhat disingenuous if we are given links for donating funds. It can be called "grass roots" or "connecting" or whatever term makes people feel happy. Please let's not lose sight of the fact, though, that there is an increasing pool of "us" (folks with very little resources) scraping the bottom of our barrels to help each other out while we are being robbed blind by billionaires and corporations.

I'm sure the OP is a terrific person and full of ideas and so forth ... no argument there.

What I wrote in the OP is: "Money won't always be what is required to help one another, but sometimes that is indeed what it takes."

:shrug:

I am indeed one of those with very little resources. I have lived paycheck to paycheck for a decade, no insurance, self-employed, single parent, truly no safety net whatsoever.

I know the "us" of which you speak. I'm one of them.

And it's exactly why I created Wishadoo! So we could come together -- outside of the existing system -- to help one another and create a new way of doing things.

(And I have a bit of a Robin Hood complex, so I'm always trying to think of how to shift the resources from those who have, to we who have not. ;))

Unfortunately, as noted in the OP and which I copied and pasted above, some people simply need money to solve their problem. I didn't intend for fundraisers to be part of Wishadoo, but the sad truth is that sometimes that is what is needed.

I don't encourage nor expect people to give what they don't have. And, really it's not up to me, I'm just sharing my personal viewpoint and intention with Wishadoo!

What I do hope for is that people will try to help by thinking outside the box. Try to come up with solutions for individuals' needs that perhaps already exist or can be resolved in another way. It's why creating a free Resource Directory that people can refer to when they have any number of crises or problems is part of what I want to offer at the site; the Wishlist comes into play when all other avenues have been exhausted, especially in a crisis situation.

The person in need has often tried everything he/she knows to try, and is in a dire state by the time he/she posts publicly asking for help.

Anyone who is familiar with my posts here at DU knows that I DO focus on tackling the bigger problems, at the core, trying to find ways to change the existing corrupt systems. Wishadoo! is my attempt to simultaneously -- because I believe we can multitask (something that many disagree with me about) -- alleviate suffering AS we attack the larger ills of our society.

I'm happy to answer any more questions you or anyone else has.

:hi:

I appreciate you.

:hug:

:yourock:

I wrote a rant about a week ago slamming the insurance industry, the banks and the housing industry. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x687936

The types of problems I'm having now will continue to happen to many others as long as banks and insurance companies are allowed to frolic around the country doing as they wish without regulation or oversight.

:hi:

and the link to your "rant" - I completely agree with the entire post.

I'm sorry for your current problems, and those others are facing. As long as we prop up capitalism we will be dealing with this and it is heartbreaking.

I always worry about us getting sidetracked with "charitable" ventures, but the thing that I can see that is different and positive about Wishadoo! is that it does have the potential to bring folks together, and we sorely need that.

I guess it "takes a village" ... until wrongs can be righted, we need to depend on each other. Wishadoo wants to accomplish something like that, and I hope they succeed!

:hi:

Your gift means a lot to me! :loveya:

.

:kick:

:loveya:

BTW, sent you an email.

Thanks mmonk, I replied :)

You're looking smooth with those kicketties :P

.

:kick:

Hi Gang,

Here's today's update:
Goal: $8,000
Raised Yesterday: $10
Raised So Far: $465
This is 5.8% of Goal
Needed to Reach Goal: $7,535

Below are the giving graphs through yesterday. Thank you to everyone for your kicks, recs, and gifts!








All my best,
- Phrig :)


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It's great to see you - it's been a long time. :hi: I'll check in here later to familiarize myself with what's going on. All of my best to you.

Good to see your post! I've missed a lot of you guys over the past 18 months or so.

All my best back to you!

:hi:

:D



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:loveya: It's great to see you again. I've missed you, my friend.

Thanks for your gift! And for your interior decorating skills!!! :D

for many of us. You gave us a comprehensive understanding of what was going on as well as having a wonderful and thoughtful heart to go with it. :hug:
I may be able to help out a little more in the near future- depending on a few budgeting things, but it's my pleasure. I wish all of the best for you - you deserve happiness and joy.

I'm reminded that all I should need in this world is friends like you. I'm so happy that my Daily Widget posts kept people informed, it was a very satisfying experience for me!

You're the best! :D

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:kick:

Let's see if we can find 20 DUers who will put hope into action by donating only five bucks each by noon Wednesday (3/30). By then, it will be exactly one month before my deadline of April 30, and that would put me over $500.

The link again to donate is http://www.giveforward.com/svensundberg

The link to my information on Wishadoo! is http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/view/disability-must-raise-funds-to-close-on-house-sale-possible-lawsuit/

20 people, five bucks each, by noon Wednesday.

Think we can do it?

If anyone is having doubts, PLEASE feel free to ask me any questions you may have about my situation. I have no shame or embarrassment at this point, only hope and need.

.

I am grateful for your gift! :hi:

... we need to "discuss what my role will be" when I return from disability. Now, I know there's nothing to worry about until there's something to worry about, but wouldn't you sense some doom in language like that? Like: "You're not fired, because we can't fire you, but we can give you the worst shit job we can think of and hope you quit."

Or maybe I'm going a little overboard here? :dilemma:

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Hi Gang,

Here's today's update:
Goal: $8,000
Raised Yesterday: $0
Raised So Far: $465
This is 5.8% of Goal
Needed to Reach Goal: $7,535

Below are the giving graphs through yesterday. Thank you to everyone for your kicks, recs, and gifts!








The challenge for 20 DUers to donate five bucks each by noon today is still on! There haven't been any takers yet.

All my best,
- Phrig :D

.

I think more people would give if more people saw the messages. Not sure what is the best way to go about that though. It would be nice if the op would automatically get redisplayed in GD every 1/2 hour for several days.

You just made my heart smile with those words of encouragement.

:)

:hug:

It would be nice if it could automatically be part of the Greatest Pages or something.

I plan to post OP's twice a week in order not to bombard GD, and we'll keep the two OP's kicked as much as possible. But depending upon what's going on in this crazy world at the time I post, it can sink like a rock. :(

Maybe the admins will see this and think of a way to have Wishadoo! -- and the fact that DU has its own private Wishadoo Group and Wishlist -- displayed somewhere. I can't afford advertising, so that's not an option.

If enough people express an interest - maybe suggesting it in Ask the Administrator - perhaps we can think of a viable way to do this?

I'll try to write another OP tomorrow, including how a conservative website dissed Wishadoo! and this recent thread, and reminding people of how Glenn Beck dissed Wishadoo! on his TV show last fall.

If they don't like us, and don't like Wishadoo!, we're doing something right.

Thanks again!

:hi:

You can say that again. And if they don't like Wishadoo, they are just cold-hearted assholes.

Thanks for caring so much, and doing something about it.

Exactly. I hope you're well. :hug:

Hi back at you. I am well, my lone kitty is going for radioactive iodine treatment next month for hyperthyroid, so hope he will be well too.

:hi:

My best vibes to you and your fur baby. :hug: And - may you get a break from the stress and all of the :-(. You are a fur saint - I mean that. Let me know if there's anything I can do.

Fur baby stopped eating about a week or two after I lost the one and I thought it was that he missed her. I took him to the vet to make sure nothing was wrong, and blood tests showed thyroid problem. Symptoms were not typical, I guess they call this apathetic hyperthyroidism. But all signs are that this is the only problem----pre-treatment bloodwork and x-rays show everything else looks good. He is such a good cat, I am just truly grateful that I am able to do this.

all that needs to be done to give him a long and happy life with you. Again - Saint of the fur babies, you are. :hug:

{{{{{{{{{{{{{Curmudgeoness}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I do hope things ease up for you soon. I miss my babies who have passed, and have several more -- not all "mine," but I'm kind of Cat Woman for strays and neighborhood babies (there's even a raven with a broken wing who has made my yard his home...the cats all leave him alone!) -- so I appreciate and admire your big heart and perseverance. It is so hard though; I also send good vibes your way....

As I mentioned in the OP, we can hopefully help one another beyond monetary needs, so if you guys want to join Wishadoo's private DU Group (when you join the site, PM me for an invite, since it is private), with its own Wishlist where you can post whatever you need and/or are offering which might ease another's suffering or (egads!) add some joy, that's what it's there for.

Thanks for the kind words above. :hi:

:hi: Myrna!!!

:grouphug:

and prior conditions. But these are the ones that are so hard to find homes for. I will perserve.

You do good too, with Wishadoo and with all your fur babies. Luckily, there is a cat lady behind me so I don't have to worry about the strays that always find her home. She is wonderful to have around, as I am sure you are. We (a few in the neighborhood) help her with food and vets, but she is the "home base". Glad it isn't me!

I will consider joining Wishadoo soon. It is a great idea.

Hi Gang,

Here's today's update:
Goal: $8,000
Raised Yesterday: $25
Raised So Far: $490
This is 5.8% of Goal
Needed to Reach Goal: $7,510

Below are the giving graphs through yesterday. Thank you to everyone for your kicks, recs, and gifts!








All my best,
- Phrig :D

.

Hi Gang,

Here's today's update:
Goal: $8,000
Raised Yesterday: $60
Raised So Far: $550
This is 6.9% of Goal
Needed to Reach Goal: $7,450

Below are the giving graphs through yesterday. Thank you to everyone for your kicks, recs, and gifts!








All my best,
- Phrig :)

.