This is a multi-tiered initiative.
First I must take care of myself - then others.
To that end I have a few projects in the works. I am a creative (writing being one of my endeavors) but have not earned my living at it. I am seeking new avenues for myself, approaching meeting my goals differently and assessing the current economic/political landscape. What a reality check! I also want to ensure that as many of us get out of the "Matrix" as possible and have full, active lives.
In order for me to continue with these endeavors I must ask for some assistance from readers, commenters, naysyers, lurkers, etc. You now who you are. I am requesting donations to help fund my writing/activism as well as assist me with a pending move/career change. Think of yourself as an early-adopter in the next Microsoft where your return will greatly outweigh your investment. I'd prefer to not leave Northern California as I LOVE IT but the reality of the market has forced me to reevaluate that. I'm open to all viable options and am listening to the voice from On High.
In case the widget doesn't work I've added a link here and to my sidebar.
I know I usually don't discuss any of my personal religious beliefs for a reason but I have found that we can ask God questions and get a definitive reply. For example there was a man I was very interested and one night out of the blue I was told to ask him about his relationship status. He was married! I had no idea. I was given a clear answer to my questions about his character as I had prayed about it. No I didn't "like" what I found out but it was best to cut my losses early on than waste my time with an inadequate person. I dodged a bullet there!!
I asked a question about my efforts at realizing my goals and this was the answer I got amongst other steps I will need to take. I feel a little awkward about such a public display but I have to follow through with this. We can have abundant, fulfilling futures but they usually require we step outside of some of our comfort zones. As I create multiple revenue streams in the future I need to take care of some immediate needs today. I've set up a Chip In account on my sidebar to accept donations. I will be happy to reciprocate in kind to other's endeavors as I'm able.
I appreciate all that I've learned from other bloggers and readers who've offered so many words of wisdom. I am continually challenged and think I've finally come into my own. Now it's time for the next step and it needs to be taken boldly. I have an e-book of blog posts in the works (donations of $50 and up will get a copy), a fiction novel based on my Cinderella post and an SEO marketing consultancy. I am also continuing my education in the media arts. I must still increase my social circle, work on getting into better physical condition and limiting/eliminating toxic influencers. All of the things we discuss here and at other blogs for the free agency of women.
Two more quick things:
SXSW Interactive features five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders and an unbeatable line up of special programs showcasing the best new websites, video games and startup ideas the community has to offer.1. I have submitted a panel for SXSW 2010!! Logo/Info borrowed courtesy of SXSW. Voting started on Monday and I need your support. The title is Black Female Bloggers and the Future of Media under my name (Faith Dow). If you click on the link and it doesn't open it's because the interest is so high for panels their server keeps crashing. You just click a thumbs-up button after a brief registration. It's quick trust me.
2. WAM! 2010 is accepting proposals. Women, Action & the Media is a conference for activists, journalists and all interested parties of gender justice in media. We know who's getting the stub! It's not a coincidence that their theme is:
I had already submitted my panel idea to SXSW before WAM! released their area of focus. While I work on this proposal I wanted to give everyone a head's up that you too can submit one and I think many of you readers should.
7 comments:
Faith,
I don't know if the problem is with my browser or this particular ChipIn widget; but it won't open when I click it (my browser is blocking a pop-up even though I turned that feature off). Also, copying and pasting the url address doesn't work either. I'll try again later today.
In any event, I'm sure that you're on your way!
Peace, blessings and solidarity.
Khadija: Thank you very much for your participation. I am on my way and want to see ALL of us thriving. This is our moment and I feel the undercurrent of change and a momentum building. I just want to make sure it's being directed where it needs to be and in ways that will work best for us. **BIG SMILE**.
I am loving this, I'm feeling it...There's this great shift ongoing. Some are looking back and going back, but those destined for greatness are being propelled forward with power from ON HIGH.
I'll certainly be chipping.
"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
Bluebutterfly: I am very grateful that you are inspired. I am out here grustling! Grind + Hustle. I am so close to...something....I'm not quite sure what, where and how but I'm gonna keep plugging away at it! Thank you for your support!
Hi Faith
I will be chipping in through a 'freind' (thats how I make donations online)before the closing date.
Go for Gold!
Faith, among Nigerians (and MANY other ethnics, including Caribbean blacks, Asians, etc.), there's a custom called an "ESUSU." This is the name for it among Nigerians, but when I researched this practice, it has about hundreds of names since it is practiced worldwide and has been going on for hundreds, if not thousands of years.
It's an informal way of saving money and providing seed money for businesses, projects, pay debts, etc.--practiced a LOT among people who want to get business capital, pay off loans, get money for various expenses. It's a kind of savings and no-interest loan system that operates among a group of people who know each other. This is how it works:
Let's say that you and 9 other women who you know well (relatives, friends, colleagues, etc.) decided to start an Esusu. Y'all (the ten of you) would decide 3 things:
1. how much each of you can afford to put into the esusu each month on a specific date. Let's say $50 is comfortable for each of you.
2. how long it will last. Let's say in this case, it would go on for 10 months.
3. you would then all put your names into the hat and pull out who's going to get the $500 month 1, month 2, month 3, . . . month 10.
I've known plenty of Nigerians who were involved in an esusu and sometimes, they may be involved in 2, 3 or 4 of them at the same time. This is how a lot of Nigerian women get the money to start their hairbraiding shops here. Some folks use their esusu money to pay off credit cards, tuition, and other debts. I've been in several esusus myself, mostly because they're FUN! Aside from the money saving aspect, they're a great way to meet and mingle with other likeminded women because they bring the women together on a frequent basis for socializing AND you REALLY get to know people when you mix people and their and money!!! You find out who is reliable and trustworthy and who's not.
In the U.S., I've been in esusus with Africans and AAs. The way we did it here was that we wrote up a simple contract and had everyone sign it. I don't know whether such a contract is enforceable by U.S. law, but it was better than nothing, and it was another way of letting the AAs (especially) know that this was not "get over" time. We knew that many AAs are not familiar with cultural practices like this and might try to get over on the rest of us. But we never had to even threaten to take anyone to court to get the money because it's mostly an "honor" thing. Also, we screened people before we let them join. If they had bad money management problems or was about to lose their job, we didn't let them join--even if the woman was someone's sister or close friend.
Africans AND other ethnics take esusus seriously because it's the only savings and loan system many of them have or even need. There is no interest charged on the loans and that's a biggie.
The last esusu I was in (years ago), we each put in $100 each per month. I was in another one that ran concurrently where we put in $75 each. There were different people involved in each group, but sometimes some of the same people can be in more than one esusu with you because you can take the money you get from one group and pay your esusu for the other one, if necessary. These groups accomplish their goal, but they have to be well-run or else people will not feel secure.
Halima: Thanks!
Evia: The information you shared is very useful!
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