DAY TWO: Give $20, Afghan Institute of Learning Gets 10%
18 November 2009 9:46 am by Taylor Marsh
Bumped, with important note added.
“The audience is there, the need has never been greater,” he added, saying his team planned to launch a new, independent publication. Douglas-Brown agreed, saying, “It’s a tremendous loss. … None of these publications have been shut down for a lack of stories.” – Gay publications close after bankruptcy
TM NOTE: If you haven’t given this year (or can afford to give again), here’s another chance. Please give (credit cards welcome) if you can. I need more people to join in.
Some of you may think this video is a little odd coming from a die hard Miles Davis and jazz buff. It’s about the lyrics. It’s about the journey. She’s absolutely right. As I look towards 2010, that point is crystallizing once again for me.
For those who can’t give money, thanks for the emails, the stories sharing what you’re going through, and how much you appreciate the work I do. No one knows more than myself how tough it is; just read the article at the top of the page. Still, businesses covering stories that matter are folding every day. Think about the Stupak-Pitts amendment. Imagine if the reporting and writing I do every day wasn’t around.
As I said to thousands yesterday, doing fundraisers “suck,” but they are a reality for new media orgs like mine. I’ve been online since 1996, one of the first, even a very first in some instances, and I’ll always be here. But this is a business for me, something that goes beyond the new media side, though it also a calling.
Things will be different next year and I’m excited about it. A project I’ve begun taking priority, no matter what finally manifests. After all, it’s not always about outcome. It’s the journey.
Finally, thanks for those who have supported this site all year, including with your readership, coming back every day, you die hard commenters, but also those who spread the word about the work I do; it’s something that costs you nothing financially, but adds up on advertising and many other things.
For those who have supported this site financially all year, though I can’t name you all for fear of missing someone important, you are part of the reason this site has survived beyond an archive and publicity point this year. The realities of doing this side of my business hitting home hard in this economy.
It’s been a tremendous year for me, with the move to Washington, D.C. not only important, but rewarding and astoundingly productive, with the progress I’ve made really beyond what I could imagine manifesting before landing here. Grateful doesn’t begin to cover it.
As I look towards the holidays it will be quite a celebration of spirit around our house. As we look towards next year. I’m excited, even as the work I’m now turning to do will be daunting. I know the journey will rock.
________________________original fundraising post below_____________________
The last fundraiser of the year is here.
The goal is 200 people giving $20.
For every $20 you give, TM LLC will donate 10% to the Afghan Institute of Learning.
SUPPORT TAYLOR’s CONTINUED WORK
Nickolas Kristoff’s “Half the Sky” website includes this organization on his “get involved” list.
What is the Afghan Institute of Learning?
The Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) is committed to bringing peace and dignity to Afghan people as they struggle to overcome poverty, oppression, devastation, and injustice. AIL’s internationally recognized work is improving the health and education of Afghan women and children, relieving their suffering after three decades of war and civil strife, and enhancing the quality of their lives.
Regular readers know my commitment to women’s issues, but also foreign policy, which includes women around the world. Writing about their struggles, but also supporting their importance in the stability of their country, especially in Afghanistan. Without women being involved directly in their country’s future, they will never have stability.
I’m in the beginning phases of a project I’ll announce in early 2010. The work I do takes money. Advertising is critical, but so is the money you invest.
For every $20 you give, TM LLC will give 10% to the Afghan Institute of Learning.
Please join in and give. It’s the only way I can continue my work.
