Don’t Give Me Money

“Don’t give me money” is not an everyday call to action coming from an organization that depends on contributions to survive.

So when i got an email from Emily Jacobi, the founder and CEO of Digital Democracy, saying just that, it caught my attention. Under the subject line “Don’t Send us Money,” Emily alerts her readers to the urgent work of protecting vulnerable communities made more vulnerable by the election of Donald Trump. This is work that Digital Democracy doesn’t do. So instead of newsjacking or ambulance chasing or resorting to one or another of the sophistries charities use to seem relevant during crises, Emily asks us instead to think about the organizations who are truly on the front lines of stopping the forces of hatred and bigotry.

Emily is a rare class act. I have known that as long as I have known her. Her email is reproduced in its entretly below.

Dear Mark ,

Our work with marginalized communities around the world relies on donations and grants, but today we don’t want you to send us money. From Native Americans to Muslims to people of color, the diverse communities of the U.S. are in a moment of fear and uncertainty. We urge you to stand in solidarity and donate to grassroots organizations that need your support more than ever right now:

Stand with the water protectors in North Dakota. Donate to Oceti Sakowin Camp, and take action to Stand with Standing Rock.
Follow and support the Southern Poverty Law Center, which provides critical research and resistance to hate crimes, hate speech and neo-Nazi activity, which are all on the rise following the presidential election.
Sign on to support the Movement for Black Lives and donate to the Black Youth Project 100.
Support the youth-led United We Dream in their urgent organizing to defend immigrants rights.
Look into initiatives in your local area. Check out this list of grassroots, regional organizations across the country working to defend against discrimination and racism.

Our work depends upon strong local partners like these. As we celebrate our 8th anniversary this month, we believe more than ever in the importance of embodying a practice of solidarity and support for marginalized communities. We invite you to read my letter reflecting on 8 years of Digital Democracy, what we believe, our long-term vision, and how we plan to expand our work to communities around the world including the U.S.

Letter from Emily: 8 Years of Digital Democracy

The future hangs in the balance. I believe in the power of all of us acting on behalf of the world we want to leave for future generations.

In gratitude,

Emily