Obi-J

Taking part of the Synergenesis conference last Saturday I was reminded of the power of collaboration. So often we think that great things happen because of an individual. That’s not to say that an individual can’t do great things, but truly great things happen when you have the confluence of many.

While I’ve been inspired by events like Synergenesis, at the same time I’m somewhat dismayed by the fact that so much time, money, and energy are focused on things that could be considered self-serving. I’m not trying to be accusatory or self righteous. I feel the same way about Burning Man and especially so about those people who sit in line for 12 hours waiting to buy their $600 Playstation 3 or $2,000 LCD TV. I’m surrounded by privelage, yet little if any is done to focus energies on outreach to those not as privelaged as us.

It’s sad to me that every year we have to be reminded that there are people that don’t have the means to have a decent meal on Thanksgiving. What’s more, these same people likely have the same hardship throughout the year, yet it’s only during the holidays that it’s given any credence.

What’s even more disheartening is that I myself fall into these same traps of selfishness and obliviousness. On a daily basis I have to consciously remind myself of this, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear and obvious way to channel these thoughts and concerns. Well, that’s not entirely true.

About a year ago I conceived an idea of an arts foundation which purpose would be to provide a channel for giving back to the bay area community in the form of financial grants and volunteerism. Now, this isn’t a truly unique idea as other orgs are already doing similar things. However, their are fundamental differences in what I want the foundation to accomplish.

First, I really want to bring the idea of giving back to one’s community to the forefront of our minds. Not only that, I want it to be so simple that it’s second nature. In essence, I want to help make that be part of our culture. I want to make myself and others familiar with the number of organizations that are already making a difference in our community and how easy it is to plug yourself in.

Second, I want to set up a consistent and constant stream of financial grants to these orgs. Charitable funds typically come from large grants and donations. Or from one-off events where all the proceeds go to a charity. While I think these are great, I want to move toward a model similar to tithing or the donation jar at the grocery checkout where a small portion of ticket prices for across numerous events throughout the year is aggregated and then distributed. Individually they may be small, but in aggregate they are great.

Third, I want this foundation to follow the open source model where it’s built not just by me, but anyone who wants to get involved. Sure, there would be a formal structure, but anyone who is willing and able to contribute has the opportunity. I also want it to be something that can easily be implemented in other communities eager to find ways of contributing to the greater good in their own cities and towns.

At the end of the day, I simply want my friends to be proud that they’ve made a difference in other’s lives. Too many of us, myself included, feel that our role in our community is devoid of meaning. Devoid of substance. We go to our jobs, hang out with our friends, go to the bar, and continue to wonder what good are we doing. I want to help change that. I want you to help change that.