preface

It is not a [man's] duty, as a matter of course, to devote [himself] to the eradication of any, even the most enormous wrong; [he] may still properly have other concerns to engage [him]; but it is his duty, at least, to wash his hands of it, and, if [he] gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically [his] support. If I devote myself to other pursuits and contemplations, I must first see, at least, that I do not pursue them sitting upon another [man's] shoulders. I must get off [him] first, that [he] may pursue [his] contemplations too. ~Henry David Thoreau , Civil Disobedience

volunteerism

in a nutshell, volunteering is the easiest way i know to make a difference. it doesn't take money or talent, although if you have specific talents volunteering is often a great way to exercise them while helping others. all you need is time, and right now you're sitting on your bottom reading my website so i know you have some to spare. so listen to me and the makers of overpriced denim products and shop g.i.ve. wait don't shop polo, just give a little bit. if you live in the greater chicago area, you can join me on these projects:

chicago cares -- great for busy professionals on the go, weekend and evening projects, no long-term commitment and a chance to try out many different opportunities by lending additional person-power to existing programs.

inspiration cafe -- close to my home and my heart. homelessness is most sad and absolutely abhorrent in a country of this wealth. give a shit about it, please.

planned parenthood -- complete 100 hours of service and qualify for a discount!

donations

consider making a few. i spend a lot of money on crap (mostly fine food and drink) i don't need, but i've found it entirely possible to donate some of my income each year to charities and organizations i wish to support. finding things to believe in is a lot harder than finding the spare change, but i am sure you have a leg up on me and already have your ideals. s0, yes, put your money where your mouth is. you can see my charities of choice on the call collect page. if you're cynical and think all charities are scams, at least test your theory by researching a few charities you might consider supporting and seeing if you can really dig up any dirt to confirm your suspicions. lastly, use tools such guidestar and charity navigator to get more information on your nonprofit(s) of choice.

conscientious consumerism

i won't pretend to be self-actualized in this area, but i don't believe in underselling my potential to consume carefully by deeming it impossible. every little bit does help. i don't think i will ever give up eating meat again, dairy is at my very core, and i will always need to buy bath products and cheap shoes but even with a meager amount of effort i can make these choices less harmful to animals, other people, and the pretty grass, trees and sky.

the decision to spend money is deeply personal and as i feel consumerism has reached addiction level in my culture, i treat shoppers like i treat my dear old alcoholic dad, i know change will only happen when it comes clearly from the person making it. i won't tell you how to spend your money, or even where not to spend it, but i will ask you politely to think about it. please find out where the bottom line is. and consider what it might honestly cost you to make a few positive choices. your money already is making a change in this profit-driven world, please harness that power for good, grasshopper.

footnote

like me, this page will be an ever-growing work in progress. seriously, someday i hope to be ten feet tall. please email me if you want to point me in further directions. i am not a jedi yet. and thank you to my parents, timmy, sandra, chris, molly, lainie, anton, jenn, and the many others out there who have started me down the different paths to more mindful living.