Who
Are We?
We are ordinary people just
like you. We came together because we wanted to
give something back, and we knew that we were not
alone in this desire. We came together not knowing
what the end result of 08donate would be, but we
were willing to give it our best.
Thanks
I offer the following individuals my
sincerest gratitude for everything they did to get the 08donate
message to the American people.
• Lynne Twist
• Roshi Joan Halifax
• Merle
Lefkoff
• Kay Sandberg
• Andrea Thompson
• Vinnie Travisano
• Gioia Francella
• David Player
• Mary Ellen Bennet
• David
Schutten
• Larry Werner
• Bart Cleveland
• Robyn Geary
• Claudio Ruben
• Josephine
Silva
• Christy Hadzick
• Chris Woodburn
• Laura Stahlburg
• Katherine Kuni
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A lot
of people feel just a little funny about the 2008 Stimulus Rebate.
They are thinking it won't do much good.
But you actually can do a world of good
with your rebate. Give
it to a cause you believe in. That's the simple idea behind
08donate.
08donate is an all-volunteer, grassroots campaign
to help people find and support causes they believe in. It's
about coming together and supporting the work of nonprofits
that are protecting the planet, empowering the poor, educating
children, rebuilding communities, eradicating disease, and
supporting countless other causes.
Our mission is to stimulate a conversation
about giving back, not giving up. We are building a movement
that's all about making a difference.
If just 1% of the $152 billion rebate* gets
donated, that's $1.52 billion. Imagine the good it will do.
(Note* $152 billion figure is from the official
White House Press Release about the Economic Stimulus Act of
2008, H.R. Bill 5140 , Office of the Press Secretary, Feb 13th
2008.)
In April I attended a workshop led by a fundraising
coach named Lynne Twist. Lynne and the workshop attendees -
from nonprofits all across the world - taught me much, and
not just about fundraising. This incredible group of people
reconnected me to my passion for helping others. They were
brilliant reminders of the power of individual action. What
we do, or don't do, does matter.
A few days after my inspiring workshop, I began the dreary
task of doing my taxes, and I also received the official notice
about the rebate. The notice didn't excite me in the least.
I tossed it into the trash and mumbled to myself, "whatever."
Then a couple days later, that "whatever" turned into an "oh
my!" I had an idea. Not only could I donate my rebate to a
good cause, but I could invite others to do the same. A massive
giving campaign could unify the country, cultivate a new spirit
of civic engagement, and support great causes all across the
planet.
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Yes, this was an idea
I had to run with. I didn't know exactly how I would get the message
out, I just knew that I had to try.
So, I began sharing the idea with others. The response was incredible, and it
moved me deeply. Not only did people get the giving message, but they wanted
to help, they wanted to give, and they wanted to tell everyone they knew about
08donate.
And so it began. 08donate was an idea that needed to become a reality, and people
came on board to make it so.
| A Movement in
Progress. Stay Tuned! |
Our campaign will be
spread entirely by word of mouth - online and offline. As
our movement continues through the summer, we will update
you on our progress. So, come back to our site regularly
- share your giving story, tell us the giving buzz
you are hearing, and read about what others are doing.
Thank you for being a part of 08donate!
Carmen Silva
08donate Founder
Have something to say,
want to help promote the movement or just need to tell us
something? Use our blog in Tell Your Story or email us at info@08donate.com
| 08donate is seeking
a pro-bono public relations partner. If you can help
out, email us at info@08donate.com. |
"Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful,committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's
the only thing that ever has." - Margaret
Mead
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