November 12, 2010
today i committed to taking Off the Mat's Global Seva Challenge of raising $20,000 in 33 days. the money will go towards HIV prevention as well as supporting, feeding and educating AIDS orphans in South Africa. when i reach my goal of $20,000 by December 15th, i will travel to South Africa in February 2011 for 2 weeks on the Bare Witness Tour to work directly with the organizations and children that are supported by this fundraising. i will be documenting my experiences through writing and photography, so those who support me in this endeavor can see the direct impact of their donations.
i heard of this seva challenge last weekend at a karma yoga workshop in SF with Kerri Kelly. i attended the workshop because, like so many others, i am looking for ways to live a more purposeful life. i thought a karma yoga (selfless service) workshop would provide me with some structure and inspiration because, also like so many others, i have difficulty translating my good intentions into action. good intentions are just not enough to create change in a world that greatly needs, and is fully capable of, change.
Christine, one of the other students in the workshop, was $3000 away from her $20,000 goal. as she spoke of her experience and of the Off the Mat (OTM) organization, i started to get inspired. OTM's Global Seva Challenge is a program that "builds community, provokes critical consciousness about global issues of social justice and equity, and raises significant funds to support communities in crisis." what an amazing way to give back; i wanted to join the challenge! i thought, "if i start now and the trip is in February, i'll have 3 months to raise the money."
so, i decided to go for it. 3 months would be a stretch, but hey, anything's possible! i started brainstorming like crazy for fundraising ideas. i was getting excited! the next day, however, i did some research and found out that the money is due by December 15, 2010. my heart sank. 5 weeks? how in the world am i going to raise $20,000 in 5 weeks?! i almost threw in the towel. i held it in my hand, drew my arm back, and was about to let go. and then i thought... well... hm... call me crazy (many people do anyway), but maybe it is possible. how would i know if i didn't even try? even if i didn't reach $20,000, all the money i raise is still going to support these organizations in South Africa... and isn't that the point?
so here i am, ready to work, think, collaborate and hope. everyday i will set my intentions of reaching this $20,000 goal. it's going to take some time, creative ideas, and help from others, 3 things that i'm not lacking. every time i tell someone of this challenge, (and after their eyes widen and shrink back down to normal size), they add another fundraising idea to my list. i've got everything from hosting a speed-dating night to donation-based yoga classes; the list is long. now it's just a matter of getting focused, and thinking positive. all comments and other fundraising ideas are welcome! thanks for reading, and i hope you join me on this journey, as i'll be writing about my progress over the next 5 weeks. wish me luck!
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