GivingTuesday Extended

End-of-Year Founder Reflections

We are almost at the end of our first year, and I am still catching my breath on my mid-year reflections. As we approach what is referred to as GivingTuesday (when people are encouraged to donate to nonprofit organizations and other charitable causes) in the United States, I am conflicted about how a transnational Black feminist organization with anti-capitalist values presents itself in a way that is both honest and opening. Here is where I’ve landed: “Feel free to give us money, but what we want even more is your engagement!”

Feel free to give us money, but what we want even more is your engagement!

Money can only be used in transactions where we exchange it for what we really need. And this is a time for organizing freedom movements! We believe in the “power of the people” and can create the worlds we need with that energy and strength. We are extending (and expanding) GivingTuesday by asking you to share your voices and your financial resources for the full month of December (not just the first Tuesday).

We are extending (and expanding) GivingTuesday by asking you to share your voices and your financial resources for the full month of December (not just the first Tuesday).

At the same time, we do not want to close our hands to those who would share valuable resources, as we work to connect Black reparations, food sovereignty, and prison abolition movements. We are energized by the interactive arts, popular education, and community-based research activities that we engage with our partners, supported by individual and foundation funders. This is long haul work, and we hope that you will become a monthly donor. More importantly, we want you to join our conversations (e.g., about educational legacies and futures). And if you are just getting to know us, and want to test the waters with a one-time donation, you can do that as well. As you learn about SAEDi Collective and consider your level of engagement, please take a look at our mid-year report (shared below). After you’ve read it, let us know how you are moved to give in the comments section below.