The world is a scary place right now, what with Donald Trump leading the polls to be the next GOP presidential candidate. He got there espousing a terrifyingly fascist ideology, which was applauded by many. Strangely enough, those cheering him the loudest are also screaming about some mythical American Exceptionalism, about how America is the only one defending the free world... and yet, and yet, they're clapping mindlessly to a man who seems to have pulled his political ideas right from Hitler's own play book. Yeah, yeah, it seems very Godwin's law to say so, but damn it if it isn't true. I'm not the only one to have noticed it:
Still, Canada voted out our incumbent ass, so I still have hope for a rational outcome.
Then there is the horrific issue of climate change. No one is denying the science any more, except for a few outliers. I write this nearing the middle of December, in a very green Ottawa. I miss the snow. The news seems horribly dire, and no one who can do anything about it appears to be doing anything about it.
I stress about it a fair amount, actually.
Then there are all the smaller things like the social issues - misogyny, racism, other idiotic bigotries, discrimination and wilful ignorance.
The problems of the world feel so big. It's easy to get overwhelmed and paralysed.
But I don't want to be paralysed. I don't want to freeze. Why? Because the world needs people to act. Even the smallest action could ripple along the sands of time and create the most incredible outcome.
I've started small, what with being very vocal about injustice when I see it, and in my own location with Sky Road Walker, and donating proceeds from that book once it's out to a local charity.
It feels silly and small and not enough. But it's a start. And it's that little start that has unfrozen me. I want to do more for the world.
So, starting today... as soon as it's finished creating... I've created a Kiva team. Anyone can join. Anyone can give at any time, but I'll be starting a Christmas campaign to raise as much as we can to help entrepreneurs all around the world start building better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
What is Kiva? Well, it's a fantastic site where people like us can give as little as $25.00 in a small business loan to people half a world away so they can start a business. Kiva explains it better than I do:
The Have a Heart Campaign is an ongoing thing. Anyone can donate at any time for any reason. I've decided that any money I make from my sales of the merchandise from Human (that this stuff here) throughout the year will go towards the Have a Heart Campaign. So, not the book purchases, but any of the related artwork/products.
This launches my first ever, very poorly thought out (I literally just thought of it this morning on my walk into work) Christmas campaign.
Having trouble coming up with a Christmas gift for someone this year? Offer a micro-loan via Kiva in their name. They get that glow-y feeling knowing that someone who needs it is getting help, you get to feel awesome yourself, and someone gets to realise a dream! It's the perfect gift!
Join the team and help make a world of difference to someone this holiday season.
Thanks!
Ciao.