Dear Kossack friends, and supporters of a new, healthier, more humane, ecologically- and economically-sound food and agriculture system...
This is the promised follow-up to my diary of January 13 (it seems like an age ago): Helping your fellow NKossacks get to Netroots Nation '08!
That diary had two aims. First, recognizing that the Netroots Nation convention (July 17-20, in Austin, TX) is out of financial reach for some of our most valuable allies and coconspirators, it proposed a decentralized, grassroots fundraising model by which various formal or informal groups of Kossacks could arrange "scholarships" for their members.
Second, it launched that scholarship fundraising process for one particular group: those who are active in food and farm issues at Daily Kos. Many thanks are due to those who gave money and/or offered other assistance on that day. Your generosity is appreciated, a lot.
Several people indicated, however, that they'd be eager to give at a later date, and suggested I take this for another spin in early February. For members of our group who can't afford to give now, or who simply have other recipients in mind for their limited donation dollars (tapped out for Obama, anyone?)... please don't worry. My intention is not to pressure anyone. For those who did want to contribute, however, here is your reminder. I would like to purchase our scholarship registrations by the end of next week, so time is running out.
Here is where we stand today, following last diary's template:
1. Need. There have been four "applicants" for the scholarship dollars available. Of these four, farmerchuck has been very open about his desire/need for a scholarship, and strong community support has been expressed for granting him one. As a struggling-yet-innovative small farmer himself, and vocal advocate for change in agricultural policy, he'd be an excellent resource at the convention. Three other worthy folks have indicated need as well, and we will provide registrations to as many of these persons as we can afford to, probably on a random basis.
2. Managing expenses beyond the registration cost. I'm happy to announce that, through the generosity of several persons willing to share/donate hotel rooms, we have lodging entirely covered for scholarship recipients (and any of the other applicants who don't receive registration scholarships, if that turns out to be useful). Thank you so much!!
Air travel is an entirely different story. This is a major part of the convention expense for most people, and is proving the most difficult to cover. If there is anybody out there who has more airline miles than they know what to do with, and wishes to donate a ticket, please contact me at cherryriver1@gmail.com.
3. Community financial contributions. To date, a total of about $173 has been raised directly towards scholarships. Thank you to those who have given! As you can see, however, this is less than the $250 we need for even one scholarship registration. We'd really like to see at least two happen. So if you're one of those who's been meaning to give... or you're seeing this call for the first time and feel motivated to give...
The donation button is right here. It's that orange one on the bottom of the page.
Since that's the button for all Recipe for America donations, please also either post a comment on this thread or send me a quick email at cherryriver1@gmail.com, confirming that your contribution is intended to go specifically towards scholarships.
4. Selection of recipients. We'd love to send all four applicants, but will have to narrow the field (as mentioned above) if funds are limited. If you are one of the applicants, I will get in touch directly, within about 2 weeks, to let you know what we're able to offer you and discuss practical details.
Note to Kossacks in general: if you think this sort of organized effort is a good idea, but don’t feel particularly affiliated with the food & farm community, I urge you to consider using this model to set up something similar for your own "special interest groups," or even for your friends.
Thank you to everyone who's taken the time to read this, and everyone who's participated in the process so far, as a donor, advisor, provider of technical assistance, or applicant. It's a great bunch of people 'round here.
See as many of you as possible at Netroots Nation!
And, again... the donation button: HERE.