Ten Minutes or Ten Dollar$ - Your Choice
While we contemplate how to best support and deliver aid to the victims of
our current economic/societal crisis, please consider........
If you are unable to contribute cash, consider donating ten minutes.
This is an opportunity to put forth positive ideas on how one might best 'spend'
that time or cash. A suggestion on what you believe would result in the best
time/money use which would succeed in helping either individuals and/or efforts
in combating this crisis.
Remember, to suggest using time in volunteering may entail the use of monetary
expenditures for transportation, etc.
I pledge I will contribute the $10 and the ten minutes within the perimeters
of the best premise posted.(Of course, I get to choose - but you can pledge the
time and or money for your choice.)
Looking forward to your responses. (Please, focus on the positive.)
It's not creative, but $10 to the local food pantry. Or, if your community and/or state is still doing relatively okay, send it to a food pantry in Michigan.
Today, there was a story on NPR about how 1 in 4 kids in Michigan is now living in poverty and how more kids are in the foster care system because of neglect, not because their parents don't want to take care of them, but because they don't have the money for food, housing, or medical and dental care.
February 9, 2009 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is bad here, Orlando. Yesterday I was out and about at the local grocery store. There aren't as many boisterous, noisy kids in the aisles raising hell like kids do.
The kids you do see with their parents are serious, tripping along side the cart, quietly watching their mother put back the big box of Cheerios and reaching for the small box of store brand instead. Yep, they're getting fed for now, but how much longer are they gonna be able to afford even the small box?
I noticed something the other day...this probably isn't too appetizing for most, but road kill is a common sight here in rural Michigan. There's always a deer left for dead on the roadside. I haven't been seeing them lately. I see smears of blood on the pavement where a deer-car collision has taken place, but no more carcasses left on the shoulder for the turkey vultures to dispose of.
I have to believe those accidentally killed deer are being taken home for supper. Gross? Oh, yeah, you betcha it is for a lot of folks. But, a little venison stew is welcome amidst a steady diet of oatmeal and ramen noodles. I am dead serious. I have never seen such a...grimness in people.
It's been an economic nightmare here in Michigan for at least four years. The rest of the country is catching up to us now. Like our Gov. Granholm tells us, we were the first ones into the economic hole, hopefully, we'll be the first ones out.
As for my 10....as I have stated a couple times before in other blogs, my garden will be extra big this year...lots of storage veggies like potatoes, carrots and squash. So, I reckon it will be an extra $10 worth of seeds to plant for hungry kids in Michigan. (And I vow...NO BRUSSEL SPROUTS!)
February 9, 2009 7:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
I had a conversation with someone just the other day about "roadkill". In my teens, I hit a doe with my car. Couldn't avoid it, but it devestated me. I felt like a murderer. But in rural NC, the locals (my friends) thought of it not as a tragedy - but as dinner for several families. Their point was simple ... if you hunt for venison, why pass it up when placed in your lap bullet-free? The animal was dead either way ...
February 9, 2009 9:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some states allow and encourage collecting roadkill.
February 10, 2009 12:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
I hear ya', flowerchild. I live next door to Elkhart. It's pretty grim here too.
February 10, 2009 12:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Orlando, hello stranger and very good to hear from you.
We do have a food pantry and have contributed, will continue. (My gripe is that no longer can you take actual food, only money and they don't shop sales.)
Have thoughts on best us of 10 minutes? Please let me know.
February 9, 2009 7:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
10 minutes isn't too much time. Maybe calls to your elected officials to lobby for them to do right by their constituents?
If you have a little more than 10 minutes, tutoring a kid in math or reading is a good plan.
February 10, 2009 12:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Better not be a liberals kid you're planning on tutoring for ten minutes. Given all the en Uterueo brain damage most liberal's kids suffered from drug abuse, they've all got AD&D.
More like thirty seconds tutoring would do it.
February 10, 2009 11:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
If you worked in the corporate world, spriche, you would be one of those pigeon supervisors, flying overhead and sh*tting on everyone, as though it did anyone any good.
What is the point of this post? It sounds like you're a wuss and a bully who drives by and hurls insults then drives off laughing. how pathetic is your life that you feel these urges?
February 10, 2009 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, Auntie. Lost my head.
February 10, 2009 1:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
While it's certainly not something everyone can do, I've voluntarily given up hours at work to help an employee who needs them. Every penny in his paycheck is a penny towards keeping his home. I can do this only by using vacation pay I've accrued - he has none. It's a shame more employers don't allow "swapping" hours between employees - when the job is getting done, why not let people work together to help one another?
February 9, 2009 6:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Miss......
So glad you stopped by. Of course you do this to help. So not surprised, but still appreciative of all you give in so many ways.
Please give suggestions as to what you think would be best use of either '10' so that some of us can get inspiration and motivation.
I'll bring Mousse by later if light is on.
February 9, 2009 7:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's a thought. Many of us are employed in industries that bring us face to face with the public on a daily basis. Spend ten minutes and talk to your boss (management, owner, etc.) about putting a means of collecting for the local homeless shelter in plain sight. Get the information from the shelter, so that folks know to whom they are contributing and have a telephone number and address through which to follow up if they're uncertain. A real collaboration between the shelter and the business. To avoid "sticky fingers", assign someone the responsibility of taking the funds collected each day and sending a money order to the shelter. I'm sure there are others here who can come up with a much better system, but it's a way to give the public a chance to feel good about themselves without having to make much of an effort. Just feed the jar.
Then contribute $10.00 yourself whenever you can.
February 9, 2009 9:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great idea. Thanks.
February 9, 2009 9:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
If time or money isn't what you can give, may I suggest a little patience? As jobs and homes are lost, as times get more and more desperate, people will become desperate as well. This is going to be new territory for most of them. They've never had to fill out government forms for assistance and are going to be shocked at how invasive they can get. An interview with a social worker will seem like more of an interrogation to them. They're not gonna be very happy about it and maybe a little gentleness with them, a little expressed understanding, will go a long way to relieving the stress and guilt they have of suddenly not being able to provide for their family.
Even if unemployment reaches the 15% level that is predicted, it means that 85% of us are still employed or have some alternate financial support. I try to keep that perspective in mind. It helps.
There but for the grace of god go...all of us.
February 9, 2009 7:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Value your comment and share your thoughts, but have to admit my patience is running out with those who are posturing and pandering to roadblock real support and assistance for those who so need it.
Other suggestions?
Thanks.
February 9, 2009 8:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I volunteer about 6-7 hours a month at a local medical center. It's very rewarding. And there's nothing like a total stranger coming in to see someone. It makes a difference to me. And the patients really appreciate that too.
Time. And caring. That's the key.
February 9, 2009 7:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I knew you volunteered and no doubt share so much else without going public.
But, really want you to suggest what you think one (or more) could do to make use of either '10'.
Look forward to your input.
February 9, 2009 8:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm probably still thinking of the wrong sort of thing. Because I wouldn't really want to confine myself to only those who've lost jobs or lost health care or houses and so on. But here's what comes to me. Many people need time. You're in a line, people are behind you. Usually I give up my place in line to someone who's got just a few things. But how about if I start giving my place in line to mothers with children or people with a whole lot of groceries? Just moving back in the line - for maybe only 10 minutes. And you not only save other people time, but they might wonder why you're doing it. And you might tell them about this idea of giving $10 dollars or 10 minutes. And they might decide to pay it forward somehow.
How about that?
February 10, 2009 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Of course! I love this concept. Simple and yet caring. (Like the toll item Bwak told.)
Random acts of caring. Nice.
February 10, 2009 10:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
A TV station in Atlanta, 11 Alive, has an ongoing "Random Acts of Kindness" project that could be modified just a little to do something like what you're suggesting, Aunt Sam.
February 9, 2009 8:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great so much for this.
I wonder if we could garner support for a TPM 'card' that can be printed off and utilized by members of this community? I love this!
Is the support here to do this? Whatcha think?
Thanks so very much.
February 9, 2009 8:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Heh, someone I know fairly well used to have good Karma Thursdays, where they'd pay the toll of the car behind them, (the drivers faces were so funeee, shock, disbelief, then a big ol grin) and put coins in the meters ahead of the meter maid (The lovely Ritas faces were so funeee, shock, disbelief, then--a big old scowl) when they'd stop on their way to work with a bag of tootsie pops for Art meeting...
Good times, good times....
=D
This person also bought 10 copies of that book for christmas presents, one year.
February 9, 2009 8:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
bwak - this someone you know fairly well seems like a great person, and a good one to follow.
Probably doesn't have TruckNutz!!! on the vehicle, either. :-)
February 10, 2009 11:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
I know someone who does that by paying the toll for the car behind.
February 10, 2009 10:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
$10 to Young Playwrights a charity that supports young writers and artists, the people who will chronicle these times for us.
Arts programs are the first to get cut in times like these. Since the Republicans don't believe that helping state governments is stimulus, school budgets are going under the knife.
This doesn't feed people or keep them in their homes or answer anyone's immediate problems but because of Young Playwrights, a lot of people have been able to pursue lives in the arts in spite of economic conditions and we need that.
February 9, 2009 8:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
So interesting that you bring this up, because I am joining the group who endorses a cabinet position for the arts. I consider this very important and the 'industry' (artists of all venues) do generate mega bucks as well as many educate us.
Thanks.
February 9, 2009 9:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Side note: A friend who discovered many of the kindergarden class didn't have enough art supplies went to the dollar store and purchased crayons, colored paper and all sorts of things, then took them to the school. She spent $20.00.
February 10, 2009 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sam, thanks for holding our feet to the fire on this.
I am away from home for another 4 weeks. I PROMISE I will start looking on line while we're away, and finalize a plan as soon as we get back home.
In the meantime, we are upping our tipping as we eat out, sticking money into all the little "contribute to" jars we come across, buying all our produce at farmer's markets, and are making sure that we spend our vacation dollars with companies who contribute to the well-being of the islands (like the Pacific Whale Foundation.)
February 9, 2009 11:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well it may be off topic but you could spend 10 minutes writing the jackasses in the senate who think making poor people poorer than they already are will stimulate anything. Elena put up a post on TPMDC listing how much people in states like Maine and Nebraska will lose because their senators don't want to spend the money.
February 10, 2009 12:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
YEAH! We The People! I hope all communicate (in a positive manner) with their national, state and local elected officials at least once a month.
This also helps us not feel so powerless and if we each can get one more to do that (and so on) we are accepting responsibility.
This may be the one I do for my ten minutes.
Thanks. (And how is the campaign startup?)
February 10, 2009 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Aunt Sam we got FOIA copies of some pretty important stuff today from the township board. Karol (hwy commissioner candidate) is dropping off copies of some of it for me in a bit. I have a bunch of other stuff to research and read. Tomorrow night we have a meeting of our candidates before the regular meeting of the DG township Dems and we'll hash out what it all means. Then we'll inspire our pct committeemen and women with rousing speeches to spend the 7 Saturdays between 2/21 and election day knocking on doors with us. At least that's the plan. Nobody likes winter campaigning and spring didn't come here last year until April. But we'll be talking to Democrats so at least we won't get a lot of doors slammed in our faces. One of the best days we had canvassing last year was in the pouring rain in Sept. People think you're nuts but they appreciate your determination.
We'll use our township Actblue page for out of town donors. We're going to use the flyer pics and the flyer itself as the first part of the webpage. We'll have more pages for press releases, one of which I'm going to post here by the end of the week.
February 10, 2009 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do you have an elderly or hadicapped neighbor? Go shovel the walk or drive for them if you can. Snow angels and all that. Love.
February 10, 2009 9:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
Really like this. So many little errands could be done too. And sometimes just a visit with some homemade cookies or bring some tea, share a cup.
Our spirits are always brighter when someone shows us they care.
February 10, 2009 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
How about taking time to visit with the people next to you the next time you are in line somewhere? Ask them the $10 or 10 minutes question. Ask them what they love about their life. The conversations would certainly be more interesting than staring at the floor.
I think we have a basic need to connect conflicting with a fear of looking bad. Giving someone your attention and granting them being are gifts that enrich all involved.
February 10, 2009 10:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely. So agree. From the heart is often more enriching than from the pocketbook. Sharing and caring.
Hearing (and listening) to another's story and the sharing of your own may illuminate how you can come together and support one another.
Thanks.
February 10, 2009 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for including "(and listening)". Too many of us don't get that there is a difference between hearing and listening. I almost posted "How about taking time to talk to the people next to you" and changed "talk to" to "visit with". As much as I wish it did, talking does not guarantee that the talker will also a listener be.
February 10, 2009 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fellow I used to drink with in beer joints had a rather novel method of 'means testing' to separate the truly needy from the bums.
He would throw change in the urinal and commode in the beer joint restrooms. His thinking was that only the truly needy would reach down into those nasty things to retrieve the money.
I didn't know what to think about that then, and I still don't.
February 10, 2009 11:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think he was a jackass.
February 10, 2009 11:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
He's called a bully. He finds it entertaining to see desperate people go through his exrement for paltry coins. That is sick and twisted, nothing more. It really says a lot about you that you do not know what to think about that. There is really no confusion about it at all for me.
February 10, 2009 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink