“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
— R. Buckminster Fuller
It can feel overwhelming to see the never ending needs.
During the NO DAPL movement at Standing Rock, I began to allocate resources to activists on the ground. Over the last 5 years, I have continued to magnify requests for support from other Native activists. As time has gone by, however, I have noticed less response to the consistent requests for support.
Where it all began: Lolly at Standing Rock with hundreds of warm clothing donations for the activists.
I also realize that while I have built relationships with the people I direct support to, most of you do not know who they are and don’t see the affect your support has on their community. I am aware that it can feel disconnected to send funds out and not hear anything back about the real life impact on people's lives.
The Believers is a project centered around providing consistent support to the voices of incredible changemakers .
When I visit with the amazing people who are movers and shakers for their communities, I am always touched and inspired by what they have been through and how they show up now. My vision with The Believers as a project is to center the voices of incredible changemakers to not only provide financial support for these leaders, but also spread awareness about their cause, which readers may feel inspired to support further.
I believe there is a better way.
My mission is to formalize my resource redistribution through creating a platform which restructures these problematic humanizing the people whom I consistently encourage support for. The reality is that every single person has wisdom and inspiration to share. The way I want to present the people who deserve support, is by centering their expertise and what brilliance they have to give back to anyone who can contribute resources.