*** Help a DUer: 9/29/13 ***
If you're not familiar with Wishadoo, please see my journal for previous posts.
Edit to add: Check out this bit of "good news" I stumbled upon when I visited the Good News Group here on DU: http://www.democraticunderground.com/12671184
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I apologize that this is a "bare bones" kind of post. Each person's story can be found at the link to their Wishlist post.
I've written so much about the whole "Help A DUer" process here at DU lately that I'm burned out; you probably are as well. I'm still going through a really rough time of things on my end, so I just don't have the ooomph to inject into this post, but people are in need, and I'm hoping to bring that to your attention. Several of these DUers created their own OPs to bring attention to their situation; now that we all know that is allowed on DU3 (yes, some of us are slow), I encouraged them to do so. Others, however, were too shy to do so and rely on me creating this OP. My apologies to them for taking so long to do so.
I can tell you that, as a result of your input of late, I've decided to go ahead and continue to allow personal fundraisers to be a part of Wishadoo; however, in order for it to work more efficiently (for me and the users), programming changes must take place. It will have a separate fundraising platform altogether for Wishlist needs that involve money. I'm hoping to get a quote in the next day or two regarding what that modification will cost.
I'm hoping the fundraising widget which shows the progress is working for all of these Wishlist links; I'm not sure I've gotten the most recent update from people with Wishlist posts. Maybe they'll chime in here to provide updates.
I'm listing the five most recent DUer Wishlist posts below. I know many of you have a hard time choosing who to help and it feels overwhelming, and I am going to try to come up with a system that makes the process easier. (I'll try to post about that soon, after the site has been upgraded and the fundraising platform implemented.)
Even if you can't help financially, acknowledging the courage it took to ask out loud is a priceless contribution. Thanks in advance for any assistance in the form of advice, resource recommendations, money or emotional support.
And thanks to those of you who have helped so many fellow DUers in various ways. You're wonderful.
rbrnmw (she and her kids really, really need our help)
http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/203/need-help-for-me-and-my-children/
Liberty Belle
http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/202/recording-equipment-and-small-portable-computers/
kimmerspixelated
http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/200/need-quick-funds-to-help-with-rent/
Are Grits Groceries
http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/199/money-for-repairing-my-car-new-glasses-other/
stewert
http://www.wishadoo.org/wishlist/196/money-to-help-me-pay-my-bills-until-november/
PLEASE SEE THIS LINK to a previous Help a DUer OP for more links to DUers' Wishlist posts.
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[font color="blue"][font size="3"]PLEASE ALSO: [/font size]
* Recommend this thread and keep it kicked for visibility.[/font color]
* Please scan the Wishlist in general on a regular basis; some posts are simply asking for information. It's not always about money.
* ACKNOWLEDGE these courageous people who have made themselves vulnerable by asking for help. Please offer whatever support you can (information, advice, well wishes, financial or other support, etc.)
* Share Wishadoo! with others (online and in person)...your friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, other networks and organizations; after all, the more who gather...[/font color]
[center][font color=green]* * * * *
ABOUT WISHADOO!: Anyone is welcome to use the tools at Wishadoo, so long as the Terms of Service are adhered to (basically "play nice" and don't lie). Wishadoo! is a comprehensive portal providing tools, resources and inspiration to connect, help/be helped, and cultivate compassion, cooperation and authentic community in myriad ways, online and in our own "backyards." Wishadoo!'s tools have been designed to integrate and be of service to all sectors of community: individuals, neighborhoods, schools, organizations and businesses.
Any contributions to Wishadoo! itself go toward the cost of maintaining the site, NOT toward any Wishlist posts. That takes place one on one, between Wishadoo! members. If you are able to help with costs to keep the site going, I'd appreciate your generosity tremendously and will be forever indebted.
http://www.wishadoo.org/support-wishadoo/
MANY, MANY thanks to those who have already
helped support Wishadoo! in various ways!
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One who is as interested in worker- and member-owned co-ops as I am. I've always wanted to structure Wishadoo as a member-owned cooperative, so we're going to discuss that.
I'm thinking that, via that route (the membership/co-op approach), there may be a way to also have a community fund where co-op members can donate x amount and the funds are evenly distributed among CRISIS category Wishlist posts, for example. That way people don't have to choose which Wishlist posts; I got the message loud and clear that that is really hard for many people.
But because Wishadoo is not a nonprofit, there is too much liability involved for people to contribute to Wishadoo and then I distribute the funds. It's not meant to work that way, but I am trying to figure out how it COULD work, and the community fund idea may work.
And, you are absolutely correct, LiberalLoner: If many people contribute even $3 a month, it really, really adds up and can impact many lives in a very positive way.
I'll keep you posted.
Excellent ideas!!!
And to you for your perseverance! You are remarkable!!
People don't have to read the links or donate or DO anything else, but at least keep this kicked for visibility in case others may be able to help.
Thank you for all you do. 
For all you do, OGR.
You are amazing, OGR!
I appreciate this so much!!
and I wish I could end all suffering. Thank you for your efforts to do that.