Happy New Year!! Here we are, 52 weeks later. 52 charities in 52 weeks. A little experiment in weekly generosity - and you all made it incredible.
This all started as a simple effort to bring attention and support to organizations bringing about positive change in 2017, but it has turned into so much more.
It is hard to even begin this letter and to decide what to say about this project and the tremendous impact it has had on me over the last year. It was a hectic time, for sure, but having a weekly ritual of searching for the positive - to research, report, give and reflect with you all.. it’s been magic.
It is hard sometimes not to become pessimistic and hardened by the world. Learning about these organizations, meeting some of the remarkable individuals behind them, and rallying together with such an optimistic and energetic community to contribute what we can, has made me realize that while we may not be able to control our circumstances, we can control our reaction to them.
This year, I watched you all take action. Some of you donated to every suggested organization, some simply made a large donation in the beginning of the year to a single charity, another decided hours were more valuable and offered her services to small nonprofits, and others decided to forge their own path and research and give to local organizations all on their own. However many times you gave, and in which ever way you decided to go about it: may I humbly say: thank you! You have inspired me more than words can say.
I am so grateful to each and every one of you for making this project so wonderful. I am so in awe of this group of people, all committed to helping others and to spreading positivity. Hearing your stories, sharing ideas, and discussing what each cause has meant to you has been an absolute honor and a massive privilege. I am walking into 2018 with a huge gust of wind in my sails, and that is because of you all.
I can write for hours on end about everything I’ve learned. About how I still have no idea what the right way is to give. About complicated thoughts on public vs. anonymous, local vs. global, cost-effective vs. visionary, personal vs. utilitarian, time vs. money, and how much is really enough? Instead, for now, I thought a simple letter of gratitude felt more right. Right for this group, with whom I’ve spent hours grappling with some of these big questions, and right for this time - welcoming the fresh, shining, bright empty page that is 2018. So for now, know that I am grateful. Great. Full.
I hope we can keep in touch and that you will continue to carry the spirit of this little experiment in weekly generosity with you, as I will.
Sending you so much love, my heart may burst.
Jodi
