JUNE

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you down. It’s the pebble of restricted funding in your shoe.”

-Muhammad Ali

Some of you are probably wondering what is happening at Platform, especially since I failed to write a newsletter for May.  I apologize but I had a family situation which required much of my time. Yet I have been continuously talking with activists, social entrepreneurs, and potential leaders.  There are really amazing women in our communities. Absolutely outstanding visionaries who would inspire anyone willing to pause and listen.

This is all to say that we are going forward with our Fall forum where we will explore non-conventional methods of raising money for our organizations.  

How unconventional?! It is applying business models to the nonprofit sector so that we can provide steady income for our organizations. I have realized in developing Dding Dong, a safe space for queer teens in Korea, and this organization, Platform, the importance of funding.  Without funding, we cannot actualize our visions. I am not saying that we cannot visualize without money but much of our energy and time is spent in raising the funds to run our programs. Energy and time that could be used to serve our communities. And we are always anxious about the budget which acts as a determinant for programs, hiring/firing people, and adequately paying our existing workers.  It’s necessary but highly frustrating headache. So we want to brainstorm creative models to raise steady income for our organizations. It is to alleviate some of the anxiety while insuring funding for certain programs or a new hire. I am not completely dismantling the traditional method of fundraising. No. We are looking for a supplement.

We want and need your ideas so we can make the Fall forum informative for the presenters and participants.  Yes, we need your help. So if you are a social entrepreneur or an investor wanting to share your ideas, please contact me.  I am dying to hear from you. And if you happen to be in NY, I would love to meet and talk with you. I will be visiting NY to discuss the Fall forum with the Platform directors and facilitators.

And remember, Fall is the best season in Colorado.  The colors are spectacular. And as always we will try to add a few trips to revive the soul.

Sam
Founder. Executive Director

June 2, 2018