“Knowing our privilege does not make us villains, but it should make us more conscious about the parts we play in systems that are greater than us. It should make us be more thoughtful; it should humble us. We need to admit that some of us had a head start and aren’t just flourishing on our strength alone.”

― Luvvie Ajayi, I'm Judging You: The Do-Better Manual

10% of Earnings Donated to YWCA Madison

Giving and altruism has always been a part of my yoga teaching. The YWCA Madison has been a beneficiary of my yoga events dating back to 2010. But these donations lacked consistency.

I was recently inspired by a conversation between Sam Harris and William MacAskill on Effective Altruism. This was the first time I heard the concept and I immediately understood that even as an unemployed person (which I was at the time), I was not doing enough.

I shifted where I could and landed here: Expand Connect will focus on a single beneficiary, the YWCA Madison. Proceeds of 10% or more each month will be donated on a regular cycle, without delay.

This is my pledge for Expand Connect.

 

  • => Donate $2,000 by 2022 year end.

    => Inspire 10 other people to start moving towards a 10% pledge.

    => Inspire 15 other people to donate a one-time gift to the YWCA of Madison.

    => Personal Goal: Increase my personal giving by 100% each year, until I reach 10% of my personal (non-yoga) income.

  • MLK Jr. Day Donation: $150

    10% of Net Earnings: $80

    Total for January 2022: $230 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $62

    Total for February 2022: $62

    YTD 2022: $292

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $59

    YTD 2022: $351 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $0

    YTD 2022: $351 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $10

    YTD 2022: $361 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $60

    YTD 2022: $421 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $0

    YTD 2022: $421 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $20

    YTD 2022: $441 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $48

    YTD 2022: $489 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $28

    YTD 2022: $517 Donated

  • Additional Goodman Community Center Donation: $60

    Giving Tuesday Donation to YWCA: $200

    10% of Net Earnings: $82

    YTD 2022: $859 Donated

  • 10% of Net Earnings: $19 (donated in January 2023)

    YTD 2022: $878 Donated

 

So why the YWCA Madison? If you are like me and starting to dive deeper into what Effective altruism is, you’ll quickly learn that only certain charities apply to be considered EA. While I understand the reasoning, I felt it important for Expand Connect to donate to a local organization.

I’ve seen first hand how impactful the YWCA can be for women who are experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic violence. This is important work and we need to support it. Furthermore YWCA Madison focuses specifically on “eliminating racism” as part of their mission statement. I think the work of anti-racism must start at the local level, ensuring people have access to opportunity and support when confronted by racism.

This ‘boots on the ground’ approach to supporting women, children and the Black community in Madison, WI is why Expand Connect has chosen the YWCA as its 10% pledge beneficiary.