It’s been a crazy few days, weeks, months…
On top of the multiple hurricanes, and seemingly endless rain AND the normal stress and strains of life AND the elections – honestly I’m wearing a little thin.
My plan is to take a break until November 19th.
Then return and pivot with gusto towards the coming year.
Increasingly, I’m most happy when I’m writing.
And walking of course. The morning walks, the rainbows, the “sky on fire”, the mountains, and watching the moon set and the sun rise at the same exact time – is awe-inspiring to say the least.
I’ve recently gotten several notes from friends asking me “Is everything ok?” AND “How can I help?”
The short answer is YES, everything is actually better than ok 😉
And yes of course the challenges of life surround me and you both.
But all’s good and getting better.
And I totally appreciate you asking.
And YES you can help.
It’s something I try to teach those young emerging leaders heading out to change the world.
I tell them “You gotta be willing to ask. You’re asking adults and they can say no, or not now maybe later, or they can ignore you – but you gotta ask. If you believe in what you’re doing – you gotta ask.”
So, here it is.
I’m asking.
And I definitely believe in what I’m doing.
Yes, I have expenses involved in the work and day-to-day advocacy that is my life.
And yes, I could use some help.
I’m not asking you to pay me to do this work, because I will do it anyway whether I am paid to do it or not.
I’m not asking for payment, I’m humbly requesting a gift.
There’s no tax deduction as I’m not a tax deductible organization, nor any organization at all.
I’m just me Gary Hooser, trying my best to do good, and be better.
No gifts received by me will be used for any political donation nor for any lobbying.
You are not paying me to lobby. I will voice my opinion on public policy regardless, and will not accept any gift that is intended to pay me to lobby or reward me for lobbying.
The fundamental goal that drives my advocacy is inspiring, educating, and teaching others how to best get involved, and take ownership of their government and their democracy.
The help I need at the moment are funds to support the basic infrastructure allowing me to teach and educate others on the reality of “how things work” in the world of policy and politics.
My technology skills are limited, and in my dreams I’d hire someone to help update my website, maintain and upgrade the MailChimp service (which has outgrown it’s existing plan), and expand my social media presence.
In addition, I could use help supporting the exorbitant inter-island airfare rates being charged by Alaskan Airways.
To stay properly connected with friends and allies on all islands require “day trips” which involve airfare, Uber expenses, and coffee for all those coffee shop meetings.
Yes, I can and do Zoom, but occasional face to face meetings are important as well. (And there’s an annual fee for a proper Zoom account too).
And yes, if you are an English major or school teacher, you will know that I could use help with editing and proof-reading 😉
So…if you can help with a personal gift of $20 to $1,000 – VENMO @Gary-Hooser-1 It would be totally awesome.
If you prefer to give the ole fashion way, a personal check to Gary Hooser, 5685 Ohelo Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746 also works!
No corporate gifts nor any gift over $1,000 will be accepted.
If you can help, mahalo plenty, if not, I totally understand.
No worries.
My work will continue, regardless.
My goal is to raise $10,000 between now and November 19th.
This will be my only ask for the year (wink).
Mahalo for reading this far.
Mahalo for helping if you can.
Mahalo for anything and everything you are doing to help make our world a better place.
Sincerely,
Gary Hooser
