Cutting through the red tape to help others
By RebeccaLynn
@RebeccaLynn (2256)
United States
January 25, 2008 3:22am CST
I had an inspiration today.
With all of the talk about healthcare soaring and so many millions being uninsured...and then I saw a special about cancer patients being uninsured (That sickened me).
I also saw another special about how only 5-10% of charitable donations actually make it to the intended charity (That sickened me even more!), I thought to myself, "Why don't regular people do something about all of this?"
I mean, for crying out loud, we talk about doing something and we certainly complain about "the system".
So, I've decided to do a social experiment. I want to see how many are just talkers and how many are do-ers. So I started a group on yahoo to see what happens.
Here's the link http://groups,yahoo.com/group/doughn8adollar
After looking it over, tell me if you think it will be a success or failure and why.
Thank you!
1 person likes this
1 response
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
27 Jan 08
I think it's a great idea but I don't know how successful it will be.
The sad fact is that there entirely too many scam artists out there and a lot of people (me included) worry about being taken advantage of. I wouldn't hesitate to help someone if I know for 100% certainty they needed the assistance. I've participated in several walk-a-thons and the like over the years and donated money too.
I'm not just a talker I promise you. I just don't trust people as a whole - but rather trust certain people. Does that make sense?
I sincerely hope it works and I wish you the best with it.
1 person likes this
@RebeccaLynn (2256)
• United States
28 Jan 08
You know, I thought about that too. I thought "What if someone fakes an illness to get donations."
I almost didn't start the group because of it. Guess I'm a little jaded too.
But then again, If there ends up being someone like that, I'm hoping the inconsistencies in their' story will weed them out because I think my desire to help out weighs my fear of being taken advantage of...again.
I won't donate large amounts to anyone in the group unless I can verify their story. That way, if I get scammed, it will only be a couple of bucks.
Maybe it's naive' of me. I just really think that if people were to help each other, we could solve a lot of problems and alleviate a lot of stress for each other.
So now I'm a jaded optimist. How weird is that?!
@GnosticGoddess (5626)
• United States
29 Jan 08
LOL - I totally agree with you. And you're right and have a point about it not being a large amount of money :) I don't think you're naive at all. I think you're brave and courageous for it :) I'll check it out in a few weeks and see how things are going with it!
