What goes around comes around

For almost a year now I've been a member of a local D.C. giving circle. What is a giving circle? According to Wikipedia, "giving circles are a form of philanthropy consisting of groups of individuals who pool their funds and other resources to donate to their communities and seek to increase their awareness and engagement in the process of giving." Two of my work peeps, Jamie and Katie, read about another local giving circle and were just audacious enough to think that it was something they could do. After a few lunchtime conversations, Revolve was born. I love that they were gutsy enough to try this and that they were kind enough to think of me.

Why should you care? Good question! We're nearing our big check writing party, and I almost forgot one of my duties. Recruiting friends! Who am I to deprive you from the opportunity to become a Friend of Revolve? Let me tell you a little bit about the two charities that rose to the top of our list. Last week they joined our meeting, and I can tell you that both of these organizations are run by people who have dedicated their lives to helping kids.

For Love of Children (FLOC)
FLOC's "mission is to provide young children and high-risk youth with the resources to achieve educational and personal success through a continuum of educational services that prepares them to become confident, life-long learners and contributing members of their communities." Through a combination of tutoring, leadship building and scholarship, they give kids the chance to succeed later in life. Personally, one of the things that struck me most about FLOC was the fact that, while the focus and goal of FLOC is getting students into post-secondary education, they won't shove a square peg into a round hole. The executive director told the story of a kid who really wanted to enroll in HVAC training, and it helped him do so. I can appreciate that.

A Space of Her Own (SOHO)
SOHO is an art-based program that serves pre-teen girls by providing yearlong mentoring through engagement in creative art activities and meaningful community service projects. The program focuses on fifth grade girls and also provides them with weekly "life skills" training and a good, healthy meal. You guys know the arts and crafts part gets to me; however, it was hearing the personal stories from the director and staff that really got me most. These girls bond and trust the staff and their mentors, and often the work they end up doing ends up helping the entire family or getting the girl out of a dangerous situation. Much like Trading Spaces or any other HGTV show, the pay off in the end for these girls is a complete room makeover...a space of her own in which to do homework, journal, or just be.

So....do a little browsing...a little thinking and consider becoming a Friend of Revolve!