We are all inundated with requests for money. It is election season and every other email is a request for money. My inbox is filled with people peddling new programs that will cost me money. My Facebook feed is littered with adverts for all kinds of the latest and best gadgets that I must have or else… We certainly know that we live in the capitalistic capital of the world!

Sigh!

Probably just like you, I have my own issues with money and one thing I really hate to do, is ask for money. In my consulting business, I charge reasonable fees and I make no apologies. I am not the most expensive and I am certainly not the cheapest. Also, I hate making sales calls and I especially despise being sold to. Tell me the benefits of something and let me make my own decision. Yet, we all need money to function, survive and even thrive.

When I came to Compassionate Atlanta, I did not want to be involved in fundraising as a daily activity. However, Leanne is really good at the fundraising part and has taught me that if you are doing good work, inviting others into supporting it, extends the good work to both the donors as well as the larger community. One thing that really drew me to this organization is that we infuse compassion into how we interact with money. We try, as best as we can to curate supplies and resources from our partners and intentionally support local vendors. Also, we just do not ask our partners for money every week. We do not threaten to go away if you do not support us financially. We just keep telling you about all the good that is going on and invite you into supporting meaningful opportunities.

Yes, money makes the world go around and around, and makes running an organization like ours a lot easier. So, we pause once or twice a year and make a directed and pointed ask: An ask that speaks to sustainability of compassion locally. Whenever we make our asks, we make it mutually beneficial. We ask you to embrace a theme that only adds richness to your life.

This is my personal invitation to you to our third annual special event on October 6th this year at the Cater Woolford Gardens Atrium at the Frazer Center. homeca.eventbrite.com

Our theme this year is “Home.” At this event, you will hear a perspective of “home” that will expand your capacity to be at home and help others develop a sense of belonging and safety. As you support us financially, by being a sponsor or by even just buying a ticket to the event, you continue to support our work at Compassionate Atlanta as we center the values of compassion in ourselves, our relationships and our community.

I have been part of the Compassionate Atlanta community for several years. However, my relationship with this organization deepened when I presented at the same annual event last year. Wowza! Stories of self-compassion and a cop and I standing side by side? I experienced a deep and profound healing. That was the masterful and intentional design of the event: To open up our hearts even more to the need and availability of compassion.

You had to be there to experience it. Be there this year as we explore “home.”

Looking forward to giving you a hug at this event!

P.S. if you can’t join us on Oct 6th, we welcome a donation of any amount.

Iyabo Onipede 
Compassion Cultivator/Co-Director
Compassionate Atlanta