The Fourth Sector in the Time of COVID

We are focused on envisioning and implementing new solutions with the Fourth Sector—that create an economy and society that work for all.

 

We write to you today with open hearts—full of love, compassion, and care. We stand with those fighting for justice. We grieve for the loss of life and economic wellbeing caused by the COVID-19 crisis. We recognize that we are living through a time when the “reset button” has been pushed on our society—rebooting the way that we live our lives.

Institutions, practices, systems, beliefs, and values are all being challenged in huge ways, and in real-time. We know that the unjust and unsustainable systems of our past need to be reset, and now, more than ever, we are focused on envisioning and implementing new solutions—that create an economy and society that work for all.

This is the purpose of the Fourth Sector. We are excited about a new initiative organized by The Fourth Sector Group that envisions building “a better post-COVID-19 economy that leaves no one behind, overcomes the structural barriers to equality and transparency and puts purpose first so that our planet and society can thrive for generations to come.”

This is a multi-stakeholder effort that brings together fourth sector activists from all walks of life. Check out the COVID-19 Fourth Sector Response website and take special note of the “Action” tab. Respond to the call for involvement from government workers, policymakers, business leaders, investors, academics, media, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and citizens.

Di, Kim, Jessica, Amanda, Jen & Katelyn

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Making the Crowdfunding Ask: Many Times, Many Ways

Making the crowdfunding ask, especially in support of purpose-driven goals, is a process rich in opportunity for you and your supporters.

 

Standing in front of our peers and sincerely asking for support is a necessity of crowdfunding that can leave even the most confident feeling vulnerable. However, the exchange of money, especially in support of purpose-driven goals, making the crowdfunding ask is a process rich in opportunity for both you and your supporters.

First and foremost, reaching out to your network builds community through the exploration of shared values and a mutual love for a product, place or lifestyle. Once that connection is established, a foundation for change-making is laid — opening up an opportunity for collaboration, support and, with time, the successful completion of your campaign.

“Asking for help with gratitude says: We have the power to help each other,” expert in asking and performer Amanda Palmer writes in her book, The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help. Casting aside the insecurities that come from reaching outward for help, perhaps made more sensitive with an ask for cash, Palmer defends the immense value in confidently asking, knowing connection comes tenfold. 

While the power of asking is undeniable, it requires a repetitive approach from a variety of angles — in person, via email, across your social media — all steadily providing the information needed to lead to that final offering of support.  As a society, we are prepared to make moves with our wallets, but we have to navigate a world of constant calls to action and pleas for cash in deals and promotions on a local and national scale.

Ensuring your ask stands out in a world of thousands of others asks can be achieved, first, with a commitment to making the clearest ask for what you need, asking for it often and asking for it many ways.

Standing in front of our peers and sincerely asking for support is a necessity of crowdfunding that can leave even the most confident feeling vulnerable. However, the exchange of money, especially in support of purpose-driven goals, is a process rich in opportunity for both you and your supporters.

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