I am happy doing this Vermont Rail Action Network organizing and I'd like to give it my full-time attention, but at the moment we do not have the income as an organization to pay my bills. So that means I work for Vermont Rail Action Network as much as I can and hustle for other income on the side.
You can help with that - besides giving to Vermont Rail Action Network, you can hire me. I can build your web site, speak at your event, or organize your project.
Quite honestly, finances a stress for me. I'm *very* close to the margin. I'm feeling it now, since I owe $802 more for federal taxes and I just plain don't have the money. And I'm not quite sure when I will. (Its self-employment taxes for my teaching work last fall).
What I know about individual fundraising is that it's like stepping into the shower: you've got to let the water run a little before it gets hot. That's fair: donors want to get to know you before deepening their giving commitment. We're a new organization so the water is still running.
So new in fact that we haven't yet received our IRS determination letter. We can accept contributions and they will be tax deductible, but virtually all foundations want a copy of the IRS determination letter before giving.
So I'm turning my attention to building the relationships the Vermont Rail Action Network has with its supporters. This blog is a little piece of that, something I can do to share more of what I'm doing. Doing better at sharing and being transparent will help supporters get involved, right?
In the mean-time I've got a transportation consulting gig (leading market research teams) in Virginia for later in April and last week and this week I'm substitute teaching. I'm looking for a summer job. Wanna hire me?
