As you may know, the Readers and Book Lovers group has accepted Meteor Blades's challenge to raise for the Netroots for the Troops (NFTT) effort. The goal this year is to raise $100,000 for NFTT by May 15th.
Under the parameters of the challenge, the amount groups are encouraged to raise is tied to the size of the group itself. As one of the largest groups at DK, our target is $3000. We have made great progress so far, having raised almost 25% of our goal amount, leading the group challenge both in actual money raised and in percentage of goal. All I can say is wow. Thanks to everyone who has stepped up so far.
I'm going to issue a challenge goal for group members, that I think might bring a few more folks into the effort.
Since this is a group challenge, I am going to tie the challenge goal to group activity. I have counted the number of diaries published to the group in the last month. The group has published approximately 85 diaries in that amount of time. So, how about a challenge based on diaries published?
OK, here's the deal. Let's tie a donation to the number of diaries published to the group, after this diary, through the end of Sunday. So, let's say fifteen diaries are published. I pledge a $1/diary; I owe $15. The amount pledged can be adjusted to realistically fit your own ability to contribute. (Oh, and I do pledge $1 for each eligible diary through the end of Sunday.)
Ground rules: NFTT-centric diaries are not eligible to be counted. The temptation to "pad the numbers" might be too great. Diaries republished to the group, which meet group parameters are eligible to be counted. One of the blog administrators will need to approve the republishment, just to keep things honest. But use this opportunity to ferret out those diaries, appropriate for the group, that might otherwise be missed.
Maybe you don't have any money to contribute right now. Well, the group challenge doesn't end until the 15th of May. Take the pledge, pay when you can, by then. Or maybe you can get a group of friends or colleagues together to make a collective pledge.
Now, let's say that you are a group member, and you care about NFTT, but donating money just isn't in the cards. What about that diary you've been meaning to write, which would be perfect for the R&BLer group? Write it this week, have it published to the blog, and up the ante for those who can afford to to take the pledge.
Let's say you're not a group member. Now's the time to join, and write your inaugural diary for the group blog.
If that all seems too complicated, just click onto the group page, and donate what you can.
One last note: It has been my experience, so far, that this is an effort which transcends political lines. Some of the folks, who are not DK members, but who have pledged, are politically to the right of me. But they care about the troops. Use the occasion of this challenge to get them involved. First, it is one area we can agree on, and second, maybe next time they will think twice before pigeon-holing a progressive.
Thanks to all who have already contributed. Your generousity is much appreciated.
Updated by aravir at Tue Apr 26, 2011 at 12:22 PM EDT
If you want to go public on your pledge/diary, feel free to do so in the comments.