Give: Donate Your Miles - #donateyourmiles
I have a gut-level, nausea inducing, feeling in my stomach right now. I want it to remain, because those visceral sensations help shake me out of my general complacency. It’s easy to be distracted by the responsibilities around me, but when I open Twitter, or the news, I’m shaken out of it all. But what can I do? I want keep doing things long after the glaring need isn’t as glaring and my gut isn’t wrenching any more.
I’ve been looking for a way to merge my passion for running, while supporting organizations that are working to end racism and helping those who are affected by it. When I was putting in my daily miles this morning, I again started thinking about Ahmaud Arbery and how I’ve literally never had to worry about my safety. I’ve ran through many different Albany neighborhoods through the years and have considered how my experience of “existing” in those different places differs solely because of my skin. What’s worse is that the city I run through, with it’s different neighborhoods, was literally built on racism. It only takes a little digging into the history of building projects like Crossgates Mall, the Empire State Plaza, or how the current existing neighborhoods came to be to find out the truth.
I’m thankful that current events have jarred the issue of racism back to the forefront of my mind, but I want to keep it always on my mind. This is the first time I’ve ever publicly talked about who and what I donate to, it feels dirty, self-righteous, and praise-seeking, but bare with me, my desire is to inspire others. Today, I’m committing to donating $1 for every single mile I run to help stop racism in my community and across the country. I will be doing this indefinitely. To get caught up, I’ve donated all the miles I have already ran this year, rounding up the nearest 100.
So what am I donating to? I plan on donating to things I have never donated to before and supporting the many different people trying to solve racism in their own unique ways. My only criteria is that the organization is helping to stamp out racism, while also helping to build and support local communities. I’d also love ❤️ to challenge YOU runners to join me in this. Think of the impact we could make if we all donated off our mileage! Here’s the breakdown of who I’ve donated to so far:
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The Loveland Foundation - $200
Inspired by Oiselle and excited by the mission, I’ve decided to donate directly to The Loveland Foundation. I could have bought stuff on Oiselle, but I don’t need women’s clothing and they have a $100k cap, so I might as well not eat into that cap. If you are a close friend and you know my story, you’ll understand why the mission of the The Loveland Foundation resonates so much with me.
The Loveland Foundation is the official continuation of this effort to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately we hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities we serve.
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Soul Fire Farm - $200
Soul Fire Farm is a super unique idea that I heard about last year through a friend who took one of their tours. I hadn’t thought too much about them, but within the past week I had another friend recommend them as a great local initiative to donate to. While this is local to Albany, NY, I’d be interested to know if there are similar communities across 🤔
Soul Fire Farm is a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-centered community farm committed to ending racism and injustice in the food system.
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YWCA of the Greater Capital Region - $200
The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region was another friend recommendation, but I was already aware of the many things YWCA is doing to combat racism through their running races. I donated to my local chapter here in the the Greater Capital Region
YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
If you live in any of the following cities, make sure to join these races next year!