We just finished an election here in the USA and what a rollercoaster of an election it was. Elections have a way of promising hope and change, but they also leave people feeling disappointed, neglected or overlooked. While there is a place for politics and the positive change it can bring, I’ve always subscribed to a more grassroots theory of change. I think that the greatest impact I can make does not come from voting, but through my own personal involvement of putting my skin (and money) in the game. That’s why I continue to donate my money and time to causes that are actively changing individuals and communities.

If you haven’t been along for the ride, I’ve been donating a dollar for every single mile I run, every single month, starting this year, indefinitely. I’m donating to local non-profits who are actively involved in serving the underserved, eliminating racism and reducing economic and social disparity in my city, Albany, New York. You can read more about why I decided to start doing this and I’d love for you to join me, either by donating you miles or by some other creative way.

This is in no way a means to pat myself on the back, but so far, by donating my miles, I have given $1,388 to 8 different local charities. When it comes to donating, I’ve often evaluated non-profits by a few criteria:

Do I like the non-profit?
Do my personal values line up with the non-profit?
Do I feel that the non-profit is serving in the “proper” way?
Does the non-profit help promote my personal views?
There’s probably more, but those were the first that came to my mind 😛

While these are not bad criteria, I’ve realized that my mental checklist can become an extremely selfish tool in deciding how I donate my time and money. Throughout the year of #donateyourmiles, I’ve explicitly told myself to keep my criteria to the bare minimum and to donate to a different non-profit every time. What lowering my “standards” has done is cause me to donate to non-profits I’d never have donated to in the past. I’ve learned about non-profits I’ve never heard of and it has caused me to see how individuals and organizations are putting their own unique spin on changing the world. I’ve also realized that I have some pretty selfish attitudes about how and to whom I donate my. I hope that I will continue to grow and learn new things as I continue this journey.

For the past two months of my mileage, I’ve decided to give to Free Food Fridge Albany and Girls on the Run Capital Region. If there was ever a non-profit that is giving without expecting anything back, it is Free Food Fridge Albany. It’s both simple, yet outrageous. If you are in need of food, you go find a fridge and take what you need, that’s it, no questions asked 😳. A LOT of local running clubs are struggling and the public schools program Just Run shut down, but Girls on the Run in the Capital Region is still kicking. I love running as you know, and they provide a great opportunity for girls to run, grow and find support. I’d encourage you to check both of these out and donate if you are able!

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Free Food Fridge Albany - $160

We want to make fresh food and produce accessible to all, especially marginalized neighborhoods and communities. Access to fresh food and produce has been a continuous issue in Albany, and has heighten due to the pandemic.

Jammella is an Albany-based community activist, trauma informed yoga teacher, and doula. Her experiences with food insecurity, her work with food insecure populations, and her knowledge of food deserts in Albany motivated her to start Free Food Fridge Albany. Jammella has a passion for helping people that has driven all her projects, where she strives to help people become more comfortable with themselves. With Free Food Fridge Albany, she looks to combat food apartheid by providing free fresh food in areas where there is no other source.

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Girls on the Run Capital Region - $160

We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Girls on the Run Capital Region, Inc. was founded in fall 2013 as an independent, 501(c)3 council of Girls on the Run International. We serve girls in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. Our first team of ten girls was held in spring 2014. Over the last six years we have served over 1300 girls and we’re growing fast. More than 200 volunteers each season offer their time and talents to make this program come alive for our girls.

What started with thirteen girls in one school in 1996 has grown to over 2 million girls transformed nationwide and counting. With the help of over 100,000 volunteers, we empower more than 200,000 girls annually. The only program of its kind, we focus on the important connection between mind and body. Our research-based lessons and accessible physical activity instill confidence and nurture care and compassion in every girl.

At Girls on the Run, our core values guide our way and we stand firm in our long-standing commitment to building a world where every person can know and activate their limitless potential. We value the dignity and humanity of all people and are dedicated to being an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible (IDEA) organization.

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