Give: Free Food Fridge & Girls on the Run #donateyourmiles

November 11, 2020 by Stephen Hallgren in Give

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…

Bless, Instead of Curse. Liberate, Instead of Oppress.

September 07, 2020 by Stephen Hallgren in Give, Life

It’s September and with September comes Labor Day Weekend. The coolness and smells of fall are slowly making their way into the air, a much needed relief to the heat of Summer. Labor Day not only signals the beginnings of Fall, but for New Yorkers with children, it marks the end of Summer and the beginning of school. Except this year, at least for the Capital District of New York, and more specifically, the urban schools in the area, no child will be going anywhere, everything is looking like it will be virtual this Fall…

Give: Mission Accomplished - #donateyourmiles

August 01, 2020 by Stephen Hallgren in Give, Life

It is super hard for me to believe that a month has passed by once again. It’s harder to believe that it’s been two months since I asked myself this question, “When the outrage ends, will you be someone who continues to make a difference?” While I’m on the third round of giving, this has nothing to do with how much I’m giving and everything to do with challenging myself to keep racism and inequity at the forefront of my mind, in my own unique way. Otherwise, I’m afraid I may forget and become complacent…

Give: Wizard's Wardrobe - #donateyourmiles

June 30, 2020 by Stephen Hallgren in Life, Give

With my final June run done it’s time to pause, count the miles and donate to something that is making a huge change in my local community. This month I racked up 150 miles and will be sending $150 dollars on to a South End children’s literacy program called Wizards Wardrobe…

Give: Donate Your Miles - #donateyourmiles

June 03, 2020 by Stephen Hallgren in Life, Give

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 don’t like doing things just to do them, but I want keep doing things long after the glaring need isn’t as glaring…

When the Outrage Ends

June 01, 2020 by Stephen Hallgren in Life

If history is any indication of the future, there will come a day when the racial protests, looting and violence will come to an end. Based on what we’ve seen in the past, there are three outcomes (maybe more?) that I see…