Happy New Year!
And happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us, happy…
OK, it’s not exactly our birthday, it’s our anniversary. (Do you know any anniversary songs? We didn’t.)
We launched exactly 6 months ago today. (And we look for any excuse to celebrate over here…)
Yeah, us! And you! Thanks for dreaming with us in 2008! More fun to come this year!
Seasons Greetings!
All of us here at DreamBank HQ would like to take a moment to wish you a happy holiday. Thank you so much for your continued support of the DreamBank vision! Have a wonderful holiday with family and friends, and we’ll see you in ‘09!
The DreamBank Team [Dawn, Julie, Mo, Chris, David, Lindsay & Victoria]
I tend to find reading to be both enlightening and relaxing (which satisfies the multi-tasker in me over the holidays). These are a few books that I have heard a great deal about and am really hoping to read - either this season - or at least soon:
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
“Eckhart Tolle presents readers with an honest look at the current state of humanity: He implores us to see and accept that this state, which is based on an erroneous identification with the egoic mind, is one of dangerous insanity. …There is an alternative to this potentially dire situation. Humanity now, perhaps more than in any previous time, has an opportunity to create a new, saner, more loving world. This will involve a radical inner leap from the current egoic consciousness to an entirely new one.”
The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
“Alan Weisman offers an utterly original approach to questions of humanity’s impact on the planet: he asks us to envision our Earth, without us. In this far-reaching narrative, Weisman explains how our massive infrastructure would collapse and finally vanish without human presence…”
Most Good Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life by Zoe Weil
“With a world steeped in materialism, environmental destruction, and injustice, what can one individual possibly do to change it? While the present obstacles we face may seem overwhelming, Zoe Weil shows us that change doesn’t have to start with an army. It starts with you. Through her straightforward approaches to living a MOGO, or “most good,” life, she reveals that the true path to inner peace doesn’t require a retreat from the world. Rather, she offers powerful and practicable tools to face these global issues and improve both our planet and our personal lives.”
Any other suggestions for illuminating reading?
The other day, I saw that Raul (aka Hummingbird604) had posted on Twitter that he was considering using DreamBank to ask for a new laptop but wasn‘t certain. Since I know Raul, I had a feeling that his concern involved feeling guilty about asking his friends to contribute. I emailed him and he agreed to let me use his response in this blog post.
In brief, he wrote, “Yes, I do have a concern of a guilt factor of asking friends to contribute to a gift… Most of the people I’ve talked to on Twitter have recommended that I set up a DreamBank dream for my laptop and use the money to get my (much needed) computer. But you know me… I don’t like imposing on people.”
It’s understandable that asking for contributions might feel awkward, but when you explain why you’ve gone this route, most people are relieved… After all, the people you are contacting should be people who want to give you a gift - and letting them know what you want (DreamBank or other) removes the stress of them having to figure it out. Plus, they don’t have to go shopping, or risk giving you something you won’t use.
Or, if the idea of sending your dream out to people still makes you uncomfortable, you can opt for a more passive approach by posting your dream on Facebook.
Anyone else have any further thoughts or ideas?
Here’s some of what we need specifically :
If you think you fit the bill, send an email with subject line (Organizational Whiz!) a bit about why you would be interested and your resume on to: Jobs (at) dreambank (dot) org
Due to the high volume of applicants, we will post on here when the position has been filled. Please be patient with us, we will be contacting people for interviews in the new year.
Thanks!
In today’s 24hrs Buzz Bishop (of Cyberbuzz) was kind enough to mention DreamBank. DreamBank, he remarked, could spice up your holidays. “[L]earn cooking in Tuscany, instead of ending up with another cookbook from Emeril,” Buzz suggested, noting that DreamBank could help you make that dream happen. Lovely idea, Buzz! Mmmm, we can smell the Arista alla Fiorentina cooking now.
It’s timely that he mentioned the travel aspect, because we were just thinking about traveling as well (though that could have something to do with the snow).
Many are posting travel dreams to DreamBank, which thrills us. The idea of “taking a break” often seems far more relaxing when going somewhere new, exciting - and away from the internet (or is that just us…?)
But we also understand that vacations can be pricey - and it’s often hardest to give yourself a gift. Which is why we’re excited to see those travel dreams here. Whether it’s Diving in Belize, staying at beach resort in Kauai, going on a European Adventure, reuniting with an old friend in Africa, or visiting your family in another country, DreamBank - and your friends and family - can help you get away and unwind.
And that could allow you could think further about what your dreams entail - possibly with a Margarita in hand.
With the holiday season coming up, I wonder about a few things: who to get presents for this year, what would the recipient truly enjoy, how do we all make the holidays meaningful without breaking the bank and why can’t Green Bean Casserole have less calories? Indeed, the holidays bring forth so many questions - the most befuddling ones involve what gifts to give. We all want to give truly “valuable” gifts - but that doesn’t have to mean luxury items. The key is to consider the recipient and make the gift special for them.
The following posts address gift-giving in various ways and provide some good food for thought:
Jen (WorldWideWaterCooler) talks about “Practical Secret Keeping“, offering useful suggestions about buying the perfect gift (and keeping it a secret!) I love the following suggestion:
“…make sure you are giving a COMPLETE gift. … For example, if you give a digital camera, make sure the battery’s charged and get some extra memory so it’s ready to use right away. If you give a lovely candle, some matches and a snuffer. A great book gets a bookmark, and maybe some tea (or other beverage/snack your giver likes) to enjoy it with.”
Alexandra Levit discusses the importance of “Taking Time to Find Out What People Want“, noting:
“So often, holidays force us to choose meaningless, impersonal presents for our loved ones, presents that end up in the basement or under someone else’s tree. But why not try to think about what family members, friends or colleagues need on an everyday basis, and devise creative ways to meet those needs?”
And Nina Winham with her “How to Befuddle an Economist” article (on Shared Vision), encourages us to “Give gifts of real–not monetary–value”. She contemplates the value of her friends’ present to her, when she was ill:
“What they gave me was the Gift of Nurture. Made up of empathy, support, time, and love, it didn’t cost them much in the wallet. But—economists take note—it was surprisingly high on utility and efficiency, given the price. Because the value to me was priceless. And in the true spirit of gift-giving, I think they were enriched, too. The gift grew in value as it was given, and it will reap dividends for years to come.”
Consider what would make your gift to your loved ones “valuable” - in the greatest sense - and you’ll give them a gift that they’ll truly cherish.
You’ve got a dream you want to fulfill, but what’s the best way to make that happen? Here are some tricks and tips for making your dream a reality.
What’s Your Dream?
Choosing the kind of dream to post on DreamBank can be challenging. There are so many great things to ask for. But, the trick to actually getting your dream fulfilled is to post something achievable. You might ask your friends and family to buy you a laptop for a grad gift, but you wouldn’t ask them to buy you a house! Choosing a realistic, achievable dream is the first step to a successful DreamBank experience.
Be Passionate!
You know why you want a turtle, money, or drill set, but others may not. Clearly articulate why you want your dream fulfilled and what you intend to do once you’ve got enough cash to make it happen. Get your friends and family excited about your dream and they’ll feel even better about helping you make your dream come true.
Ask and You Can Receive
You need some help from your friends and family to make your dreams come true. No one will contribute to your dream if they don’t know it exists. So, don’t forget to send your dream to friends and family. You can even notify people about your dream by emailing them directly from your Dreamer profile. Think about others who would consider contributing. Getting people you know on board is a critical step towards achieving your dream.
Contribute to Your Own Dream
You can play a part in fulfilling your own dreams. Having trouble saving up for that summer holiday, grad dress or fondue set? Each month contribute a little bit towards your own DreamBank dream. You may even find it easier to ask others for contributions if you’re pitching in too.
Connect with Other Dreamers
It’s great to have moral support and kindred Dreamers might even have advice for you on how to make your dream more successful. You never know, you may get a travel buddy or skydiving partner out of the deal!
Celebrate Good Times
Holidays are a good time to request contributions. Remind others that DreamBank is an alternative to traditional gift giving and that gifting through DreamBank can be good for you, charities and the environment.
We want your dreams to come true (almost) as much as you do! Good luck!
Do you have any tips for new dreamers? You know we want to hear about these things, so comment below with your thoughts.
Busy season, isn’t it?
We have a few things we wanted to tell you about this week:
Best of 604: This blog has been nominated for an award! Please consider voting for us for “Best Company/Business Blog” in the Best of 604 - Metro Vancouver Web Awards. Voting ends tonight (December 10th) at midnight.
Introducing DreamBank Gift Pledges! Want to find out more about them? We have the 411 here.
Gift Habits Contest: If you haven’t already completed our quick survey about how you feel about giving and getting gifts, this is a gentle reminder. You could win an iPod Nano or the equivalent contribution to your DreamBank dream.
Twitter: Did you know we’re on Twitter? If you want to hear more from us, you can always follow our tweets.
DreamBank is honored to have Global Greengrants as one of our wonderful charitable partners.
Greengrants is a “public charity funded by foundations and individuals making a difference for the planet”.
“We bridge the gap between those who can offer financial support and grassroots groups in developing countries that can make effective use of that support. We help donors overcome the barriers to grassroots grantmaking by identifying worthy organizations and moving funds at minimal cost. Our funds help grassroots groups achieve their dreams in the face of great difficulty. From protecting mangroves to protesting oil and gas development to fighting for indigenous land rights, our grantees have a significant impact in creating positive change for generations to come.”
An overview of Greengrants can be seen on their YouTube video:
Since 1993, Global Greengrants Fund has made “more than 4,000 grants in over 120 countries.” One of their current projects aims to promote food sovereignty and sustainability in Micronesia. The exportation of US crops in the 1960s and 1970s to the area has created a dependence on food that is far less nutritious and sustainable than Micronesa’s local crops. This cycle has led to various nutritional deficiencies in children, a dependence on US products and a neglect of much healthier local food.
“The Island Food Community of Pohnpei (IFCP) is a Greengrants grantee based in Micronesia that is
addressing both the local and global causes of the current food and nutrition crisis. Through its awareness campaigns and workshops, IFCP is helping residents to reclaim and preserve knowledge of local traditional foods, building a grassroots effort to restore food production and consumption patterns back to their more sustainable and nutritious roots.”
We commend Global Greengrants on their impressive work.