freeskewl Reparations Initiative
The freeskewl Reparations Initiative began in August 2020. Through the program, non-Black/non-Indigenous teachers who receive direct donations for their classes transfer 10-60% of their earnings to a fund that is distributed monthly among Black/Indigenous instructors. Black artists who hold affinity spaces for Black Folx or BIPOC receive additional shares per class. This Black History Month, we welcome your direct contributions to the freeskewl Reparations Initiative. Help us raise $4,000 by February 28th so we can pay each February artist $50 minimum in reparations per event (in addition to direct payments sent to artists by participants). UPDATE: We have raised $3,694 as of February 15th. PAY: 1) CLICK HERE to contribute on PayPal with note "Reparations Initiative." Please select "sending to friends or family" so we receive your full contribution. 2) Pay on Venmo @freeskewl with note "Reparations Initiative" If you donate $100 or more, we will send you an exclusive freeskewl t-shirt! Just send your mailing address to freeskewlteam@gmail.com In the spirit of reparations, we suggest contributing 10-60% of the payment you receive from your next gig, your weekly paycheck, etc. Here's an example of how to determine your place on a sliding scale from Hadassah Damien (a queer artist and founder of Ride Free Fearless Money): Consider paying less on the scale if you: are supporting children or have other dependents have significant debt have medical expenses not covered by insurance receive public assistance have immigration-related expenses are an elder with limited financial support are an unpaid community organizer are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history Consider paying more on the scale if you: own the home you live in have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money travel recreationally have access to family money and resources in times of need work part time by choice have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.) Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice. Wondering what reparations are? Check out this resource from Teen Vogue or this one from The Brookings Institute. |