Making Something from a Bunch of Nothings

The I.A.N. is off to a rousing start, which isn't bad considering there are a bunch of nobodies in charge. It's like the U.S. House of Representatives, only this group gets stuff done.

The logo is great and the store is proof that despite our interminable self-loathing, we still have some PR and marketing saavy. But what if people actually, you know, buy something? We're nobodies -- who's going to give us a bank account?

So here's my thought: Anyone dumb enough to buy swag from an organization of nobodies should be rewarded by having the proceeds go to charity. We're international so the charity should be global. And since we are nobodies, we should help other nobodies -- or at least people who are considered nobodies by much of the world.

I'm thinking of the homeless in Los Angeles. Of refugees in Darfur and displaced families from the U.S. Gulf Coast. Of Southeast Asia Tsunami victims and Pakistani earthquake survivors. I'm thinking of the millions who don't have blogs or computers or Internet access, but who would welcome help from those who do.

These are the real nobodies -- and if we could raise some money to help them, well, now that would be something indeed.

Being that I'm a nobody, however, it's possible that this idea is lame, and I should just go back to watching Seinfeld reruns and wondering how the banana got its name (did you know bananas are the earth's first fruit? It's true!)

Nevertheless, if you agree or have a different suggestion, please post a comment or let one of the nobodies know.

Comments

[Andrea Weckerle]

Gary:

Great idea about the charities, helping the ones who need it the most. If we want to, and once we build more momentum, we can even chose a few different charities. I like Susan's idea about children; I like the idea of being good stewards of the environment by helping environmental & animal protection groups; I like the idea of helping the many poor or disenfranchised. "I'm thinking of the millions who don't have blogs or computers or Internet access, but who would welcome help from those who do." = brilliant.

[Allan Jenkins]

Gary, Susan, Eric, and Linda you are now Assistant Deputy District co-Executives for Distributing Nobody's Largesse. We'll put a polyester tie in the mail to you.

I'm down with aiding other nobodies, especially those who can't afford to, or are never given the chance to, flip a finger at somebodies.

I started writing an article about microlending, then set it aside... it's a fascinating phenom that really does let nobodies build a little something.

[Linda]

I like Eric's micro-lending idea. Very small amounts make enormous differences. These small loans make Somebodies.

Nobody listens, Nobody sees, Nobody lends a hand.

Yes. We do.

[Gary Goldhammer]

Eric, the micro-lending concept sounds great. Let us know what you find out!

[Eric Eggertson]

I like the idea, Gary.

Something that provides a lot of help for people who have very little but have energy and enthusiasm is micro-lending. Typically women get a small loan to help them buy some equipment, or otherwise set themselves up in business. The kids benefit from a stable home, and the borrower usually pays the money back.

That's my idea. I'll see if I can find a charity that operates on that basis, and I'll get back to you.

[Susan Getgood]

Something for children. Because we want them all to grow up to be somebody.