The Van Squigglebottomses’s Mark on the World
This is a guest post by Jessica, the future Ms. Van Squigglebottoms.
One in three people today live in poverty. Children die from preventable diseases. So what are we going to do about it? We’re going to change our last name to Van Squigglebottoms.
If we raise $1 million for Oxfam America’s lifesaving work by December 31, my husband Jeff and I have pledged to take and use the last name Van Squigglebottoms for the rest of our lives.
It’s an absurd name. But we think that the fact that poverty exists in a world of plenty is even more absurd. And that’s the rub: we’re doing something completely crazy to engage people who have never been involved in poverty relief, because the world is full of goodhearted people who want to be asked in a way that makes them feel good, rather than guilty.
When we talk to people about poverty relief, we sometimes see them shut down. Faced with the stark reality is that people are dying needlessly, many of us feel helpless. The truth is, global poverty is also an inspiring challenge. The extra money we spend on movies and lattes can save lives and bring justice.
Right now, for example, Oxfam America is deeply involved in helping Syrian refugees help themselves. This presents a great opportunity to spread joy to people whose lives are so difficult right now. A donation of $20 can buy water collection and storage containers for an entire household of refugees. $40 is enough to provide a family with a blanket, mattress and pillow. $125 is enough provide two weeks’ worth of food vouchers for a refugee family. And $240 can build a shower to serve 50 people in a tent settlement.
Sure, Jeff and I are attached to our last names. We didn’t change them when we got married nine years ago, because they’re a piece of our identities. But if taking a crazy name can give people a laugh and inspire them to give to poverty relief efforts, we’re game.
We’re still a ways off from our $1 million goal, but we’ve raised more money than we ever have running marathons or 5k races. Most importantly, our efforts have gotten people to contribute to Oxfam America’s lifesaving work who have never before been involved in poverty relief efforts. Other generations had their charity balls and auctions. Our generation wants online content with real-world consequences: the kind of stuff that’s going to make people laugh, think, and share. We’re pretty sure we’re at least making them laugh.
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