A Cause For Attention
Some bands pick a platform, some tours take a stand – Here’s music news that doesn’t highlight the messenger, just the message.
This week: OKGo and DonorsChoose.org.
Famous for pom-squad routines and treadmill gymnastics, the members of OkGo have already proven that their songs are perfect for that Saturday night dance party that’s been in the works for years. Next on their list is getting help with what Damien Kulash (vocals and guitar) calls “a little good old-fashioned world-saving.?
Last summer, Kulash wrote a letter on the OkGo homepage, asking fans to take a look at DonorsChoose.org. The non-profit organization helps provide public school teachers and their students with the resources that are so often unavailable.
The website allows public school teachers to submit their own proposals for classroom projects, explaining what materials are needed, the lessons behind them and the benefits their students will gain. Individuals then browse the website, and choose projects to support based on their own interests and heartstrings. It is also possible to donate at random. 100% of the donated money goes to classroom projects, unless it is specifically given to help cover costs at DonorsChoose.org.
Proposals call for varying amounts of funding, with projects under $100 and over $1000, but the amount of a donation is up to the individual. Projects can be searched by subject, region, cost needed to complete and special categories; like high level of poverty or soon to expire programs.
Requests currently listed cover anything and everything one could imagine a school needing, from 8 youth softball helmets to LCD projectors.
The website also provides ways to fund projects in someone’s honor, and give gift-certificates that allow the recipient to choose which projects he or she would like to sponsor. It’s also possible to open a gift registry of sorts, enabling anyone to list favorite projects and share them with family and friends. After a project is completed, donors receive a feedback package of student photos and thank-you notes, along with a teacher impact letter.
OkGo made their own registry, and while “Mr. OK Go Band? may receive the honor for donations made from that particular link, you can always search for your own.
As of October 31, 2007, $14,266,474 has been donated through DonorsChoose.org to 715,696 students in need. As a personal and easily understood contribution website, this hits home. Kulash writes, “Public school teachers…are so chronically under-funded that they often have to pay for books and materials out of their own pockets,? and this truth has been proven time and time again. Does anyone have it in them to buy a softball helmet today?
You can find OkGo’s registry here.
Posted by Leen Morrissey on Nov 01, 2007 @ 12:00 am
