The collective support of friends & family, in this way, to assist me in continuing to move throughout life & show up in the ways that feel authentic & life-affirming, means the WORLD to me.
TRULY GRATEFUL for each & every way you have already brought value to my life & appreciate your thoughtful consideration in other WAYS.
In brief, I'm asking you to invest in me.
Your contribution will 'buy me time' to continue submitting proposals & agreements to individuals & organizations for collaborative projects & programming in exchange for various resources, including currency.
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Your generosity supports 2 trainings I am scheduled to participate in this year.
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Provide (one of) the vehicles by which to make this all happen in the most natural way, for me. Freedom of movement-time tested over the past two years, REALLY suits me. Your help with purchasing & transforming a cargo van into a livable space/workspace will be AMAZING!
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Allowing for continued opportunities to collaborate in various locations & uplifting of more than one organization and voice. Providing for myself through creative streams & ideas of time & value and the supportive ground built for the future.
Will you give me a hand?
Read more for details on how this came about, what I want to do and what I am doing to make it happen and ALL the different WAYS you can join me.
Much love,
J
HISTORY // The Backstory - QUEER ODYSSEY
Roughly two years ago while working in Hawaii, I recognized it would be a disservice to continue serving youth and inauthentic to ask those I worked with to search edges I was fearful to search myself. What that meant to me is that I answered The Call. I chose to have faith that the communities I wished to serve as Mentor, Guide and soon to be Elder would still be there upon my Return. Having no idea how long I would be “gone”, trusting I would know when the time arrived. I created Queer Odyssey as a vehicle to chart the journey- consisting of tales & visuals of my exploration.
I desired to explore, move & face some known and unknown fears & assumptions about who I am so that I would truly & authentically serve youth in a deep and meaningful way.
Queer Odyssey tells the story of following a path with heart and finding trust in living authentically.
From the beginning a dot org (.org), the website & social media identify as an Organization for networking, collaboration & offerings and is always evolving & finding its niche as I continued to travel in 2017 in the waters of the Gulf & Salish Sea, as well as, wintering in Mexico till March 2018.While travelling last year I continued to research, follow and cultivate relationships with organizations that aligned with my hopes for directly working in the field again.
I left the desert for Hawaii in 2015 to "save my life" & in the spring of 2016 I was crossing the Atlantic, sailing to Europe. Read LOVE NOTES from the field for more stories.
Two years later, I feel a sense of resolve and a readying to step out of the liminal space and direct myself towards concrete markers- devote and partner with others who resonate with me. I’m excited (& nervous!) to begin building my niche in this work OUT loud and bring what has been an amazing two year journey, with many gifts, to completion through Incorporation with my community.
And I could use a little help from my friends...
The intent of Queer Odyssey: A way, informed by my own experiences, for others to self-design their own Rite of Passage. Evolving beyond my own personal narrative and serving as a road-map, carrying the thread of its origins, the transparency of my own stories- the Queerest Quest (in every sense of the word); a Hero's Journey template for navigating life's challenges.
My vocations & how I show up in the world are intrinsically tied together, seeking out experiences as the ideal teacher. My identification as Queer goes beyond gender & sexuality- it is a way of life for me & at times challenging to find reflected back.
As I have embodied and tested this way , over the past couple of years specifically, my resilience has strengthened, my physical pain has reduced and the lessons of faith, trust, belonging and self respecting boundaries have weaved through the fabric of my being; serving as a Guide.
As I look 1 year, 5 years, 10 years down the road, what I instinctually believe will lay a sustainable ground of purpose, honoring my physical well-being & bring joy consistently brings me to this work & movement.
THE VISION
Find Freelance, Free Agent, seasonal, project based, contractual work, allowing for continued flexibility of schedule, independence & opportunities to work in various locations with multiple organizations & individuals (YOU).
This may look like, added programming in your organization, consulting, guest speaking, project caretaker +++. I strongly desire to support youth, again, and specifically youth populations that include: Transgender, LGBTQ2+, POC, First Nations and those within the Foster or homeless shelters. Preferring to coordinate, collaborate and be led by Youth leaders feels really important in these times.
Committed to filling the need for creating Trans & Non-Binary specific Rites of Passage (ROP), introducing and offering ROP to Organizations already working in the field with our dynamic community, and supporting existing ROP organizations in becoming accessible to Trans & Non-Binary youth. Collaborating with Organizations & Individuals committed to educating about and supporting resilience in the intersectionality of our collective.
This is how I have envisioned it thus far (& I’m ready to lean in). The hope is this work will take place wherever The Call is heard. That I have the opportunity to continue travelling//exploring and incorporate my 'living in the field" experiences.
I believe the combination of my experiences, age and identities offer a unique view to reflect to youth and bear witness and serve. In these fast paced times I offer a slower, intentional way that I have carved out for myself despite and because of the challenges faced. I desire to see what sacredness, art, creativity, movement and tapping into the natural rhythms soul + spirit provides us in these intentional spaces. The reciprocal exchange of being in youth spaces provides me with energy, possibility and humility & fills me with pride, joy and a “mama bear” sense for which I love to show up more consistently and sustainably in my life.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Over the past two years since leaving my job at Pacific Quest in the Spring of 2016 I have proven to myself that I can travel and explore new places & other countries, finding places to stay & food in exchange for work, with little to no currency exchange, stepping into ideas of resource flow.
I have intentionally remained off a payroll over the past 2 years as to step into the possibility of, when the time came to incorporate- freedom of movement, collaboration & uplifting of more than one organization and voice, and belief in providing for myself through multiple streams & ideas of currency, wealth & value, serve as tenets.
Why crowdfund?
Because asking for help is a hugely vulnerable thing for me. Because everything points to doing things differently. I consider transparency & openess to be increasing in value. Calling in various resources + your generosity will allow this work to thrive, be accessible to others and be sustainable for years to come.
I've been asked the questions: "Do you have family members or friends that will support this endeavor? Or do you have a special skill or gift that can be shared with your community in exchange for support?" The answer is YES!
That there is nothing more important to me than the friendships, connections, support and love we have provided each other, whether in a brief encounter or over the long haul. Because if the shoe was on the other foot I would want you to have trust in me to ask and I'd be honored to give in anyway I could to you.
The greatest barrier to getting what you want is
not asking.
THE ASK $20,018.00
TRAININGS
Restoring Youth Rites of Passage: Two-Week Leadership Intensive
$400 DOWNPAYMENT PAID
REMAINING BAL. $2,000- APPROVED payment plan option over 12 months 166.67 per month.
YOUTH ON FIRE TRAINING
$750 PYMT PLAN OPTION AVAILABLE TBD
I believe the combination of the Restoring Youth Rites of Passage: Two-Week Leadership Intensive with Rite of Passage Journeys in June + participating in the Youth on Fire Training in August are the alchemy to bridge what I love – soulfully mentor youth through initiatory experiences, being in nature & movement + dancing + expressive arts, to name a few.
= EST. $2,750
MOBILITY, HOME & WORK SPACE
Best Cargo Vans for your Business
Nissan NV Standard (or something like it) that I will transform into my 'tiny home' caravan
= EST. $15,996 MAX -TO INCLUDE GAS TO GET ME STARTED & CAR INSURANCE.
SELF-CARE & MEDICAL EXPENSES
Anticipated monthly expenses & cushion -I currently DO NOT have Health Insurance. $107 per month Medical + self care & well-being or $1272 for 1 year
HOW SOON DO I NEED THE FUNDS?
By July 23, 2018 (My Birthday!) That is when I plan to be in the SW (CO. & UT) & in Moab, where I would like to buy a vehicle.
WAYS TO PAY
Financial support can be received in one lump sum or spread over monthly disbursements.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT ME
Donate gear or a vehicle- totally down for in-kind material goods that you would gift me.
Open to a loan? I'm good for it- lets talk!
INVITE ME TO STAY WITH YOU + FEED ME- IT WILL BE GREAT!
BRING ME TO YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR ORGANIZATION OR BUSINESS- LETS WORK TOGETHER & CO-CREATE.
WHAT AM I DOING TO SUPPORT THIS VISION?
WORKING ON STAYING & BEING OUTSIDE THE BOX
Submitting my WORK HISTORY & proposal to individuals & organizations I have developed rapport with over the years- offering Free Agent, Freelance services/added value programming/ consulting/ project management/personal concierge.
UPDATING website with services offered
To start-proposals will cover minimum expenses (for pilot programs) ie. Travel room & board + donation base. Build financially over next 1-2 years.
Creating sustainable work that will take me into Eldering and less impactful on my physical body - my hands have held alot over the years AND are showing signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
Taking care of my body, resting, eating anti-inflammatory diet, staying 'clean'.
Flexibility to be available to family in the coming 10-15 years without ‘losing my job’.
Opportunity to write - YES, the memoir will be written!
IDEAS about Geographic Locations (& where collaborations are already coming to fruition) include:
Winter: South (Florida/Georgia/Hawaii/Mexico)
Spring/Summer: SW (Utah, Colorado, Hawaii)
Summer: PNW (Oregon, Washington, BC)
Fall: South/SW/PNW
Your Impact
I am honored that you have expressed curiosity and interest in the possibilities we can co-create and your willingness to support me in whatever ways you can.
My hope is that I can leave a Legacy of Service & Love in this lifetime and I would be flattered to discuss further ways I can support you, your work and your organization as you are mine.
To help me get the word out, please share!
Talk soon, Take care,
J
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