Please Donate: I Need funds to Attend A Youth Conference

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Hello comrades,

While it might seem pretentious of me to so blandly ask for money here, I am desperate.

Come July there is a national youth (U.S.A) conference on AIDS activism. I have been invited to attend but must raise six hundred dollars (American) to help off set the costs for the week long event.

I swear on all my credibility that this is a legitimate cause; if you are able to help me financially please send me a PM.

Details about the event can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/c2eayouth?sk=info

[Decolonize The Left]

Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/)? Justgiving.com (http://www.justgiving.com/)?

Don't limit yourself to this forum, where most members are broke young people, go bigger. Post your plight on GLBTQ forums, webpages, etc... There are plenty of wealthier people out there who will support you going to this event.

By the way, congratulations! I'm so glad you accepted this - 555 will be proud.

- August

[Le Libérer]

Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/)? Justgiving.com (http://www.justgiving.com/)?

Don't limit yourself to this forum, where most members are broke young people, go bigger. Post your plight on GLBTQ forums, webpages, etc... There are plenty of wealthier people out there who will support you going to this event.

By the way, congratulations! I'm so glad you accepted this - 555 will be proud.

- August

I am very proud. I have a few suggestions as well. I suggested he approach his local HIV resource center and tell them he has been invited to attend this conference. Negoiate with them by telling them if they will sponsor or partially sponsor, he will come back with information from the conference and share it with local activists. Hes going to learn so much about the laws and legalities of HIV, what is new with the disease, etc, he can be very beneficial locally. (And thats what this conference is about). The goal of the Youth Action Institute is to turn out young AIDS activists and leaders.

He can also go back to his LGBT group and ask for them to sponsor a fundraising event to get him to DC. There are also grants for this kind of stuff. I'll check with past organizers and see where to link to.

TheGodlessUtopian is going to be able to afford to go to this conference. One way or the other.

[PhoenixAsh]

Awesome!! What an incredible opportunity.

Ok...well...I am currently one of the broke people....unfortunately...and am not that young (damnit!). I can't miss anything...because I litterally have $ 50 I begged from friends which needs to last me till the end of the March.

I hope though I will find a job before the end of the month (Always be positive). If that happens I will promise you I will contribute as soon as I have paid my debts.

It won't be $600...but I can at least try and contribute to this opportunity for you. I know it is an empty gesture right now... :( But hey...one I do thoroughly mean and intend to follow up on when I get the chance.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Any money would be more than appreciated Hindsight and I am immensely happy that you would donate if given the chance.I understand being fiscally strained; there have been times when my entire family had less than $10 to our name which was suppose to last us through the week until the next pay check.

Thank you very much :)

[Le Libérer]

I will match donations from revlefters up to $100.00. That means if ya'll can send $5 to $100, I will donate whatever that amount is up to $100. Of course that doesnt mean you guys have to stop at $100! But $100 is all I can afford. I will be paying for my expenses as well, seeing I am a presenter to this campaign.

[Ostrinski]

God dammit, we are having money problems as well right now and I can't find a job. But if I had money to give I would give it. How long do you have to raise the money, or do you just have to take it with you in July? If I can come up with something before then I will help you out.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

God dammit, we are having money problems as well right now and I can't find a job. But if I had money to give I would give it. How long do you have to raise the money, or do you just have to take it with you in July? If I can come up with something before then I will help you out.

We have until the beginning of June to send in the money.

Thank you for your efforts. :)

- - - - - -

@ 5 5 5 : :thumbup1: ....words cannot express my gratitude.Thank you :)

- - - - - -

UPDATE: Yesterday I sent emails to various people and groups asking for money. I have heard back from one group who said that they are unsure of what avenues they are able to access right now but they would greatly benefit from my journey to the conference; they said they will forward my email to other people of interest. I have a good feeling from them but nothing is concrete yet.

I also emailed several former teachers of mine to help with the entrance essay. While they will assist with the writing aspect I am confident that if in a few weeks, after my essay is done and I'm excepted,I ask them for some donations they will give a little (as one of them is "easing into retirement").

Will keep this thread updated as I find out more.

Thanks for your support everyone!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Last night I also contacted the local coordinator for the Maine Code:Pink chapter and I am pleased to report that she is cutting me a check for $50! While I still have a far way to go it is better than nothing.

She also invited me to speak at a event being held in the capital.She said I did so well speaking at the last occupy gathering she would be happy if I did so again on the new topic of the negative effects of military spending.

[Decolonize The Left]

Good for you TGU. 555 is absolutely correct that you should work the networks already in place. I'm glad to hear it has already brought you success.

As for me, I will take the allotted time until June before I evaluate whether or not I can throw you some cash. As it stands I'm just getting my job situation settled, so we'll see.

- August

[CountryKid]

I can probably donate, I get paid by uncle sam on the 1st.

:thumbup1:

[Le Libérer]

Actually lets aim at mid May. I dont like waiting until the last minute and problems arise. Also any one who wants to paypal a donation, I will be using the old account I used for rs2k. PM me and I will give it to you.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Parents borrowed some money from me but they payed it back double so I know have an additional $57.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Comrade RedAnarchist donated $10! Thank you very much! :)

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

Good luck! I wish I could contribute, but I'm living on a minimal monthly payment from a state disability program.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Good luck! I wish I could contribute, but I'm living on a minimal monthly payment from a state disability program.

Thank you, and it is all right, I wish you the best of luck in surviving our capitalist horrorshow as well. :)

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Comrade RedNoob donated $4! Thank you very much! :thumbup1:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Just a friendly reminder of 5 5 5's challenge to raise the money by Mid-May: anyone who donates money, of any amount, will have their donation matched. So if you donate $5 than 5 5 5 will match that donation for the exact amount. Amounts will be matched up to $100!
- - - - - - -
List of users who have donated

RedAnarchist
RedNoob

List of Outside Donators

Local Code:P!nk coordinator: $50
Various financial transactions: Soon to be added.
Total (after 555 matching): $95
- - - - - - -

We can do this comrades, but I need your help!

[Le Libérer]

Just a friendly reminder of 5 5 5's challenge to raise the money by Mid-May: anyone who donates money, of any amount, will have their donation matched. So if you donate $5 than 5 5 5 will match that donation for the exact amount. Amounts will be matched up to $100!
- - - - - - -
List of users who have donated

RedAnarchist
RedNoob

Theres been others who have PMed me for the paypal info, and I am waiting to hear from them as well.

SOOOO.......

I'm matching up to $100 total donations from revlefters which means with your total donations up to $100, he will receive $200!

Supporting each other here is one of the community building aspects revleft has been so well known for. We take care of our own. And thats one of the main reasons we are the #1 leftist political message board in the world!

Bring it you guys!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Talked with the teacher I referred to about a few posts ago and she agreed to write me a check for $50! I received said check in the mail today (the benefits of being a good student :D ).

I will update for another new total in a few days when I am suppose to get more money.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE!

555 will be matching individual donations up to $100 so send in your donations now and help me get to where I need to go. I would be eternally grateful! Any amount will do-five dollars or even one-hundred. I need the money by Mid-May so send in your contributions as soon as possible!...



List of users who have donated

RedAnarchist ($10)
RedNoob ($4)

List of Outside Donators

Local Code:P!nk coordinator: $50
Teacher Donation: $50
Various financial transactions: $182

Total (after 555 matching): $310
_________
Half way there comrades!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: An additional $6 has found its way into my pockets for babysitting-yay!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: My partner donated an additional $10

[Prometeo liberado]

This has been really cool to watch. I don't even know you yet am very happy for you!:thumbup:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

This has been really cool to watch. I don't even know you yet am very happy for you!:thumbup:

Thank you, it is exciting.
- - -

Any amount is welcomed, so if anyone feels in a giving mood! ;)

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Bump .... just a friendly reminder that I am still in great need of donations; any and all are welcomed, Children of the Revolution is matching every donation so give literally anything you can spare! :)

[Le Libérer]

What is the total to date from other members besides myself? I am matching up to $100 total from other members.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

What is the total to date from other members besides myself? I am matching up to $100 total from other members.

$14, though that turns to $28 after you match them.

[ellipsis]

Unfortunate I can only offer moral support.:(

[Prometeo liberado]

$14, though that turns to $28 after you match them.

Cmon people! Really? One less pack of smokes, thats all.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Unfortunate I can only offer moral support.:(

Do you think the people hosting the conference and the airlines will allow me on if I pay them in morals? ;)

[Sasha]

Im getting paid around the 14th drop me a pm hint after that day, worked a lot this month so I can probably miss a few buck.

[NewLeft]

Fuck, why does paypal have an age limit. :(

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Fuck, why does paypal have an age limit. :(

I dislike pay-pal quite a lot; they also have restrictions on country of origin pending on what kind of card you use. Really annoying. Have you tried faking your age?


Im getting paid around the 14th drop me a pm hint after that day, worked a lot this month so I can probably miss a few buck.

Thanks, I will be sure to!

[ellipsis]

I can also offer an IOU to be repaided on the east coast, does that help?

[TheGodlessUtopian]

I can also offer an IOU to be repaided on the east coast, does that help?

If it gets me there, yes. Heck, if flying monkeys from the wizard of Oz offer their assistance I would take it.lol

[ellipsis]

IOU 5, pester me about it in may.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

IOU 5, pester me about it in may.

I'll be sure to, thanks! :)

[NewLeft]

I dislike pay-pal quite a lot; they also have restrictions on country of origin pending on what kind of card you use. Really annoying. Have you tried faking your age?
I will have to link my bank, would I get caught? I only have a few months to go

[TheGodlessUtopian]

I will have to link my bank, would I get caught? I only have a few months to go

I'm not sure if you would, I am not to keen on the legal aspects but in hindsight t is probably better not to fake your age; especially if it is linked to your account.

If you have money you would like to donate you could mail in the donations via snail mail (postal service). Place the money in a cheap card and send it to a secure address (I am sure Children of the Revolution wouldn't mind handling this, or if they do, I could). Pending on how you feel about it (you wouldn't have to include a return address or anything).

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Update: Later tonight I will be sending more emails to allies asking for donations. I will also send a query to the local Queer support groups in an effort to obtain an update on what they have managed to accomplish, if anything, for me.

Bump

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Hit a snag with a local activist group: they want some more information about the event. Until than their members are not willing to donate because they feel it might be a money trap. To correct this I have written out a email filled with information and contact details.Will send it later tonight once I have the okay to include personal information from a couple people.Hopefully this brings them around.

[ellipsis]

Collect cans and bottles? Maine is a good state for that.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Collect cans and bottles? Maine is a good state for that.

It certainly is but unfortunately there are not quite many cans around my area.Now,my area is a trash bin;everyone has no regard for the environment and hawks their garbage to the side of the road (me and a friend have,on several occasions, gone walking around the streets and picked up garbage).

I am not quite that desperate for money yet.If in a couple weeks donations are steady but I still need some last minute funds, then I will go out and collect bottles but I have to weigh how much effort is expanded for collecting against how much it is likely to make me.

Good idea though, I will keep it in mind for later.

[RedAnarchist]

I just sent another $5 :).

[TheGodlessUtopian]

I just sent another $5 :).

Thank you kindly good sir for your support! :)

- - - - -

Just got back from scoping out a road for bottles and have liked what I have seen.While it is a travesty that there is so much trash on the side of the road (which probably means I will be piacking up some later this year) it bodes well for my fundraising.

Tomorrow I will spend an hour or two collecting bottles. Until my sleeping pattern is straightened out, and I wake up earlier, I am unable to spend very much time collecting but can still do some while I get back on track.

[ellipsis]

It's not gonna make u rich, but you can make some spending cash and have a nice walk while your at it.

[ellipsis]

Also think about wearing a leftist shirt while u do it.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Also think about wearing a leftist shirt while u do it.

Why a leftist shirt? To associate environmentalism with revolution?

...wearing a visible shirt actually depends upon what the whether is like when I go out collecting. Lately it has been chilly up here, even had some frost and snow a little bit back.

[ellipsis]

Yah to associate service/ community betterment and environmentalism with revolution. Just an idea I've had, never done it.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Yah to associate service/ community betterment and environmentalism with revolution. Just an idea I've had, never done it.

Well,the whether today is mild, still has a slight bit so I will be wearing a think jacket, but it is warm to where I will be able to wear said jacket unzipped just revealing my "Free Bradley Manning" T-Shirt.

Will post here again when I am back from collecting.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Okay, I am back from collecting bottles from the side of the road.Though it was cold and rainy out,so no leftist shirt being showed,I still managed to fill up a garbage bag to the brink with bottles. Will see how many of them are in redeemable condition in the near future.

In the meantime... I am taking a bath (I smell.lol... you would know what I mean if you spent some time picking up discarded bottles).

[ellipsis]

Okay, I am back from collecting bottles from the side of the road.Though it was cold and rainy out,so no leftist shirt being showed,I still managed to fill up a garbage bag to the brink with bottles. Will see how many of them are in redeemable condition in the near future.

In the meantime... I am taking a bath (I smell.lol... you would know what I mean if you spent some time picking up discarded bottles).


YAY! you have joined the ranks of the waste reclaimers! no joke this make me so happy to hear!

My understanding that maine redemption centers are pretty "liberal" about what they will redeem. you have better chances going to a designated redemption center, rather than your local general store which is likely to only going to redeem brands that they sell.

another tip, if you don't pick up glass, you could carry more bags of just aluminum and plastic. i collect everything when i do, but some people focus to save weight.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

YAY! you have joined the ranks of the waste reclaimers! no joke this make me so happy to hear!

lol... thanks, but that happened last summer when my friend and I picked up over 128 pounds of trash from the side of the road in one day.


My understanding that maine redemption centers are pretty "liberal" about what they will redeem. you have better chances going to a designated redemption center, rather than your local general store which is likely to only going to redeem brands that they sell.

They are, in fact. I worked at one for a very short time and can say that so as long as it is a redeemable the owners don't seem to mind. So as long as they don't get in trouble for taking it (though I wonder about all the dirt and mud on the bottles).


another tip, if you don't pick up glass, you could carry more bags of just aluminum and plastic. i collect everything when i do, but some people focus to save weight.

I pick up everything that I can turn in. Today it was just short walk, which still managed to fill a bag,but in future days I will be walking for much greater distances; that means I will travel along, fill up a bag and leave it tucked away on the road near the forest and collect all the bags at the end of the day (hopefully no one steals my bottle bags :D ).

[ellipsis]

Trash= not useful, waste= potentially usable.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Will be scouting out another area today. Won't be picking up any bottles but jut scouting.

- - - -

Also, just so people don't forget what this thread is about: please donate so I can attend a youth conference! Any amount is appreciated. All donations will be matched so give whatever you can! :)

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: A big thanks goes out to comrade Psycho for donating what he could despite some financial hardships! Thank you! :thumbup1:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: I just sent out a couple more pleas for donations. I hope that I get a little bit of funds from these guys as I have some sort of past history with them (one in particular). But times are tough so who knows if they will be able to give anything.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: I just sent out a couple more pleas for donations. I hope that I get a little bit of funds from these guys as I have some sort of past history with them (one in particular). But times are tough so who knows if they will be able to give anything.

Messaged an additional couple people plus spammed several group walls asking for donations. Here's hoping that one or two take up the bait...

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Messaged an additional couple people plus spammed several group walls asking for donations. Here's hoping that one or two take up the bait...

Heard back from one of them. He said that he might be able to mail me some funds. I hope he does :cool:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: My parents, who borrowed a hefty amount of my funds, have looked into getting a loan from the credit union. We just heard back from the bankers there and they have approved our loan! So, that means they will be able to pay me back, in full plus the extra they owe me.

This is important because it means that,in all likelihood, I have a great deal of my funds. There is still a gap to fill though so I still need donations but I am close. Please comrades, help me make that final push!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: My parents, who borrowed a hefty amount of my funds, have looked into getting a loan from the credit union. We just heard back from the bankers there and they have approved our loan! So, that means they will be able to pay me back, in full plus the extra they owe me.

This is important because it means that,in all likelihood, I have a great deal of my funds. There is still a gap to fill though so I still need donations but I am close. Please comrades, help me make that final push!

Great news comrades! My parents have been able to pay me back in full (so me helping them didn't come back to bite me in the ass!) so later today I will be heading down to the credit union and obtaining a money order.

Stay tuned for the final rap-up!

- - - - -

UPDATE: Another friend from Facebook responded to my pleas and will very likely donate to my cause. He hasn't said specifics but whatever he gives will help. :thumbup1:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

*drum roll* ....all right comrades, I have great news: I just got my hand on the complete money order for my June conference! Many people donated, I scrounged around receiving little donations,became a faux banker and lent my money out in exchange for return interest, and endlessly begged people I knew. The result? Six hundred big boys-$600!

http://www.revleft.com/vb/%3Ca%20href=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/042012162407.jpg/%20target=_blank%3E[IMG]http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/983/042012162407.jpg
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/983/042012162407.jpg


I would like to take this time to thank the members here who gave what they could...

RedAnarchist
RedNoob
Psycho
and Children of the Revolution for matching all received donations.

(If you donated and I left you out send me a heads up, I often forget as I keep all the records mentally)

Now that I have all the funds I may attend the conference and gain some much needed skills for organizing and fundraising. I could not have done this without you, so thank you very much! :thumbup1:
- - - - -

Though I have all the primary funds I will still be raising extra money which will be put to use in buying souvenirs (after all, it just isn't a trip to the world imperialist capital without buying overpriced, cheaply made crap from enslaved Chinese laborers!), food, and any other expenses that unexpectedly come up. My goal here is two hundred U.S dollars ($200). I already have a sizable amount but will keep this thread updated for those who retain curiosity about my progress.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: I have sent out another couple emails to contacts asking for donations for my "resource surplus." (as you may remember from the last post I am in search as some extra money to ensure that just in case anything comes up I will be all set)

I hope they will get back to me in a timely manner but, quite frankly, even if they waited until the last moment to donate I would still be in good condition as I have already raised the minimum.

Will post again when I hear word of their intentions.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Yesterday I received in the mail a check of $150.This money was given by those who donated to pay-pal as well as cotr's generous matching. Thanks again! My surplus funds are well on their way to construction!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Today I received another check in the mail from an activist confidante for a sum of $25! :cool:

[ellipsis]

When am I gonna find out how much you made collecting cans?

[TheGodlessUtopian]

When am I gonna find out how much you made collecting cans?

That is a good question.

Since the last time I went out collecting I haven't gone out again or even gone and checked on the first bag I collected (for as all as I know my parents might have already hustled the cans).BUT... I was out walking today and I noticed a good amount of cans by the side of the road.In one area there were around six bottles! So,that means tomorrow,technically later today,I will be heading out to collect again!

This time I doubt I will gather as much as previously but I hope to make at least half a bag.When I am done collecting later this afternoon I will make an effort to redeem what I have collected.

When I find out the total amount,I am not expecting a lot, than I will post the total.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Alrighty, I am heading out to collect some bottles! Wish that I do not get eaten alive by black flies.lol

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Alrighty, I am heading out to collect some bottles! Wish that I do not get eaten alive by black flies.lol

Back!...collected ten bottles and was nearly devoured by insects. Not much but I may head out again with insect repellant.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: My time at the Youth Occupy Gathering served me well by giving me an additional $10.For I had leftover gas money which will go directly into my surplus funds for this June.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Just finished going over a brief review of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website on flying and can say that though a tiny bit flustered at the prospect of flying for the first time, I am more concerned over whether my luggage will be appropriate;I will be packing all my belongings in a messenger bag and a common backpack (I have no actual packing cases, suitcases, or whatnot) so I hope that is appropriate with the amount of stuff I will be jamming in.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Earned $13 from what I am doing right now: babysitting! How droll. Whatever though, more dough for the trip and whatnot.

[ellipsis]

UPDATE: Just finished going over a brief review of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) website on flying and can say that though a tiny bit flustered at the prospect of flying for the first time, I am more concerned over whether my luggage will be appropriate;I will be packing all my belongings in a messenger bag and a common backpack (I have no actual packing cases, suitcases, or whatnot) so I hope that is appropriate with the amount of stuff I will be jamming in.

So the messanger bag should count as a laptop/personal bag and the backpack should be ok, i would just condense it as much as possible. Don't check bags if at all possible, it costs money and time and you could potentially loose your shit.

Flying is wierd. Too much time around the normals.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Great to know, I mean, I have no idea where bag checking and what not comes in.I didn't know if it was mandatory or optional and I didn't really even know what carry on and checked bags were all about.

[Prometeo liberado]

Glad I could help can't wait for updates on the conference!!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Glad I could help can't wait for updates on the conference!!

And I can't wait to write them! I will be journaling every night while at the conference so the final report should be quite dazzling.

I will be sure to send a mass PM to those members who donated funds, as well as posting it here, so that everyone can read it. :)

[Prometeo liberado]

*drum roll* ....all right comrades, I have great news: I just got my hand on the complete money order for my June conference! Many people donated, I scrounged around receiving little donations,became a faux banker and lent my money out in exchange for return interest, and endlessly begged people I knew. The result? Six hundred big boys-$600!

http://www.revleft.com/vb/%3Ca%20href=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/042012162407.jpg/%20target=_blank%3E[IMG]http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/983/042012162407.jpg
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/983/042012162407.jpg


I would like to take this time to thank the members here who gave what they could...

RedAnarchist
RedNoob
Psycho
and Children of the Revolution for matching all received donations.

(If you donated and I left you out send me a heads up, I often forget as I keep all the records mentally)

Now that I have all the funds I may attend the conference and gain some much needed skills for organizing and fundraising. I could not have done this without you, so thank you very much! :thumbup1:
- - - - -

Though I have all the primary funds I will still be raising extra money which will be put to use in buying souvenirs (after all, it just isn't a trip to the world imperialist capital without buying overpriced, cheaply made crap from enslaved Chinese laborers!), food, and any other expenses that unexpectedly come up. My goal here is two hundred U.S dollars ($200). I already have a sizable amount but will keep this thread updated for those who retain curiosity about my progress.

I just noticed the date!!:D Good thing you didn't smoke it!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

I just noticed the date!!:D Good thing you didn't smoke it!

lol... bah, I don't smoke: such a unhealthy habit. :p

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Tomorrow I will be going to the credit union in order to cash all the donation checks given to me by supporters. Hopefully there will be no problems among the actual cashing process.

[ellipsis]

lol... bah, I don't smoke: such a unhealthy habit. :p

he was talking about weed, if that was unclear...

[TheGodlessUtopian]

he was talking about weed, if that was unclear...

Same principal applies. :tt2:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Well. I went to the credit union today to ash my donation checks and it went all crappy on me. Most of the checks were fine and I got the money, though some had to be spent on getting my balance back in the positive (Damn overdraft fees), but the shitty news is that the check which had the most dough-$150-will not be available until the eleventh, until after I have left for the conference.

Urgh... I should have cashed them earlier but I was so preoccupied with garnering other donations, and planning, and just life that I kept on procrastinating or forgetting.

The good news is that from the various bits of money I earned since, and from the checks I was able to cash, I still have a surplus fund of $117 and who knows, maybe if the union doesn't actually need my body there on the 11th maybe they can deposit it straight into my account and I can use my debit card to access the funds (I doubt it but it is still a hope).

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Well. I went to the credit union today to ash my donation checks and it went all crappy on me. Most of the checks were fine and I got the money, though some had to be spent on getting my balance back in the positive (Damn overdraft fees), but the shitty news is that the check which had the most dough-$150-will not be available until the eleventh, until after I have left for the conference.

Urgh... I should have cashed them earlier but I was so preoccupied with garnering other donations, and planning, and just life that I kept on procrastinating or forgetting.

The good news is that from the various bits of money I earned since, and from the checks I was able to cash, I still have a surplus fund of $117 and who knows, maybe if the union doesn't actually need my body there on the 11th maybe they can deposit it straight into my account and I can use my debit card to access the funds (I doubt it but it is still a hope).


UPDATE: All of this has been solved! The C2EA conference has been, "due to unforeseen logistical issues", postponed until the eleventh... of August.

So, it looks like I will be home on the eleventh of this month so I will have that money plus some by the time the conference rolls around.I won't mince words: I am very upset about this but hey, it just means that I will be able to do all that stuff I would have not been able to do before.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: I have finally heard back from my local contact in regards to volunteering with a local HIV/AIDS prevention organization (as part of the "summer campaign" each C2EA attendee is suppose to launch). So soon here I will be talking with one of their organizers.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Went to pride yesterday and the folks gave me twenty dollars. Since I only spent a little bit of the total I am pocketing the remaining $13 for the conference.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Did an errand or two and came into possession of six extra bucks, yoo! lol

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: The good news is that after doing a mock test I have found that I will be able to stuff everything that I am bringing on the trip into my single backpack.The bad news is that I have yet to hear back from the organizers about my flight information; with me being an anxious person who like to know everything ahead of time it is killer. I should have the details in the next few days or so, however.

Can't wait to go and strengthen my prowess... and to write up a great piece to satisfy the journalist in me.

[Lucretia]

Yes, in my experience, there are many more wealthy LGBTQ people than there are wealthy revolutionary socialists. Come to think of it, there are many more wealthy people of any demographic than there are wealthy revolutionary socialists. :lol:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Wonderful news! I just received confirmation of my flight so everything is all booked and ready to go.This time it will not be delayed and all will be as planned. :cool:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Argh... in order to get my boarding pass I have to print out the conformation email I got. Problem is I have no ink. So now I am scrambling to order ink in time before I leave. Assuming I get it ordered today or tomorrow I will be fine (and even if the days don't match up we can scour the town) but it is just an inconvenience.

[Lucretia]

Argh... in order to get my boarding pass I have to print out the conformation email I got. Problem is I have no ink. So now I am scrambling to order ink in time before I leave. Assuming I get it ordered today or tomorrow I will be fine (and even if the days don't match up we can scour the town) but it is just an inconvenience.

There are multiple ways to print out/use your eticket/boarding pass. You can use the automoated kiosks in the airport by the ticketing counters (they spit out physical tickets), pull up the eticket on your smartphone and show that to Mr. TSA and the ticket agent at the gate, or heck, just go to a nearby public library and print it out.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

There are multiple ways to print out/use your eticket/boarding pass. You can use the automoated kiosks in the airport by the ticketing counters (they spit out physical tickets), pull up the eticket on your smartphone and show that to Mr. TSA and the ticket agent at the gate, or heck, just go to a nearby public library and print it out.

The only problem with using the kiosk is that I have no idea how to use a kiosk or what information I am to use. I was told to print out an email which was forwarded to me, which has my flight details on it, and show that to the person manning my airline flight. After that I would be given a boarding pass. So doing it while there I wouldn't even know what to do or tell them. I am really placing all my faith in the "print out the email, show it to the person behind the desk, and hope everything goes well" approach.

The public library idea is good, or even a friend's house. Don't have a smartphone so that is out of the question.lol... I will probably just buy the ink for my home computer since I have needed to buy new ink for it for a long time anyway.

[Lucretia]

The only problem with using the kiosk is that I have no idea how to use a kiosk or what information I am to use. I was told to print out an email which was forwarded to me, which has my flight details on it, and show that to the person manning my airline flight. After that I would be given a boarding pass. So doing it while there I wouldn't even know what to do or tell them. I am really placing all my faith in the "print out the email, show it to the person behind the desk, and hope everything goes well" approach.

The public library idea is good, or even a friend's house. Don't have a smartphone so that is out of the question.lol... I will probably just buy the ink for my home computer since I have needed to buy new ink for it for a long time anyway.

The kiosks are very easy to use. They just ask for your flight confirmation or ticket# and the first two letters of your last name. You then touch the screen to "check in" and it spits out a boarding pass. Just imagine a typical blue-haired granny on a bad day. The kiosk was designed to be so simple that she could use it. It is actually a good idea to check in at the airport -- long story, but it involves when airlines are allowed to reassign your seat, and their responsibility for your missing a flight.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Sounds simple enough, I will keep that information in mind.

On my information it says that "seats are confirmed." Not quite sure what that means but I hope it means they won't be reassigned. Either way I can't go down to the airport to check in as it is about an hour away; a little inconvenient just to check in (one of the many "benefits" from living in the country.lol).

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Great news, my brother's wife said that the airport people can print out your confirmation for you by showing an I.D. Wonderful news so it is all in the computer than. Makes me feel quite a bit better, more secure. I am still as anxious as I have been since... a long time, but I am happy I just have a bit more backup now.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: Just received my weekly schedule, hostel information, and packet of various other details for my trip. It is all rather awesome. :cool:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

So I am heading off to the airport in a few hours for my trip. So I am here to post a gigantic thank you to everyone who donated to send me on this trip.Without your generous donations I never would have been able to go.When I return I shall post my report back and inform you all of the event in its entirety. :thumbup: :cool:

[Ele'ill]

Safe travels

[Prometeo liberado]

Wow! Is it me or has this whole process taken an entire lifetime? Have a great time!!!!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Travel update: Am now relaxing at the Hostel after spending all day traveling,searching,waiting,and being anxious.Had a small something to eat at the airport but my stomach is upset for some reason. Must be the strain of being so tired mixed with the activities of the day. I can't wait until bed. :sleep:

[Prometeo liberado]

Travel update: Am now relaxing at the Hostel after spending all day traveling,searching,waiting,and being anxious.Had a small something to eat at the airport but my stomach is upset for some reason. Must be the strain of being so tired mixed with the activities of the day. I can't wait until bed. :sleep:

Living the dream!

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Update: Had another full day, only instead of traveling I was engaged in a full day of activities. Workshops and lectures all day. Tomorrow we will be planning our direct action as well as listening and learning from some highly specialized individuals who are dedicated to the struggle to end AIDS;all I can say is that I have some mighty respect for Larry Brayant.He may not be a "comrade" but he is a solid person.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

UPDATE: The Y.A.I is over and after a missed flight and some good-byes (and a whole lot of traveling) I am back home in rural Maine... so quiet out here...

I will begin work on my report back later tonight but do not see a finished draft being finalized until as late as next Saturday possibly (could be earlier but who knows;there is a lot to do and I am not sure how I am going to go about it).

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Finally finished the report back.I will post a new thread about it in Non-Political and then link the thread back here.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Here is the link to the thread...

http://www.revleft.com/vb/learning-fly-report-t174560/index.html?p=2500826#post2500826

Thank you again to everyone who donated to my cause, it means a lot and I will remember it always.:cool: