Welcome to The Fulcrum, where I think out loud about work, community, and what it actually looks like to care about the world without losing yourself in the process. The balance is dynamic, and I'm figuring it out in real time. Glad you're here for it.
Table of Contents
Tabs, Texts, and Takes
Summer volunteer opportunity → paid part-time potential. Happin is in its final push to the App Store. I need 3 volunteers this summer, 5 hrs/week, remote.
You get: a strong rec letter, a resume fix-up, and first shot at a paid role when funding closes. Looking for undergrads or grad students who want real startup experience. Reply for details.
The New York Times is running an undergrad journalism program. Apply by June 12th for the opportunity to receive mentorship from people in the field.
What do cooperatives, land trusts, and mutual aid have in common? The answer? Solidarity Economy. This resource page by the New Economy Coalition shares examples, books, and videos relevant to ways communities come together for more respect for society and the earth.
Chasing the latest algorithm updates? See how LinkedIn’s changes will impact your career prospects. How is it impacting you? Are you thinking about your career or your childrens’ careers in the process?
My Personal Finance Guru. Seriously. I joined the Atrevida Investment Club in 2021 after meeting Avilia. I’ve received career advice, used the provided net worth tracker, and met members who grow their wealth in different ways. Sign up, and mention that Kateri referred you!
What’s on my mind: “What do you do for fun?”
This week, I signed up to volunteer for FIFA World Cup watch parties in Los Angeles, specifically in an underserved area, as I would like to connect with others. I intentionally signed up close to my hometown, which is a predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood, and not the stereotypical Los Angeles you see on TV. I take a lot of pride in growing up around there, and I want my actions to reflect my connection and care for the community.
I recently also moved back to Los Angeles, but I am in a different location, far from my hometown. I have picked up hobbies and managed my time as a new full-time entrepreneur, and as I get to know people, the question comes up: “What do you like to do for fun?” Through the years, I have noticed the answer to this question depends on the person, their personality, the location, and the culture of their surroundings. But what if our hobbies were not a result of our surroundings, but the cause of the surroundings we want to create?
I don't want to forget where I come from, and my surroundings, as comfortable as they are now, could take over my day-to-day. I have to make a conscious effort to nurture my roots and give back where I can, without it feeling like a chore.
For instance, how often do people say "volunteering" as their answer to "what do you do for fun?" At least for me, I don't hear it as often as I'd like, and I want to be able to confidently and honestly answer with that myself.
I like yoga, brunching, and partying as much as the next person, but I want to incorporate volunteering in a way that I know I spent my week decompressing AND recharging with contributions to others around me.
Volunteering to me right now means that I have the currency of time and health, so I can give it to others who may need it, and selfishly, it makes me happy! I also understand that as a startup founder, I can get hyper-focused on my projects, and that I am prone to disconnecting from the world around me. Volunteering is my chance to keep the connection to the community, when my work can keep me only thinking of myself.
If you are in a season where you can contribute beyond yourself, here are a few ways to think about it:
Volunteering does not have to be serious to count. Try hosting a watch party at a local cafe, invite neighbors to a volunteer event followed by happy hour, host a clothing exchange party with friends, and donate the remainder to a local thrift store, whatever feels true to you.
Match the currency you actually have. Currency here is time, money, and skills/presence as a form of contribution. Are you busy all the time but have a steady income? Carry a couple of dollar bills in case of an opportunity to share. Have some time while you wait between jobs? Sign up for a local shelter and offer skills you would like to strengthen ahead of your next role.
Let it be for you, too. Just as with any other common hobby, choose your altruistic activity as it makes sense to you! Whether it is staying connected to your roots, giving your best shot at helping a cause that seems too big, or even getting to know your community through giving.
So go make volunteering a hobby. A great place to start is here.
Rex (Recommendations)
“It is quite a revelation to discover that the place you wanted to escape to is the exact same place you escaped from. That the prison wasn't the place, but the perspective.”
Something about me is that I don't tend to read fiction, but I kept hearing about this book over and over, so I had to pick it up from the library. Although I ended up listening to it on audiobook, I was hooked, partly because of the different worlds the author takes us through, and the similarity to a childhood read, The Giver. I recommend The Midnight Library as I believe it is essential reading for individuals needing realistic hope, direction, and a sense of connection with the world around us.
Quotes & Qs
Quote: "If you're always the one initiating plans, whether to organize a small gathering or a large family reunion, it's easy to get resentful and say ‘Enough.’... But I encourage you to change your thinking: Your payback isn't a future dinner at your relative's house. Your payback is the opportunity to strengthen your connections right now, on your own timetable."
Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, “The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life”
Reflection Question: Today’s reflection prompt is inspired by a recent podcast episode related to courage: Do you believe courage is something you are born with, or something you train to develop? Why?