Revive and Rally

I’ve been reading lots of awful news lately (you, too?). But this story from NPR gave me soooooo much hope and inspiration.

The article describes a new initiative called Project Resource Optimization (PRO), dreamed up by former USAID staffers and hosted by the Center for Global Development.

PRO has identified the most cost-effective, highest impact, and ready-to-go global development programs that were once funded by USAID but have since been cut — and they’ve built an incredible spreadsheet out of the data.

This spreadsheet is seriously amazing. It’s basically a matchmaking service between de-funded programs and funders ready to step up. Just take a quick look here at the Urgent & Vetted Projects list.

PRO is a time-sensitive effort, since the opportunity to restart these programs won’t last long. That part will break your heart — and at the same time, I am beyond inspired by the PRO team’s creativity, courage, and practical action.

What’s that saying? “When one door closes, a window opens.”

PRO has opened that window.

If you know a funder or philanthropist who cares about global development, please pass this along.

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

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📣 CAN YOU HELP SAVE AMERICORPS?

AmeriCorps has been DOGE’d and it’s on the verge of extinction. If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you know I’m an AmeriCorps alum and believe deeply in the power of national service. And so, I’m joining Stand with Service to save this vital program. Want to join, too?

Stand with Service is launching an urgent, four-week sprint to restore AmeriCorps by forming teams in Congressional districts across the country (#organizing101).

You can click on this link to sign up and get connected with people in your community who will organize local events over the next four weeks. No experience or skill set is needed; all support will be provided.

👓 SPEND A DAY WITH DWIGHT

This free, virtual event on Wednesday, June 11 looks super cool — and it’s hosted by actor, author, and activist Rainn Wilson! I signed up and thought maybe you’d have an interest as well.

The event is “Share Our America: The Summit” and it’s co-hosted by Weave and New York’s 92nd Street Y. It’s a three-hour online event exploring the cause of today’s feelings of isolation and division and how weaving in our communities is the ground-up solution.

Check it out and register here.

🎨 THIS IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF PERSONALITY QUIZ

I came across Adobe’s Creative Types tool the other day and had a lot of fun with it (plus, I totally feasted my eyes on the tool’s vibrant, rich colors).

It’s an interactive personality quiz designed to help people better understand their creative strengths and styles, revealing the how and why behind your creativity.

Answer the 15 questions for yourself — and let me know what type you are!

💘 NONPROFIT LOVE

Code for America, our country’s leading civic tech nonprofit for 15+ years, believes that government can work for the people, and by the people, in the new digital age. Code for America partners with community organizations and governments at all levels to build digital tools, change policies, and improve programs with the goal of delivering public services better with technology.

Some of Code for America’s most impactful projects include:

*GetCalFresh: A portal to access food assistance programs in California that lowered the time to complete an application from 45 minutes to under 10 minutes. Users can access benefits from their phones and receive text message updates.

*Clear My Record: Software that analyzes large datasets of criminal records and pinpoints records eligible to be erased or dismissed in certain states.

*GetYourRefund: An online service that allows taxpayers to access Volunteer Income Tax Assistance services virtually.

Want to learn more or get involved? Click here.