It's official, ReCapitalism has launched its first project. Our first endowment project will be directed at educational arts and athletics programs, at schools where these programs have been lacking funding, beginning in the Long Beach, California community. ReCapitalism will set up sustainable funding models across several financially neglected aspects of society, but we will begin with education.
The future of our society, American, global, human...however you'd like to look at it -- is largely dependent on our ability to educate and advance ourselves to a level in which we can sustain our prominence...or existence, depending on perspective. The US government has taken the approach to focus on STEM education; while this is a good thing, it comes at the expense of the arts and athletics. Since development in these neglected areas aids creativity in individuals, we argue that this can harm innovation; a key American identity. It is also counter-indicative of the emphasis on individualism, and providing support for all areas of interest.
So we see that an investment in the arts and education on the whole is a benefit to society. Now, where do we direct that investment? The schools seem an obvious choice, but which schools? And how? Answering the first question, ReCapitalism will begin its program in the Long Beach, CA community, and direct its investment towards funding arts and athletics programs for elementary schools with the lowest median income per family. Why elementary schools? To begin positive influences and support growth in all areas of learning early in children's lives.
To the second question of how we will direct the investment. The ReCap endowment for this initial project will distribute 3.5% of principal on an annual basis to support the programs at the chosen schools in Long Beach. With this level of distribution, the endowment's target is not only to maintain but to grow principal on annual basis. This will support larger funding levels for programs over time, creating a truly economically sustainable funding source for the arts and athletics programs in places where they are most effective in transforming lives.
But enough strategery, on to the big (stop laughing) unveil....
We Got a Zazzle Shop
Oh yeah! We'll follow up with a "talent request" post, and would be delighted if you could refer any help. As you can tell, ReCapitalism is truly a grassroots effort, and has a nonprofit Mission, so we need all the help we can get to make the greatest impact that we can.
Proceeds from purchases at the Zazzle Shop will flow directly to the ReCap LB project. The breakdown of the proceeds for each product will be displayed in the product description, but will typically be broken down as such: $0.50 for ReCap operations, $0.50 for the designer (submissions welcome if you'd like to make a few bucks, and help the kids in the process), approximately 15% of the retail price for the endowment, and the rest is ReCap's COGS to Zazzle.
This is just the beginning of our plans, but you've got to start somewhere. Help us kick off our new, entrepreneurial approach to giving back within the community by making a purchase at the storefront, or submitting a design for the storefront! We'll be posting updates with sales totals and fund balances, etc. in the interest of complete and full transparency as an organization, and will be updating the store with more products, so keep checking back. Please also share the link and help spread the word; we can't foment change without your help in inciting a digital riot! ;-)
