Competition and the Resulting Inequities

Competition is the backbone of society. Upon close observation, every aspect of capitalistic ideology is founded on contest. Bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, and the most compliant wins - the game, the reward, resources, wealth, and, possibly more importantly, the social status -closely intertwined with wealth, power, privilege, and entitlement.

Life (itself) becomes a contest of who you know and, along with it, the prestige of influence. This ultimately leads to inequities (on all levels). And is, what I believe, the most blatantly obvious - but under-identified/acknowledged symptom of society.

Why this thought process (rant) - now?

Frankly, it is always simmering just below the surface, emitting a low-pitched hum of annoyance. However, it was brought to the forefront (and became a frustrated scream) when I learned last Friday that another grant I had spent hours writing was not funded. Because, by promising to serve whoever needs us no matter the amount they can pay, we need the dollars for everything (including basic operations, not a "special" program or project), which means we cannot be sustainable without an influx of money. Yes, it was another punch in the gut - disappointing and discouraging - on many levels.  

Not the least of which is the realization that I am out there (in good faith) battling for "our" kids (student members) every single day. And because they (and their families), for the most part, are the ones who don't have wealth, privilege, entitlement, influence, or power and do not comply, they are the traumatized pawns of a system that does not work for them.  

DRC means the world to these kids, quite literally. It is the only place where they have been accepted as themselves within a diverse community and where they may even begin to imagine a positive future while exploring their interests within our safe, supportive environment.

With the failure of this latest grant - the most frustrating feeling is understanding that, to the detriment of these kids (currently 48), we have not found a way to be financially stable - even after nearly ten years and full rosters - with a solid reputation in the community - simply because we are forced to participate in an inequitable competition for dollars.

Weekly Creative Meditation

DRC News

For the above reason - we are in full-on fundraising mode. If you believe that DRC is an asset in the community and provides a valuable service - you can help keep us alive in the following ways:

Make a one-time or monthly donation.

Sponsorship - share this opportunity with any person, business, or organization in the NoCo who is dedicated to supporting their local community.

Volunteer your time - we are always looking for folks to share their interests and passions with our kiddos, or if you have fundraising skills - we would appreciate your hands-on help.

Purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist and they will get sent directly to us.

Order DRC swag from our Printify shop.

If you frequent a restaurant and believe they would be willing to have a DRC day where a percentage of the "take" would come to us - please consider asking them if they would be open to it.

Plan on attending our upcoming Jamboree, on Oct. 28th at the VFW - presented by one of our families - more info to follow next week.

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This past week we had limited attendance at both Centers due to sickness - but the kiddos who were there were fully engaged in conversation, activities, and projects that fed their (and our) spirit.

Note of Days of Operation Change at DRC-East: Now open Tuesday - Friday, from 9-3, each week.