Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adopt-an-Activist?
Adopt-an-Activist is a community-supported activism program. It exists to fund skilled, independent activistsand their work to build movements for peace, global justice, sustainability and authentic democracy.

What makes Adopt-an-Activist so unique?
Adopt-an-Activist funds individuals and their projects. By funding a diversity of independent activists and organizers, Adopt-an-Activist supports the work of a wide range of progressive social and political movements. Thus, concerned citizens, organizations, and businesses who donate to Adopt-an-Activist contribute to multiple causes and gain representation on the frontlines of many critical issues and actions while advancing the vital and compelling work of these individuals.

What's the difference between an independent activist and any other type of activist?
Some activists show up at rallies to demonstrate their beliefs. Some activists volunteer for particular causes in their spare time. And some activists work for non-profit organizations. While all of these roles are vital in helping to bring about progressive, systemic change, Adopt-an-Activist funds another type of activist. That is the uniquely qualified, independent activist who is:

• Not beholden to a campaign or organization’s single issue goals and is capable of moving beyond single-issue campaigns to highlight links between many important concerns, such as the occupation of Iraq, genetically-engineered foods and pharmaceuticals, corporate globalization, women’s rights, environmental issues, racial-justice, and others
• Committed to full-time activism, and whose work combines long-term, solutions-oriented messaging with strategic vision and creative action
• Skilled in promoting communication, cooperation, and cross-pollination between special interest groups
• A proven leader, capable of building grassroots movements into unstoppable forces for positive change
• Demonstrate full commitment in bringing their visions into reality

Can anyone be adopted by Adopt-an-Activist?
No. Adopt-an-Activist does not fund protestors to simply show up on demonstration day carrying a pithy sign (although we encourage and appreciate their participation!). Rather, we seek to support independent activists who are fulltime organizers. Anyone who demonstrably fits our definition (see the Independent Activists Application Guidelines) can be adopted.

How does an activist apply for adoption?
To be considered for adoption, an activist must submit a comprehensive proposal that demonstrates their skills and details:
• The specific issues they will be working on during the adoption period – and how those issues can be linked with other issues of authentic democracy
• The solutions-based alternatives they plan to pursue
• A realistic budget for funds they will require to complete their project or campaign
• A strategic plan and general timeline for the progress of their project, both during and after their adoption period
While proposals are collected throughout the year, activists are adopted at regularly scheduled intervals.

Once adopted, how are activists funded?
Adopt-an-Activist provides the funding mechanism through which donors support individual activists. Adopt-an-Activist writes each activists a check once per month for the amount of money that has been donated in their name (minus a 7% handling fee to help offset Adopt-an-Activist office costs).

Where do these funds come from?
Since its inception, Adopt-an-Activist has raised funds from a broad range of individuals and organizations: concerned citizens, community businesses and organizations, to name a few. Going forward, we will continue to reach out in numerous creative ways to individuals and organizations. At this time, activists are also responsible for spreading the word and raising their own funds through Adopt-an-Activist.

How can donors contribute?
While one-time donations of any size are gratefully received, activists are in particular need of sustaining donors who pledge to contribute a set amount on a monthly basis. This commitment provides a firm financial foundation upon which the activist can project their operating budgets.

Checks or money orders (made payable to Adopt-an-Activist) can be mailed to Adopt-an-Activist, P. O. Box 243, Sierraville, CA 96216.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Adopt-an-Activist is not yet a 501(c)(3) organization. We are working on becoming one, and in the meantime, you can consider your non-tax-deductible donation a revolutionary act!

How are contributions allocated?
7% of all contributions are used to support ongoing Adopt-an-Activist operations, with the remaining amount going directly to the independent Adopted Activists. The only exception to this is when we are awarded grants with stipulations for how the funding is spent, or if donors specify that they want their entire donation to go to the Adopt-an-Activist office account. Comprehensive financial reports are available at donor’s request.

In addition to monthly financial contributions, how else can people help support Adopt-an-Activist?
Adopt-an-Activist could not exist without the valuable contribution of our dedicated volunteers:
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS provide priceless assistance to the independent activists in the form of mailing, telephone operations, emailing, photocopying, filing, data entry, and more.
SERVICE DONORS share their professional skills in the form of movie making, marketing and publicity, fundraising, computer support, website design and maintenance, training, healing, and more.
We also rely on the DONATION OF GOODS. These gifts enable us to operate more efficiently and leverage our cash budget, which ultimately helps us send more Adopted Activists to the front lines. From software and hardware to tools and food, our wish list is ever changing.

Can I choose which activists I want to support?
Yes. If you indicate which activist(s) you would like to support, we will also ensure that you're kept in contact with their efforts and reports. If you do not indicate which activist you would like to support the donation will apply to the general fund for the Adopt-an-Activist office costs.