Kevin Gilnack's blog

The following is cross-posted from my personal - and all too neglected - blog, (Nonprofits+Politics)2.0 and sums up my experience giving more generously than in any previous election. I hope you'll consider joining me in supporting your favorite candidates!

I have been asking for money for organizations or campaigns, or at least working for organizations and campaigns that ask for money, for a long time. Despite that, I rarely give. When I did give, it was been because someone I know was asking, which figures:

"Asked who could get them to donate to an organization, most Millennial donors say they would be likely or highly likely to give if asked by a family member (74.6%) or a friend (62.8 %). Only 37.8% would be likely or highly likely to give is asked by a coworker."

But lately, that's been changing; I've gotten a bit addicted to supporting progressive causes I believe in (e.g. here, here, here, here and more that hasn't been reported yet). Multiple, small contributions - aren't I just the millennial online donating cliche :)

Partially, it's because there's an incredibly important election happening in Massachusetts and I've been happy to give to Governor Deval Patrick because I appreciate that he's helped Massachusetts lead the country in access to healthcare, job creation, student achievement, and because his administration represents an important change of pace in Massachusetts government (actually passing reforms, working with unions to get concessions that work, closing the Mass Turnpike Authority [don't ask], and investing in infrastructure across the whole state).

But part of it's for another reason. It's the same reason I've been able to raise $335 for our volunteer-run Young Democrats of Massachusetts with no financial investment on our part - or more significantly, that Gov. Patrick has raised more than $1.3 million from nearly 6,000 contributors online. Online giving makes you feel good, and is good for you. And ActBlue is an incredibly easy way to make your campaign feel good, too.

For those not familiar with ActBlue, there are a few great benefits you should be aware of - and then you should sign-up: