What was your Call 2 Action?

As a Philanthropiece Advisory Board member, I was excited to attend a Call 2 Action film at BIFF this weekend.  A program inspired by the Philanthropiece ideal of “piecing together a better world,” Call 2 Action offers concrete ways for filmgoers to turn the energy and passion inspired by films into action.Through Philanthropiece, I have had the privilege of working with a dedicated group of individuals, committed to working towards change in our community—locally and globally.  Philanthropiece places great value on empowering individuals to work together to bring about locally-driven transformations.  All of our programming focuses on providing the resources and education needed to inspire people to make change.

I see the Call 2 Action program as a perfect example of embodying just that.

Going into Pink Ribbons, Inc, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. The film chronicles the devastating realities of breast cancer marketing and questions where the money raised from “pink ribbon” campaigns goes and what it achieves.

The product of two “questioning” parents and a childhood in Boulder, I’ve never been one to take things as they are.  Knowing a fair amount about “pink washing”—the term used to describe the act of putting pink ribbons on products to get them to sell—already, I was anxious to put solid facts to my story.  And, while the film certainly lacked jaw-dropping power, I did leave feeling determined to make my Call 2 Action a reality.  The pre-film presenters did not provide a specific Call 2 Action checklist, so I was sure to make my own.  And, since Saturday, I’ve managed to get through half the list.

I appreciated going into the film knowing that I would be expected to act upon what I’d seen—even if that expectation was self-generated.  In fact, the power ofCall 2 Action is that it relies solely on an individual’s desire to effect change—which is also why I am passionate about the work of Philanthropiece.  And while I am often someone who cares about issues, but doesn’t do all that I can about them, something about Call 2 Action has motivated me to change.

Here, I’ll leave you with my own Pink Ribbons, Inc Call 2 Action list—things YOU can do to make effect change.

1. Use your money to make a point. Question where it goes and how it is being spent.
2. Don’t buy pink ribbon products. Instead, check out this article for other ways to support Breast Cancer Research: http://www.good.is/post/give-komen-the-pink-slip-five-ways-to-support-women-s-health-for-all/
3. If you believe in the importance of finding a cause and cure to breast cancer and want to contribute, write a check to an organization that you believe in.
4. When you do contribute to this cause, if the organization receiving your money is not Komen Foundation, send a copy of your receipt to the latter. Explain why you chose NOT to give to them.
5. Visit www.ewg.org to see the hazard scores for the beauty and cleaning products you use regularly.
6. Visit thinkbeforeyoupink.org to learn more about pinkwashing.
7. Tell someone about this issue.

So, what are you passionate about? And what will be your Call 2 Action for that cause? What, ultimately, will inspire you to turn your energy into positive change?

Submitted by Rachel Fuchs, Philanthropiece Advisory Board Member

Rachel Fuchs has been a Philanthropiece Advisory Board Member since August of 2009.  She spends her days working at Intercambio, bridging the gap between immigrant and non-immigrant communities, and her nights contemplating ways to make the world a better place.   She’s a book-lover, dance-aholic and all around fun-loving gal.