I am inspired by the idea of creating an environment where people can and want to help others and that makes more good in the world. As the Foundation has evolved, what I am so excited about is our Advocate Model and how it encourages people to advocate for someone they are close to who are experiencing a significant issue or obstacle in their life. When the Advocate decides to apply for a grant for their person, they write up a short summary of the situation and then also what it is about this person that they believe in. This has proved to be an extremely valuable and powerful experience - both for the Advocate and the recipient. We have heard Advocates say how being able to “help” has made them feel so good and like they “can do something”. Recipients have said that the fact that the Advocate has such belief in them has made them feel like they believe in themselves more. The idea that the Foundation can be a conduit for people helping people with the belief that people are the experts in their own lives inspires me and makes me feel like in our small way we are making the world a better place in a significant way.

What inspires me about the Arizala Foundation’s concept of advocacy is the emphasis on asking what is needed. In many spheres of philanthropy, charity, or non-profit work that are built from a system of white supremacy and settler colonialism, the ability to supply direct services that are needed by a community or individual are limited by the fact that in order to receive that help in the first place, there is a motivation to tailor an “ask” or grant application towards the mission or genre of non-profit work that a certain organization focuses on. Often, the perception of those in need is that any help is better than no help at all, and so whatever can be given should be taken with gratitude. This seems like the opposite practice of the original definition of philanthropy should be. I believe, and I think that it is the general belief of the Foundation, that what kind of help is offered in any situation should be at the discretion of those in need. Individuals are the experts in their own story, just as we all are the experts in our own communities, homes, and relationships. Advocacy should be centered around trust and accountability to oneself, not to an entity that has a monetary vested interest in a certain outcome. This is what strikes me so ecstatically about the mission and practice of the Arizala Foundation.

My inspiration is when we are meeting our mission “to help create a better, brighter, and more just world”. Simply said, “when you can help, you help!” Unlike most philanthropic organizations, we have been inspired by our advocates who believe in individuals or families that are experiencing an unexpected financial setback that seems insurmountable. The trust that we have in these advocates is our link to the recipient, and reflects the importance they are to us.

I am also inspired to see and know that the youth have the same values as I do, and are willing to dedicate their time and resources to help make lives better for those in need.

Another way of stating our “no strings attached” awards, is that the only “vetting” we will have of the recipient is the trust we have in our advocates. Of course we are happy to receive thank you notes and emails from our advocates and recipients, which add to the joy in meeting our mission.