When I launched an online course to help writers find their voices and build an audience, I had no idea what it would turn into.
A year later, I'm still in awe.
I envisioned a small community of maybe a hundred people like me who wanted to turn their blogs into a larger readership.
But since Tribe Writers began, I've been stunned by how this little idea has turned into a thriving community of over a thousand members — not just bloggers but novelists and journalists and pastors and so many different people — all committed to helping each other sharing their messages with the world.
Something incredible happens when you bring people together and give them permission to be themselves. They give and connect in extraordinary ways.
The course has changed my life — by providing enough income for me to quit my job and become a full-time writer — but also through how it has demonstrated the power of community.
The fruit from the course
Since launching Tribe Writers, we've seen people own their identities as writers, publish books, and launch award-winning blogs. And we're just getting started.
Honestly, I had no idea this would turn into something so bigger than a mere writing course.
People have traveled tremendous distances, built intimate friendships, and supported each other's work in a hundred different ways — all because of Tribe Writers.
It's been cool to watch, especially since a lot of this happened without my involvement.
Sharing the love
So a few months ago, I had an idea:
What if we could take what makes this community so special and share with others? What if we could take some of our resources and apply them to doing even more good?
I called my friend Travis and told him I wanted to give 10% of the next course launch to his organization, which empowers local leaders in Africa to end extreme poverty in their own communities.
He agreed, and a few weeks later, I got some news that blew me away:
Travis told me with the money we were donating, we could build a workshop that would serve as a training center for local entrepreneurs — women whose only other means of income was begging or prostitution.
Not only that, but the classroom the women are currently using will be freed up so more kids can go to school. We'll also be bringing electricity to a school, medical clinic, church, and the workshop we're building.
“Dude…” I said, “Are you sure? It wasn't that much money.”
He laughed. “Yes, I'm sure. That kind of money goes a long way in Kenya.”
“Well, then… what could we do with even more?”
He encouraged me to consider raising the amount to provide electricity for a medical clinic.
So that's just what we did.
Now, here's where you come in…
We have a few thousand dollars left to raise to complete the two campaigns, and I want to invite you to be a part of this.
In fact, I'd love to make it worth your while. If you make a donation to either campaign in the next week, I'm going to reward you:
- If you donate $25, you'll get a copy of my eBook, You Are a Writer, and my audio program, The Writer's Studio, plus a writing worksheet.
- If you donate $75, you'll get the above plus my Kindle publishing program AND the never-before-released audiobook of You Are a Writer.
- If you donate $200, you'll get a free Tribe Writers membership, plus all of the above.
I believe in generosity and would love to be able to say “thank you” in this way, so please don't be bashful.
How to participate
If you'd like to participate in this campaign, here's what you need to do:
- Visit this page.
- Select what campaign you want to support by clicking “GIVE THROUGH” on the right-hand side of the screen.
- Make your donation of $25, $75, 0r $200.
- Forward the email receipt to jeff at goinswriter dot com with “Know Think Act” in the subject line.
- Be patient while my assistant sorts through the emails and sends you the bonuses (give it a week before following up, please).
This promotion expires on November 5, 2013 or when both campaigns are complete (whichever comes first). This might go fast, so act now!
About the cause
A quick note on Know Think Act: This is an organization that I believe in and support. My friend Travis started it and runs it with the utmost integrity.
They have a 100% donation model, which means every penny you donate goes directly to the need. Read more about their values and beliefs here.
I hope you'll consider supporting this cause. Leading this community has been a great honor for me, and I'm excited about how we'll continue to change the world together.
Update: In just 36 hours, both campaigns were fully funded! Thank you all who were a part of this!
How have you seen the power of community change the world — in some small or big way? Share in the comments.
