The Do’s and Don’ts of Go Fund Me – blogged by: @TheWiseGem

It never fails.  While lurking on social media, sending screenshots to my friends, there it is; a shared post of yet another Go Fund Me page gone wrong.  Most of the time you can tell at first glance that the reasoning is some bu!!#$* but, for giggles I like to click and read more.  It’s almost always some poorly written, ghetto-fabulous, “any amount helps” type of request and it bugs me to my core. I understand that we are living in a very entitled society right now where people want more than they are actually willing to work for. I also understand that there are so many people without certain resources but there are basic life skills and things that you should really know how to do that seems lost on what could arguably be the most educated, yet dumb, society we’ve ever had in the history of mankind.  The biblical scripture states: “My people perish for a lack of knowledge” so, don’t take this as judgement rather consider it as helpful tips. We must do better as a collective whole because some peoples willful ignorance is truly disturbing and a disgrace. Here’s a little friendly reminder on the Do’s and Don’ts before you or someone you love gets the bright idea to create a Go Fund Me page:

It is NOT a Life Insurance Plan

Look, your brother, cousin, friend, home girl, auntie, baby etc. unexpected passing is a tragedy and you have my deepest sympathy.  However, y’all gotta stop creating Go Fund Me pages to cover funeral costs.  They have insurance policies for that.  I’m not a paid spokesperson for anyone’s company but, you can look a few of them up. They cost less than a new pair of Jordan’s and a bundle deal.  FYI, if someone is living a fast life in the streets, they need a policy.  If a new child was born, they need a policy.  If they work at “Stay getting money that’s all that matters”, they need a policy. If they have a pulse, there is a policy out there for them.

Go Old School

Just because there’s an app or website for it doesn’t mean that you have to use it.  You can host fundraisers, Chinese Auctions, car washes, dinners, sell baked goods and receive donations to achieve the same outcomes if in fact you are in a needy situation and/or are trying to support someone else.

It is NOT a Debt Relief Program

If I see one more, “help me pay my student loans” page I will scream. I’m thrilled that you went to school and I’m sorry you haven’t found a job in your intended field or one that covers all of your finances but, how many people are honestly debt-free themselves? I will not spend one red cent helping you pay a debt that I haven’t even cleared up for myself yet. Going to school is often a financial burden and you knew the risks.  Obviously you are creative and have some free time, channel that energy into really searching for a job, internship and/or entrepreneurial effort.

Have One Main Page

Granted, anyone can make a page but, if this is truly a request for help consult the family to ensure they don’t already have one in the works.  Nothing worse than seeing, “Only donate to this page, we don’t have anything to do with the other one out there”. A uniformed effort appears more valid and something that people can have confidence in.

It is NOT a Hustle

For every person who has a sincere and valid Go Fund Me request, there are at least a dozen with fraudulent intentions.  I’ve never been the type of person who is cool with getting over on another person but, c’mon. I’ve seen some crazy stories and requests on these pages that make me scratch my head like why are you trying to scam people?

-Chantia

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