An Empathy Circle on how to fund the Empathy Center and Movement.
How can we finance an empathy movement? Â Â Links to AI Funding ideas
https://sites.google.com/view/notesandideas/10-financing/10-chatgpt
https://sites.google.com/view/notesandideas/10-financing/10-copilotÂ
https://sites.google.com/view/notesandideas/10-financing/10-meta-aiÂ
https://sites.google.com/view/notesandideas/10-financing/10-gemini
https://sites.google.com/view/notesandideas/10-financing/10-grokÂ
https://sites.google.com/view/notesandideas/10-financing/10-deepseekÂ
https://sites.google.com/view/notesandideas/10-financing/10-tulu
https://sites.google.com/view/notesandideas/10-financing/10-perplexity
Edwin's notes Financial EmpathyÂ
How do we deal with resources?
Tried to find this a long time and have not been successful
Development Director
Business is where the money is. Corporations.
What is working?
Training brings in some
We haven’t spent anything.
Spend it on insurance and lawyers
Hesitant to spend without an income.
Paid Empathy Circles - Peer counseling.
How to develop this?
Much cheaper than therapy
Trainings
Producer gets paid - level 1 freeÂ
Any income is an area of work.
ECFT is free by donation
Charge for other classes
Organization offers support for trainers
Need to develop more trainings
Trainers get paid
Projects
Dominic model.. Need 2 or 3 hours for the circle.
Building Local community
Donations
Had hoped we would get large donors.
Donations for the training.
Focus on a minimal viable income
What has worked so far
Volunteering timeÂ
What are other organizations doing for an income?
NVC - Trainings
12 stepÂ
Braver Angels.
Income ideas
AI gives a good overview and ideas to build on.
Donations
Trainings
Empathy Circles
Dominic approach
Membership
Volunteers - for building a movement
Like politics - need to donate money or time to make it happen
Like a religious institution
Zoom Meeting summary for Edwin Rutsch's Personal Meeting Room (03/23/2025)
Quick recap
The team discussed the financial situation of the Empathy Center, exploring various models for generating income, including membership, peer counseling, and donations. They also considered the importance of transparency, authenticity, and commitment in promoting societal change, and the need for a structured approach to understanding different strategies for generating income. The team also discussed the challenges of measuring the impact of their empathy training programs, the expansion of their movement, and the potential impact of counter-demonstrations and political conventions.
Next steps
• Team: Create a transparent system for tracking and reporting incoming funds and their allocation
• Team: Develop a clear fee structure for organizational trainings and corporate workshops
• Team: Create a clear value proposition for potential organizational partnerships and memberships
• Edwin: Share detailed financial information about current donations and income streams from trainings
• Team: Research and evaluate different membership models for potential implementation
• Team: Investigate grant opportunities and sponsorship models for the empathy movement
• Team: Explore the possibility of hiring professional help to build out online infrastructure using available funds
• Ingrid: Develop a plan for using the $300 from the parent night event to create marketing materials and landing page
• Team: Investigate the possibility of establishing local community-based empathy circles
• Team: Develop a research-based survey to measure the impact of empathy circles and training programs
• Edwin: Share survey results and testimonials data in a more digestible format for potential donors
• Edwin: Continue outreach efforts to engage with critics and authors writing about empathy
• Team: Explore the possibility of writing an op-ed piece for major publications to counter anti-empathy narratives
• Edwin: Continue working on the definition project to address the national dialogue around empathy
• William: Share information about the Buddhist center's financial model for workshops
• Edwin: Create a space for people to discuss ideas about building the empathy movement
• Edwin: Consider organizing Empathy Tent presence at upcoming demonstrations and conventions
• Edwin: Consider organizing a series of empathy cafes for movement building discussions
• Team: Document and compile success stories from local community initiatives
• Edwin: Post the video recording to the empathy circle site under calendar of events
• Lou: Organize a follow-up session to present and discuss different fundraising models
• Team: Set up next meeting date and time
Summary
Empathy Center Financial Transparency Discussion
The group discusses the financial situation of the Empathy Center and how to handle incoming funds. Ingrid expresses a desire for transparency and suggests earmarking the $300 from a recent parent night event for future parent training development. Edwin reveals that the Empathy Center has about $20,000 in its account from donations and space rentals last year, but only $440 in income so far this year. The group acknowledges the need for a sustainable income stream to grow the empathy movement, but struggles with how to generate it effectively.
Charging for Services and Tracking Finances
The team discussed the potential of charging for their services, with William suggesting that if people understood the value of their work, they would be willing to pay for it. They also considered the idea of developing a fee structure for corporate and educational institutions. Ingrid proposed using the $300 generated from a recent training for the parent network, which William agreed with. The team also discussed the importance of tracking finances as a nonprofit organization. Daniel shared his experience as an entrepreneur and his uncertainty about how to charge for his work related to wholeness and creating a better world.
Membership Model for Organization Support
Daniel proposed a membership model for the organization, where members would support the movement through a paid membership. The training would remain free, but the organization could benefit from donations or membership fees. The model would allow for the organization to support passionate and industrious members like Jonah, who keep the organization running. The organization currently has no regular income, and Edwin has been personally contributing to cover costs. Edwin suggested a peer counseling model as a potential source of income, and also hoped for wealthy donors to support specific projects.
Balancing Busy Schedule and Empathy Circles
Ingrid expressed her appreciation for the ongoing conversation and the numerous ideas being discussed. She shared her struggles with balancing her busy schedule and her desire to follow up on empathy circle activities. Ingrid also discussed her approach to generating money, which involves focusing on specific tasks and taking deliberate steps. Lou and William agreed that generating money requires focus and intentional activity, and they discussed the need for someone to take on this area of work. They also touched on the idea of developing a rubric for empathy circles and the potential for growth without relying on money. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the current system for donations and the need to assess its effectiveness.
Schools and Parent Nights Discussion
In the meeting, William expressed interest in focusing energy on schools and generating parent nights. He suggested using testimonials from Terry and others in Phoenix to create a copy and potentially generate income. William also proposed using some of the money for an in-person training and contributing to a venue rental. Janna agreed with William's ideas and suggested using humor in their marketing efforts, such as a billboard on Route 80. The team ended the conversation with a discussion on finances and the potential for a membership model.
Adapting Successful Models for Empathy Movement
Daniel suggests exploring existing successful models and adapting them to create a sustainable structure for the empathy movement. He proposes a membership model as a good fit for building a culture of empathy, emphasizing that it's a long-term project. Daniel also recommends offering empathy circles to organizations as a clear, defined service that can be paid for. He suggests that these organizations could potentially become sponsors or regular donors, providing both legitimacy and financial support to the movement.
Balancing Work and Community Building
In the meeting, Lou, Edwin, and Ingrid discussed various models for their organization, including a 12-step model and a model from Braver Angels. They also considered the importance of building local community and the potential impact of their work on bridging divides within a community. The team acknowledged the need for a balance between the amount of work and the energy of their members, and they looked at the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) community as a model for training and growth. The conversation ended with a focus on finding a sustainable and viable product that aligns with their available resources and energy.
Authenticity and Commitment in Change
Ingrid and Janna discussed the importance of authenticity and commitment in promoting societal change. They highlighted the need for transparency in showcasing the efforts and structures put in place for growth, which could inspire people to support the cause. Ingrid also emphasized the value of volunteering and the potential for it to generate income. The team agreed on the importance of acknowledging the energy flow and the value of their efforts, even if it involves financial transactions.
Empathy Circles Expansion and Online Infrastructure
In the meeting, Janna shared a picture she received as a gift from Ingrid, expressing her gratitude for Janna's presence. Janna also discussed the widespread adoption of the 16 values in various organizations, including schools and corporations, and the growing number of facilitators. She mentioned the possibility of offering tiered courses and a donation model for the empathy circles. Daniel suggested hiring someone to build an online infrastructure once a plan is in place, given the available funds. Lou agreed, emphasizing the need for organization to facilitate growth. Daniel also acknowledged Edwin's significant work and expressed appreciation for it.
Exploring Income Strategies for Nonprofits
The team discussed the need for a structured approach to understanding different strategies for generating income for their nonprofit organization. They considered various models, including selling products, donations, and membership subscriptions, and debated which model best aligns with their values and goals. The team also discussed the potential of grants and sponsorships as additional income sources. They agreed to further explore these options and consider professional assistance to implement them effectively.
Empathy Training Impact Measurement Challenges
In the meeting, Ingrid, Edwin, and Lou discussed the challenges of measuring the impact of their empathy training programs and the need for more effective strategies to promote empathy. They considered various approaches, including surveys, testimonials, and media outreach, but acknowledged the difficulty of standing out in a crowded field. The team agreed on the importance of focusing on their areas of passion and energy, with Edwin expressing interest in a definitional project and Lou emphasizing the value of community building. They also discussed the potential of leveraging academic credentials and rigorous studies to increase the credibility of their work.
Non-Monetary Expansion and Empathy Tent
Edwin, Ingrid, and Janna discussed the expansion of their movement, focusing on non-monetary methods such as publicity and inspiring others. They considered the potential impact of counter-demonstrations and the possibility of setting up an empathy tent at political conventions. The team also explored the concept of altruism, deciding against it due to definitional issues. They agreed to reconvene in a few weeks to continue their discussions.
https://otter.ai/u/35uAHwFtBZdDFQQXMC7KhEiP028?view=transcript
The meeting focused on financing the Empathy Movement. Ingrid Hirtz emphasized the need for regular financial discussions and proposed using the $300 from a parent night event to develop the parent night program. Edwin Rutsch suggested using the funds for QuickBooks and organizing expenses. Bill Filler and Lou Zweier highlighted the importance of generating income for sustainability.Â
Daniel Hirtz proposed a membership model to support the movement. The group discussed various financial models, including donations, tiered memberships, and local community building. They noted that the Empathy Center has $20,000 in its account, emphasizing the need for transparent and intentional financial management.Â
The meeting focused on financing and growing the Empathy Movement. Daniel Hirtz emphasized the need for organization and an online platform to enhance growth. Lou Zweier suggested hiring someone to execute plans. Edwin Rutsch highlighted the importance of understanding different income generation models, including sales, donations, memberships, grants, and sponsorships. Ingrid Hirtz proposed measuring impact through surveys.Â
The group discussed the challenges of gaining national media attention and the potential of publicity and street-level actions. They concluded by considering the balance between passion projects and strategic planning.
[ ] Explore different funding models in more detail, such as the 16 Guidelines program model.
[ ] Conduct a survey of past training participants to gather data on the impact of the work.
[ ] Develop an op-ed or media strategy to engage in the public dialogue around empathy.
[ ] Schedule a follow-up meeting to dive deeper into specific funding models and strategies.
Ingrid Hirtz initiates the meeting, emphasizing the importance of regular financial discussions among group members.
Ingrid shares her experience of receiving a $300 check for a parent night event and depositing it into the Empathy Center account.
Edwin Rutsch suggests using an empathy circle format for the discussion, with a two-hour timeframe.
Participants express their interest in participating and share their initial thoughts on the importance of financial management for the Empathy Movement.
Edwin Rutsch highlights the need for an income stream to support the Empathy Movement.
Bill Filler discusses the core importance of finances for an organization and expresses a desire to understand the overall financial strategy.
Lou Zweier emphasizes the role of generating income in sustainability and shares his extensive experience with various types of organizations.
Daniel Hirtz agrees with the importance of financial management and mentions his own income sources and efforts to link them with the Empathy Movement.
Jenna shares her personal difficulties with survival and the extensive time she has invested in facilitating empathy circles.
Jenna discusses the need for sustainable financial practices and the challenges of charging for services.
Ingrid Hirtz suggests rephrasing the discussion from "how do we deal with money" to "how do we deal with resources" to align with the Empathy Movement's values.
Ingrid proposes starting an empathy circle with herself as the first speaker and Daniel setting the timer.
Ingrid Hirtz and Edwin Rutsch discuss the $300 check from the parent night event and the challenges of calculating the value of participants' time.
Ingrid expresses her desire for transparency and clear earmarking of funds for specific projects like the parent night.
Edwin suggests using the $300 for QuickBooks and other expenses related to organizing the parent night.
The group discusses the importance of clear communication and transparency in managing incoming funds.
Edwin Rutsch shares his experience with donations and the need for an income stream to grow the Empathy Movement.
Bill Filler and Lou Zweier discuss the potential of charging for empathy circles and the importance of authenticity in financial practices.
Daniel Hirtz proposes a membership model where members support the movement through donations and other contributions.
The group considers various financial models, including the Buddhist center's approach and the 12-step model, and their potential applicability to the Empathy Movement.
Lou Zweier emphasizes the importance of building local community and the potential impact of localized empathy circles.
Edwin Rutsch shares his experience with the NVC community and the focus on training and certification.
The group discusses the potential for organizational partnerships and the role of sponsors in supporting the Empathy Movement.
Ingrid Hirtz highlights the importance of authenticity and transparency in promoting the Empathy Movement and the potential for generating income through volunteering and community efforts.
The group reflects on the various financial models and strategies discussed, including the importance of local community building and the potential for organizational partnerships.
Ingrid Hirtz emphasizes the need for a balance between current energy levels and the potential for growth and development.
The group agrees to continue exploring different financial models and strategies in future meetings, with a focus on practical implementation and sustainability.
The meeting concludes with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and support for the Empathy Movement's financial goals.
Daniel Hirtz emphasizes the need for a plan and organization to grow, suggesting hiring someone to execute the plan.
Lou Zweier agrees, highlighting the importance of having a backbone, especially in online presence.
Daniel Hirtz discusses the need for a cyclical process involving raising money, fulfilling purposes, and reaching out to the community.
Lou Zweier summarizes Daniel's points, emphasizing the key role of an online platform in growth and fund generation.
Daniel Hirtz acknowledges the hard work of Edwin, appreciating his endless contributions.
Ingrid Hirtz suggests extending the meeting by an hour, but Edwin Rutsch proposes open discussion.
Lou Zweier mentions the need for structured presentations of strategies in future sessions.
Ingrid Hirtz and Lou Zweier discuss the balance between brainstorming and focusing on specific strategies.
Edwin Rutsch shares a link to AI-generated income models for non-profits and empathy movements.
Ingrid Hirtz outlines three funding models: sales, donations, and membership, and discusses which reflects their values best.
Lou Zweier introduces the idea of grants and sponsorships as additional funding methods.
Edwin Rutsch and Lou Zweier discuss the importance of defining empathy clearly to counter criticisms from figures like Elon Musk.
Lou Zweier suggests conducting surveys to measure the impact of their trainings and activities.
Edwin Rutsch mentions having pages of testimonials but acknowledges the need for more scientific data.
Ingrid Hirtz and Lou Zweier discuss the importance of having concrete measures of impact for donors.
Edwin Rutsch shares his focus on the definition project and the challenges of getting national attention.
Edwin Rutsch talks about the limited impact of their media coverage, despite having articles in Scientific America and NPR.
Lou Zweier suggests reaching out to experts with academic credentials to increase credibility.
Ingrid Hirtz and Edwin Rutsch discuss the importance of having a base and a forum for people to discuss ideas.
Edwin Rutsch mentions the potential of street-level actions and publicity to attract donors and support.
Edwin Rutsch highlights the importance of publicity and media coverage in expanding their movement.
Ingrid Hirtz and Edwin Rutsch discuss the impact of non-monetary expansion through publicity and street-level actions.
Edwin Rutsch mentions the potential for national demonstrations and counter-demonstrations.
Ingrid Hirtz summarizes the different ways to collect resources, including sales, membership, donations, sponsorships, grants, and publicity.
Edwin Rutsch emphasizes the importance of finding what inspires people and aligning efforts with their energy.
Lou Zweier and Edwin Rutsch discuss the challenges of balancing passion projects with more traditional fundraising efforts.
Ingrid Hirtz suggests focusing on what everyone enjoys doing and trusting that something will grow from there.
Edwin Rutsch and Lou Zweier agree on the need to stand up against the backlash against empathy and promote their values.
Ingrid Hirtz and Edwin Rutsch discuss setting a date for the next meeting, considering the timing of other events.
Edwin Rutsch suggests focusing on the definition project and finding ways to inspire others to join the movement.
Ingrid Hirtz shares a personal story about her grandson's empathy, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts.
The meeting concludes with a commitment to continue discussing strategies and finding ways to grow and expand their movement.