Frequently Asked Questions
Note: Time has passed. This is the original post, given to my American friends before I left. To discover how this project has unfolded, read stories in the India posts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the HKE
GENERAL
Why are you doing this?
It would be an exhilarating honor to represent my friends and family and help establish positive, personal connections. I feel that America is making the world a worse place, and as an American I want to do something to balance the negativity we’re spreading around the world. This project gives me an excuse to travel to places I might not otherwise go, make lots of friends, and learn about many different ways of life. It presents a personal challenge and allows me to affirm and develop my ever-changing ideals of kindness and compassion.
Why India?
I spent a year wandering in India in 2001, and focused on being an observer – experiencing India on its own terms while projecting my American biases as little as possible. I saw ways that I could help, but usually tried not to interfere in things I didn’t understand. Now I am ready and willing to help, and have Indian friends, local contacts, and some language skills.
Why not do this project in the US?
I’m trying to figure out an answer, not the answer. Maybe some day I’ll be able to give my sincere attention, compassion, and willingness to everyone I meet on the street. Maybe some day we’ll all be able to do it. This HKE is one small step in that direction.
Who’s paying for this trip?
Using my earned savings (and graduation money), I am funding the ‘context’ of the trip – the plane tickets, food, lodging, and travel expenses. If you decide to give money, it will go directly to helping the Indian people.
PART I – ‘Pure’ Kindness
Do Indians really want to hear stories about my invisible tree fort?
Yes, just like I would. Many misconceptions and misunderstandings would disappear with closer communication and connection. The world is much smaller than we think.
Does a smile really make a difference? What about Absolute World Peace?
Suppose you pass three people on the street – the first smiles warmly at you, the second intentionally ignores you, and the third pushes you off the sidewalk. Is there a difference in these interactions? I believe we change the world on a small scale, by affecting those around us on a personal level.
How will you share these good wishes?
I will make friends, and decide when it is appropriate to establish a kind connection between these friends and my American friends. You are trusting my judgment.
What if I can’t think of something to give?
No one said that giving is easy – in fact, the more difficult and personal the gift, the more meaningful the giving. Suppose your neighbor called you and said something that simply made your day – what would it be? If you have questions about the appropriateness of a gift, please ask me.
PART II – ‘Concrete’ Kindness
Why should I give you my hard-earned money?
I’ve written a sort of petition about kindness and compassion in the world, and I’m trying to collect as many signatures as possible. That is why I’m asking for small amounts of money from many people.
How will you give money so that it is received as kindness?
This is very difficult. By participating, you are trusting my judgment. I will try to make sure that the gift is actually a gift, and that it is understood for what it is – a hand reaching out from my friends in the USA. I won’t go looking for people to give money to; the money will come only after the context is established and understood. I can make it less about economics by avoiding giving money directly – rather than give a farmer money to buy a cow, I’ll go with him and buy it for him.
To maintain a balance, I will encourage reciprocity (particularly: what can we learn from each other?), and document responses (pictures, return messages, etc), which will be sent home.
How much money do you want for your experiment?
My aim is $1500-$2000. A meal costs $1, and a cow costs $100. When the cause is inexpensive (like talking with people to dispel myths about the US), the money will go to supporting my travel, food, and lodging. I will be happy to work effectively with whatever amount I can collect. As incentive, I’m asking for pledges for my Appalachian Trail hike, with a minimum pledge of $0.01 per mile (the trail is 2,160 miles long).
Why not join the Peace Corps or give to Amnesty International?
For a gift to be meaningful, it must be personal. I could get a grant to distribute money as I see fit, but the point of this HKE is to send positive feelings from my close friends and family to friends in India. Philanthropy shouldn’t be a selfless, distant ideal, it should be simple and commonplace. I think we need to augment large philanthropic organizations with small, personal connections. In fact, many massive organizations think they are helping, but may be corrupt or ineffective, and may actually be supporting dependencies and misunderstanding.
What are other examples of causes I can support?
I have a network of contacts to start with and build upon. There is a poor shantytown in Jaipur, Rajasthan whose residents are collecting money to build their own small temple. There is a local leprosy foundation in Bodhgaya, where the Buddha was enlightened. By talking with young Indian men about sex and contraception, it’s possible to avoid sexual abuse and unwanted pregnancies. Many children’s parents can’t afford school tuition because Osama bin Laden hurt the tourism industry.
How will you measure the success of this project?
The best gifts are given freely, without expectations or attachment. There is something to be said for setting and reaching goals, though. I will keep a written and photographic record of each exchange, and stories and pictures will be sent back to the States.
Yes, I’m interested. What do I do next?
Think carefully about what you’d like to give (Part I), and what causes you would like to help (Part II). Fill out the Contribution Form when you have decided.
Frequently Asked Questions about the HKE
GENERAL
Why are you doing this?
It would be an exhilarating honor to represent my friends and family and help establish positive, personal connections. I feel that America is making the world a worse place, and as an American I want to do something to balance the negativity we’re spreading around the world. This project gives me an excuse to travel to places I might not otherwise go, make lots of friends, and learn about many different ways of life. It presents a personal challenge and allows me to affirm and develop my ever-changing ideals of kindness and compassion.
Why India?
I spent a year wandering in India in 2001, and focused on being an observer – experiencing India on its own terms while projecting my American biases as little as possible. I saw ways that I could help, but usually tried not to interfere in things I didn’t understand. Now I am ready and willing to help, and have Indian friends, local contacts, and some language skills.
Why not do this project in the US?
I’m trying to figure out an answer, not the answer. Maybe some day I’ll be able to give my sincere attention, compassion, and willingness to everyone I meet on the street. Maybe some day we’ll all be able to do it. This HKE is one small step in that direction.
Who’s paying for this trip?
Using my earned savings (and graduation money), I am funding the ‘context’ of the trip – the plane tickets, food, lodging, and travel expenses. If you decide to give money, it will go directly to helping the Indian people.
PART I – ‘Pure’ Kindness
Do Indians really want to hear stories about my invisible tree fort?
Yes, just like I would. Many misconceptions and misunderstandings would disappear with closer communication and connection. The world is much smaller than we think.
Does a smile really make a difference? What about Absolute World Peace?
Suppose you pass three people on the street – the first smiles warmly at you, the second intentionally ignores you, and the third pushes you off the sidewalk. Is there a difference in these interactions? I believe we change the world on a small scale, by affecting those around us on a personal level.
How will you share these good wishes?
I will make friends, and decide when it is appropriate to establish a kind connection between these friends and my American friends. You are trusting my judgment.
What if I can’t think of something to give?
No one said that giving is easy – in fact, the more difficult and personal the gift, the more meaningful the giving. Suppose your neighbor called you and said something that simply made your day – what would it be? If you have questions about the appropriateness of a gift, please ask me.
PART II – ‘Concrete’ Kindness
Why should I give you my hard-earned money?
I’ve written a sort of petition about kindness and compassion in the world, and I’m trying to collect as many signatures as possible. That is why I’m asking for small amounts of money from many people.
How will you give money so that it is received as kindness?
This is very difficult. By participating, you are trusting my judgment. I will try to make sure that the gift is actually a gift, and that it is understood for what it is – a hand reaching out from my friends in the USA. I won’t go looking for people to give money to; the money will come only after the context is established and understood. I can make it less about economics by avoiding giving money directly – rather than give a farmer money to buy a cow, I’ll go with him and buy it for him.
To maintain a balance, I will encourage reciprocity (particularly: what can we learn from each other?), and document responses (pictures, return messages, etc), which will be sent home.
How much money do you want for your experiment?
My aim is $1500-$2000. A meal costs $1, and a cow costs $100. When the cause is inexpensive (like talking with people to dispel myths about the US), the money will go to supporting my travel, food, and lodging. I will be happy to work effectively with whatever amount I can collect. As incentive, I’m asking for pledges for my Appalachian Trail hike, with a minimum pledge of $0.01 per mile (the trail is 2,160 miles long).
Why not join the Peace Corps or give to Amnesty International?
For a gift to be meaningful, it must be personal. I could get a grant to distribute money as I see fit, but the point of this HKE is to send positive feelings from my close friends and family to friends in India. Philanthropy shouldn’t be a selfless, distant ideal, it should be simple and commonplace. I think we need to augment large philanthropic organizations with small, personal connections. In fact, many massive organizations think they are helping, but may be corrupt or ineffective, and may actually be supporting dependencies and misunderstanding.
What are other examples of causes I can support?
I have a network of contacts to start with and build upon. There is a poor shantytown in Jaipur, Rajasthan whose residents are collecting money to build their own small temple. There is a local leprosy foundation in Bodhgaya, where the Buddha was enlightened. By talking with young Indian men about sex and contraception, it’s possible to avoid sexual abuse and unwanted pregnancies. Many children’s parents can’t afford school tuition because Osama bin Laden hurt the tourism industry.
How will you measure the success of this project?
The best gifts are given freely, without expectations or attachment. There is something to be said for setting and reaching goals, though. I will keep a written and photographic record of each exchange, and stories and pictures will be sent back to the States.
Yes, I’m interested. What do I do next?
Think carefully about what you’d like to give (Part I), and what causes you would like to help (Part II). Fill out the Contribution Form when you have decided.
posted by Luke Wolcott at 11:48 AM
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