
Sliding Scale Model
Since I believe in a future in which we all have equal access to education, joy, beauty, rest, and ease, and since I’m committed to that future, I’m choosing a sliding scale model for this program.
This is an invitation to you and I to actively participate in economic justice, to use our integrity, and to create a sustainable economic underpinning for enterprises led by people of color.
Here’s more information about the sliding scale model, from Little Red Bird Botanicals:
The scale is intended to be a map, inviting each of us to take inventory of our financial resources and look deeper at our levels of privilege. While I ask you to take these factors into consideration, please don’t stress about it. Pay what feels right.
Consider paying less on the scale if you:
- are supporting children or have other dependents
- have significant debt
- have medical expenses not covered by insurance
- receive public assistance
- have immigration-related expenses
- are an elder with limited financial support
- are an unpaid community organizer
- are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history
Consider paying more on the scale if you:
- own the home you live in
- have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
- travel recreationally
- have access to family money and resources in times of need
- work part time by choice
- have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.) Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, I ask you to recognize this as a choice.”