The New Quo Foundation

Uniting people through their stories of courage

Uniting people through their true stories of courage

Reducing polarization and isolation through storytelling events where people share true stories of courage

Brooklyn, NY, US

$5,728 raised of $30,000 goal
72 donations
48 days left

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Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas

I've started a non-profit called The New Quo Foundation, and I’m fundraising $30,000 by September to unite people on their true stories of courage through a nation-wide movement of free, community-led Change My Mind storytelling events during a time of deep polarization and isolation, and would love your support.

Why I started a non-profit: Three years ago, I launched Change My Mind storytelling events in NYC in response to rising fear, isolation, and declining trust that’s occurring across the country. People didn't need another lecture—they needed to hear real stories of courage face to face. Everyone has a story of courage: standing up for beliefs, choosing authenticity, fighting injustice, finding resilience through setbacks, and so much more. These stories change us and show us how to build a better future. I've witnessed this working with over 31,000 people worldwide as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant, and I know a non-profit organization can help scale this community work to more people at an urgent time, given outreach I've received from London to Arizona about bringing Change My Mind Events to their town or city.

Courage has shaped my life: from facing discrimination growing up as an “only” in Utah, to building a business solo for seven years, to losing 90% of my revenue in the DEI backlash in the last two years. On the verge of losing everything, I chose to turn pain into power. With a small grant from the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (which is under the NYC Mayor's Office) and fiscal sponsorship from Fractured Atlas, I founded The New Quo Foundation, a nationwide movement dedicated to community-led Change My Mind events and the Tell it Proud podcast, uniting people on their stories of courage, not fear.

At these Change My Mind events, strangers arrive, hear true stories of personal courage from diverse perspectives, share their own, and leave feeling seen, heard, connected, and hopeful. Research shows trust grows when people share a goal inspired by a common value—and courage as a common value and goal is a potent tool for uniting all backgrounds.

400 people and 50 storytellers later, I know we can reach so many more people with your help. I'm raising $30,000 by September to:

Compensate marginalized storytellers for sharing their wisdom at future Change My Mind events
Cover event production costs to keep these events free to the public
Produce and distribute the Tell it Proud podcast which republishes these true stories from our events globally
Build a team to scale events nationwide

Here’s how you can help:

Donate a gift of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or whatever you’re able or feels meaningful
Share this fundraiser: tell your friends and your community about this fundraiser and ask them to support! Every share is immensely helpful in supporting this campaign.

In times like these, I feel deep urgency in building this movement now. Our freedom isn't guaranteed tomorrow unless we create it today.

Your tax-deductible donation invests in a future where people gather, connect, and leave inspired by each other's courage. The people you love hold your stories. Help me create spaces where those stories can be shared, heard, celebrated and change us all for the better.