It's a Big Day for Bootstraps!
From Conrad Shaw and Deia Schlosberg of the Bootstraps Basic Income Project
We have two pieces of very exciting news to share from just this past week. Strap yourself in. First the good news, then the great news.
1) We’re Officially a “World-Changing Idea”
Just ask Fast Company. Fast Company (according to Fast Company) is the “world’s leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, leadership, and design.”
They’re kind of a big deal. And so is the award. They gave us this image to flaunt around:
2) THE FULL UBI TRIAL IS UNDER WAY!
If you’ve been following along, you may know that we had raised enough money to begin 5 of our intended basic income recipients receiving their weekly checks several months back. You also may know that we’ve been filming their amazing stories, capturing the effects on their lives that a little income security can have.
What you wouldn’t know is that we had initially wanted to begin 20 people on the trial, but we hadn’t raised enough money yet to do so, and we’ve been struggling a-mightily to do so for what seems like an eternity.
And then...
Just last week, an amazing donor stepped up to the plate and allowed us to begin the trial for the remaining 15 participants! As of this week, we are by far the most geographically diverse basic income pilot in American history, spanning 10 states. The first checks for the newcomers will be landing in their accounts on Wednesday!
We’ve gotta say, it feels damn good, and we are boundlessly excited and honored that we will be following these American stories for the next two years.
That’s it for this week, gang.
And to every one of you: stay strong, stay alert, stay kind, stay interested and vocal about UBI and other human rights movements, and stay tuned!
In love and solidarity,
Conrad Shaw and Deia Schlosberg