Support my filmmaker future by helping me prepare for my first international writers retreat!

Hey Friends,

I'm excited to share that I've been accepted to not one but two separate October cohorts of Rosemary’s House. Check out the Writers Retreat here:

https://www.rosemaryshouse.org

As some of you know, I had to resign from my toxic non profit in May. As even more of you know, this marks two years since my unceremonious removal from the school board.

Despite the consistent backlash and push-out I've encountered over 2 decades in arts, advocacy and education spaces- I regret nothing- and I continue to create, to organize and to tell stories: most recently via junk journaling, zine making and writing.

I have been taking filmmaking classes at BRIC Arts and am in the process of finishing my first screenplay. After 20 years of service as a community organizer, teaching artist, non profit leader, mutual aid organizer, policy strategist, cultural worker, thought leader, event producer, legislative and academic weapon and almost the same amount of time as a mother (shout out Jayla & Johari), I am making a valiant attempt to pour into myself and my art.

As I type this, I am under investigation by the Department of Education for 'inciting a riot' in 2024. The riot of course being a peaceful student led walkout in solidarity with Pa13$+!n3 which my school board co-sponsored, marshaled and uplifted via social media under my leadership and in accordance with our duty to human rights, our commitment to student voice and in alignment with our constitutionally protected first and fourth amendment rights.

The slow moving 'investigation' is currently preventing me from starting a new job, making it even more difficult to accumulate the funds to make this opportunity a reality. My son is also starting college this Fall (yay!) and our family funds simply do not include such a large expenditure. Each time I'm pushed out of a role my husband is there holding the family down. I'm reaching out to my wider community for the first time in over 20 years to ask for something for myself.

Because I know some folks like to tussle, and be less than kind, here is a breakdown of the costs associated with this trip:

Housing, Meals & Retreat Programming: Each week long stay at Rosemary's House including sea side private housing, all inclusive meals and full writers retreat programming costs $7,000. I have been invited to two separate cohorts making the cost $14,000.

Travel: Roundtrip tickets from NYC to the closest airport in Greece are currently between $650 - $750. Will need $1,500 to cover both roundtrip tickets.

Gear: I have been working very hard to marry technical expertise with my lifelong penchant for storytelling by taking film classes. Greece feels like a very good place to film some amazing things. I've added some gear that would allow me to film at a high quality with my phone rather than buy and transport a $1,000, 50 pound camera.

Check out this travel wish list if you feel so inclined which includes gear, art supplies & travel necessities. The gear listed amounts to $220. Please be mindful of *priority* notes:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1KNRZE5L5X283?ref_=wl_share

Listed housing, travel and gear costs amount to $15,720.

Miscellaneous: The remaining items in my travel wishlist (toiletries, electronics, etc.) amount to about $700.

In order to cover additional costs such as cabs, travel insurance, etc. I'm hoping to raise an even $20,000.

My downpayment of $2,380 to accept the residency spot is due this Thursday August 27th.

I appreciate everyone's excitement for me and suggestion to make this. Please share safely and responsibly. The internet is weird.

Love,

Tajh