The best part about inheriting over $3 million dollars has been the chance to give most of that money to groups working for social change. I’ve been able to fund projects that have made a huge difference to Gay, Bi, Lesbian, and Queer youth, teachers, and families. I’ve also contributed thousands of dollars towards progressive political candidates. Given the U.S.’s  regime from 2001-2009, I have no regrets about supporting a genuine opposition to “W & Co.”!

It’s been more challenging for me to give myself permission to use my inherited money to fund my own work as a teacher of urban environmental education (even though there’s little public funding for this important work). I’m currently supporting my partner in her work as a story-teller, as well.

Given my family’s intense fears around money (as the descendents of fiercely-persecuted European Jews), it’s a wonderful act of joy and release for me to let go of significant sums and allow it to do some good in our fragmented and fragile World. I sleep far better at night, knowing that I’ve tried to be “part of the solution”!