2017-06 Newsletter
Hellloooooooo!
This is Kyle Emile, founder and Executive Director. I want to start doing a better job keeping the community in the loop on what's going on with FreeIC, so I'll be looking to send monthly updates.
First order of news: I've decided to go full-time with FreeIC as of May 30th, 2017. 😬
Some of you may know that I moved to San Francisco in October 2016 to work for a non-profit organization because I wanted to see what it took to build an early stage non-profit.
I deeply believe in FreeIC's mission and I think trying to spread this movement is the most important thing I could be doing with my life. I decided that if I'm convinced of this that deeply, I should follow it and try to figure out everything else after that—so here I am. 🙌
Second piece of news: The movement is spreading! 🤙
Since June 2013 to now, we have had 63 outings. Between now and December 2017, we're scheduled for 122 outings (94% growth)—I decided that to make these outings happen it would at least require me being full-time. (Check if an outing is happening near you, we'd love for you to join!)
Also, we now have 15 FreeIC Leads who are leading the movement in 12 different cities.
FreeIC Leads are ambassadors and supporters of the movement, who help bring Free Intelligent Conversation to their cities and universities—they plan, coordinate, and participate in FreeIC outings and events. We provide Leads with everything they'll need to orchestrate outings, including: signs, question cards, training, community, and marketing for all their outings.
Third: I wrote a Manifesto that outlines the vision of the organization. 📝
I'd love for you to read it and even share with those you think would be interested. Here's an excerpt from the manifesto:
Free Intelligent Conversation is a movement for those interested in learning from everyone they encounter. It is a place for the curious, the jaded, the academic, the self-taught, the skeptic, and the believer. It is a movement for those looking to improve themselves and the world around them through meaningful conversations.
Finally, I have two ask:
I'm looking for funding: if you know of individuals, foundations, or organizations who you think would align with our mission and support financially, please put them in contact with me. I currently have about 1 month of runway—I'm looking to raise about $20k. This money will allow me to make sure the scheduled 120+ outings (in 12 cities) happen.
We're looking for more FreeIC Leads: If you or someone you know who would like to lead the movement in their city or university, please have them to apply at our page here: https://freeic.org/apply.
That's all for now!