FAQ

How can you be sure I'm fulfilling my pledge?

I'm taking your word for it. No payments pass through this site in any direction. You commit to supporting some existing organization(s), using whatever system they have for accepting donations, and simply report on this site that you're doing that.

What does it mean that I'll be “credited” with others I recruit to make the same commitment?

Only that this site will keep track of new members you recruit, as well as those they recruit, and display the total to you so you can track your growing effect.

Don't you at least want to know which organization I decided to support?

I considered letting users share that, but thought that even as an option it might spook some people out of joining. The smaller the user profile I'm responsible for protecting, the better for everybody.

Speaking of which, what exactly is your privacy policy?

I'll never give or sell your information to anybody, and I'll never even display your name or email to anyone but you. (Not even to the person who recruited you or to any of your recruits.)

And your terms of service?

I'll do my best to keep accurate track of your membership and your recruiting total and to keep this site running as smoothly as possible. Please do your best to persuade your friends to join you in your commitment to get out the Democratic vote.

What if I was already giving to an organization before I signed up? Can I count that as my pledge?

Ideally, you should increase your existing donation or start donating to an additional organization. Or at the very least make a real effort to recruit others to join this site. The idea behind membership in Many Hands is that it should reflect an increase in the flow of support going to Democratic electoral action.

Does it have to be a monthly donation?

No, it could be annual or weekly or whatever frequency is possible. The important thing is that it be regular, so the organization will know they can count on it for planning purposes.

Can I make my donations to the actual campaigns of Democratic candidates?

Yes, and the best way to do this is through this resource. One problem with giving to campaigns is that the contributions can quickly reach a point of diminishing returns, but Oath can help you find the ones where your dollars will make the biggest difference.

You might also consider independent organizations whose work benefits multiple campaigns in all the election years. I try to discover the best of these groups and list them in (along with Oath) in these recommendations.

Instead of a monetary contribution, can I volunteer with some suitable group?

Absolutely! My recommendations also include some good places to start.

What's your busines model? Do you get some kind of percentage or outright payment from the organizations you recommend? How are you paying the costs for this site?

I have no connection with any group other than my belief in the value of the ones I recommend. I'm happy just knowing that more money is going to the most effective organizations.

Having said that, if you want to help with the operating expenses for Many Hands, I won't object to you buying my books or buying me a beer.