So much is at stake right now -- the future of humanity and the planet, included. And sadly, it's not even hyperbolic to say it. It's just the reality -- a reality which has tested my optimism of late, and maybe yours too. If so, then I'm asking you to stand with me in supporting The Relational Center, the nonprofit agency where I've worked as a psychotherapist now for 4 years, and whose mission and community activism means we work at ground zero, on the root cause of so much of our current turmoil -- a deficit in empathy, kindness and integrity that stems from the cultural epidemic of social isolation.

I came across a passage recently in a New York Times article, entitled "How Loneliness is Tearing America Apart", that summarizes beautifully the importance of the kind of work we do: "And there lies the challenge to each of us in a country suffering from loneliness and ripped apart by political opportunists seeking to capitalize on that isolation. Each of us can be happier, and America will start to heal, when we become the kind neighbors and generous friends we wish we had.” (Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/opinion/loneliness-political-polarization.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage&fbclid=IwAR0JTPyQ3-oMVEbRamWoP62voshYmvfNQxuYmlqaBtmkT2ny2c1aax7Mcno)

At The Relational Center, community is front and center -- because people need people, and none of us can do this life stuff alone! That's why TRC seeks to develop the human capacities for empathy, connection, collaboration and shared leadership -- values largely unsupported in our culture. We  are a tiny non-profit that relies almost entirely on donor support to provide low-cost counseling and holistic wellness services to members of marginalized communities -- because we believe these services should not be just a luxury item, but should be available and accessible to all. Not only is it difficult work; it is absolutely necessary if we are to affect meaningful and lasting social change. And we need YOUR HELP to keep going!

For all these reasons -- and for many more than I could possibly list -- I'm asking for your help to support this incredible organization. Your gift (in any amount) is tax deductible and will help us continue to bring amazing wellness offerings -- like mental health counseling, yoga therapy, somatic training, mindfulness practice, relational storytelling, anti-bullying campaigns, and my very own mindful eating, eating disorder & food relationship therapy groups and peer trainings into our beloved community and beyond! 

Your gift will also support my very important work in the field of nutritional psychology -- that is, integrating nutritional interventions into mental health practice. My friends and colleagues at TRC have not only encouraged my efforts in this regard, but they've championed my leadership on it, and even provided some of the most needed and practical resourcing required to make this dream of mine a reality. They've shown up for me in SO many wonderful ways. Please help me now to show up for them. Every gift, and any amount - from $5 to $50 to $500 or more - will make a difference... PLEASE GIVE TODAY!  (And please see my website at www.angeladoss.com for more information on me and the work I do at TRC.)

More info about TRC's mission: Now more than ever, a culture of bullying and violence threatens our collective wellbeing. The need is growing and we need your support to rise to the challenge. The Relational Center exists to promote the essential value of relationships. We believe that by cultivating relational values, we create the necessary conditions for health, equality, and sustainability. So we teach people personal, interpersonal and social practices that support and grow strong, resilient relationships. We offer services for healing support, a space for community building and tools for civic engagement.

We are more than just a service center or a training institute; we are an incubator of the culture we believe will enable human beings to overcome violence, despair, disease and poverty. We engage in telling a new, coherent story of humanity that inspires all people to realize their unique leadership contribution. We help individuals, families, communities and organizations to integrate relational principles directly into their work and to coordinate their efforts so that together we can usher in a profound transformation in human consciousness.

http://www.relationalcenter.org
The Relational Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We appreciate your tax-deductible donation.

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Thank you, thank you! For any support you can offer... I am so grateful! 

Every year we host a year-end appeal that offers our supporters one last opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to The Relational Center before the end of the calendar year. Our goal for the 2018 year-end appeal is $30,000. These funds are critical for sustaining The Relational Center's community. With your support, we can continue to integrate individual healing and systemic cultural change through affordable comprehensive mental health services to low-income and marginalized folks. Help us build stronger, more empathic communities that can change the world!