A better call to action.

Oen Michael Hammonds is the epitome of integrity, truth, and trust. He's a rare breed and a wild duck—IBM style. When he speaks, I listen. And so I did this weekend when he posted in support of the Design= campaign.

"Design= is a free educational program that introduces design, creative problem-solving, and career pathways to youth (grades 6-12) in marginalized communities."

I sent $100 immediately because so many folks need help, especially those in marginalized communities.

Look, I know things are tough all over for just about everyone. Things haven't been easy here at the Storeyhouse in the last two years, but as a human, and as a designer I can't let this funding drive go by without doing what I can.

Something about the campaign also caught my eye, a lack of "perks" that are commonly used to help entice people to give at different levels. This didn't make sense so I reached out and made some new friends who are behind the campaign (more on them later).

I'm proud to share that I'm giving a copy of my new book, Creative Intelligence, to everyone who donates at the $100 level or higher. I'm not able to give as much as I would like to this campaign, but it's what I've got.

If you're able, please consider supporting Design= right now. With only 36 days left and just 1.8% of their $75k goal reached, they need our help. I'm asking all of my designer friends and those who support our work to give and help this campaign reach its funding level.

To my fellow designers who have created products and services, I'm calling on you to stand with me and help us add more gifts for those that give. On the LinkedIn version of this post I'm tagged a few people to cut algorithm noise. Ryan Rumsay, Doug Powell, Cameron Moll, Mike Monteiro, Erika Hall, Stacey Ganderson, Sam Kap, Aarron Water, and Eli Woolery. I know there are more folks out there but that’s all that came to mind right now and this post can’t wait.

If you don't see your name here then post one in the comments. Do what you can to help bring attention and donations to this cause. It's a good one and I know that because Oen. That's all I need to know, that's all you need to give.