FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about The Rainbird Foundation

What is the Rainbird Foundation?
 

The Rainbird Foundation is a conversation for the end of child abuse. We have created a new conversation that we're sharing with you. We're asking you to share it with your people. And ask your people to share it with their people, and so on. At the heart of Rainbird are a bunch of people talking about something new and making it global. Prior to some time around now, we had a different conversation. The conversation was: "it can't end." There are a growing number of people who don't buy that anymore. We like the new conversation better. 

Rainbird is also a partner-builder. We're not going to end anything without unifying forces. It's that simple. We are committed to building local and global partnerships with people who are also committed to the end of child abuse. Real partnerships for a real end.

And Rainbird is a moneymaker. Ending child abuse takes a lot of money. But you already knew that. What you may not know is that child abuse isn't represented by an organization as visible as, say, Habitat, MADD, Red Cross, or Susan G. Komen. This is unacceptable. We need to expose the issue, the abusers, and the people and organizations who keep abuse alive. We need to build a platform for those who were abused on which they can proudly stand and be heard. And we need the money that high visibility can bring. Thousands of hard-working organizations are having a hell of a time dealing with both their workload and the business of raising money. We want them to be able to focus on their work and leave the money-raising to us. 

Lastly, Rainbird looks for viable existing solutions that contribute to the end of child abuse and we research them to find out if they're being used adequately. If they're not, we bring this to your attention because we know you'll do something about outrageous errors when you know about them. Then, we empower them. Where no solutions exist, we develop them. 

Want more information? Click here to download The Rainbird Foundation brochure.

 
What is a Rainbird?

It's been said that Hummingbirds symbolize making the impossible possible. Of course, this is central to the idea of the end of child abuse.  But we didn't want to name our organization The Hummingbird Foundation, cause that just sounded weird. In studying other cultures, we learned that the Zuni tribe loved the hummingbird and believed that these beautiful, feisty creatures had magical powers. As the story goes, when the Zunis needed rain, they prayed to the hummingbird. And when the rain came, they called the bird the Rainbird.

Why are you doing this?

Well, the simple answer is that it's time. We're fed up. Enough is enough.

But the more complete answer is this: Child abuse is the dirty little secret that's growing exponentially in the dark, for the most part. We want it to see the light of day where people can see it and do something about it. People don't talk about it. They don't like to talk about it. It's at the top of the "Worst Subjects To Talk About At Parties" list. Those who've experienced it don't want others to know. And those who did it don't want others to find out. But, while we don't talk about it, it's destroying yet another generation. All to protect our delicate sensibilities. We think that's ridiculous. But the only way to get anything to disappear is to first start talking about it. Which is probably why we don't get invited to more parties.  But that's ok. We're happy to sacrifice a few parties for the end of child abuse!

Where does the money go?

Rainbird funds people and organizations working on research and the development and implementation of projects that are committed to the end of child abuse. Our projects target public education, political reform, research, law enforcement reform, civic accountability, and the transformation of individuals, families, communities, and systems that currently support the persistence of child abuse.

How can I get involved?

First, take a stand. Taking a stand is simple. Like you declare yourself a Republican or Democrat, declare yourself committed to the end. Then, go to the "Get Involved" section and click on "Take a Stand". Fill out a commitment card and submit it as one of a growing number of people who have taken a stand for the end of child abuse. This is the first step to getting involved. After that, ask your friends, family, and colleagues to take a stand and fill out a card. Send them to our site to fill it out. After that, call us or write. There's plenty to do! We'll help you find something that you'd like to do. If nothing toasts your cookies but you know what you want to do, we'll help you develop it and make it a reality. If that doesn't appeal, we'll help you find another organization that is also committed to the end of child abuse. If you're looking for a job, go to our "About" section. Click on "Work with us". If there is a job opportunity, it will be posted.