My Volunteer Work with the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights, and Some Exciting News!
I've been friends with Mark Cherrington for a few years now. We "met" on Twitter. I greatly appreciate him and the work he does as part of the Coalition For Justice and Human Rights in the Edmonton area.
He and the Coalition help many of the most vulnerable people in society escape dangerous, abusive, and life threatening situations, where there otherwise few other resources available. They do this at no cost, solely relying on donations.
He is also a Human Rights Advocate, which means many things, such as helping them deal with court related issues, driving them to appointments and otherwise assisting them in getting the help and resources they need.
The Coalition's work is funded entirely by donations, because they don't want government influence.
I had an extended 2-part conversation with him during the first run of my podcast, Kevin Talks Tech. We discussed his technology, but more importantly, we discussed the important and critical work he does.
During the past year, things are uncertain at Twitter. I have been helping him slowly moving over to Mastodon, and soon Threads. He also posts occasinally to Instagram. He uses these Social Media tools to build awareness of his important work and the struggles his clients face.
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It's wonderful to see when Mark has a moment to post updates to Social Media regarding the people he helps. Generally speaking, they are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, though circumstances vary. These are good people dealing with difficult situations where our society has failed them. Mark is a lifeline for them, often saving lives in the process.
Mark often puts out the call for mobile device donations. The primary goal is to provide a cell phone or smart phone that his clients can use to call 911, because ALL phones can do this without a phone plan. Of course, all smartphones can use WiFi, and sometimes are the only access to the internet some people have. This is critical with more and more services going online.
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Liberty Law in Edmonton has kindly donates office space for Mark to use, where he often meets clients to discuss their situations and help find solutions. Mark couldn't do what he does without his office.
Donations don't just mean money. Cell phones, as mentioned above, and hygienic essentials like diapers are also very common requests with his clients.
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As time allows, Mark makes a point to highlight failings in the system, including how some of his clients end up spending time in jail and other facilities because they can't pay a $5 fee or other fees.
He highlights various other issues and calls for dire changes that greatly impact his clients lives, and the lives of countless others.
With the launch of my home business, immediately and without hesitation, I offered to do a proper System Cleanup on Mark's laptop, and Monthly Tune-Ups going forward as part of my volunteer efforts. His money is no good to me, and I won't take money meant for those he helps.
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I have also offered to volunteer my services, within reason and my abilities, to his clients who need similar work done on their computers, but who can't afford to pay. They need their computers to access critical online services and to apply for benefits, so I'm happy to help.
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Mark has talked about his strong desire to start a podcast to also help build awareness for his work, the Coalition, and to allow some of his clients to tell their stories, should they be comfortable doing so.
He had a radio show doing just that for over a decade, but a podcast is the way to go now.
I have volunteered my time to consult with him regarding his upcoming podcast as well, and will help him in any way I can to get it going. It will start on his YouTube channel.
I am immensely thrilled, honoured, and privileged to help Mark and the Coalition in any way I can, and I won't take a dollar for doing so. That money belongs to the vulnerable people they are helping and advocating for.
Mark works incredibly hard, and has sacrificed and dedicated his life to helping others, and I hope awareness, support, and donations will continue to increase in seemingly never-ending efforts to get people the help they need and help improve their lives.
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