Melanated Pearl Corporation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Hampton, Ga a subsection of Clayton County established in November 2018. The organization targets services for Black Women in Georgia; the Metro Atlanta area. Our mission is to empower, educate and uplift Black Women. The Melanated Pearl Corporation uses digital technology, social media platforms, and 21st century skills; communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, to increase access and opportunities for Black Women to live, thrive, and give back using the tools of financial literacy and an increased knowledge of investments and wealth building. The content we produce helps our company capture and celebrate the stories of our target audience, establish and grow our community by providing captivating and relatable content that makes Black Women confident and empowered so they can take control of their personal, professional, and financial future.
The power of persuasion
As part of the requirement for obtaining my Masters of Arts degree in Digital Communications and Writing from Agnes Scott College, I had the opportunity to take Persuasive Writing and Speaking. The objectives for the course are as follows:
• Understand and apply major theoretical perspectives and concepts related to persuasion to actual digital media examples
• Analyze and evaluate how the changing media environment affects persuasion
• Produce a professional-level communication campaign that demonstrates an understanding of the suasive potential of writing style and visual and verbal argument
What’s the “I’m In for $10 Bridge Fund”
The “I’m in for $10” Bridge Fundraiser launched in October 2019 with a goal to rope in 10 to 15 key fundraisers as proof that working women are willing to contribute to the growth of one another. The soft launch has helped build the momentum and confidence required to materialize the full campaign. The soft launch’s success, roped in a broader supporter base and, donors quickly showed their willingness to be a part of a campaign that shows the support black Women in particular.
Why do black women need a Bridge Fund?
In Georgia, a typical household with one adult and two children needs about $5,000 a month to cover basic expenses. We know and understand that this is not the reality of many working women living in Georgia. The “I’m in for $10” Bridge Fund Fundraiser targets working women living in poverty.
When did it start?
Pre-Launch started October 2019 with a Goal of $1,000 in 3 months. We started by making a list our most dedicated supporters and fundraisers. We invited the board and gave them the responsibility to outline the campaign before the official launch. We Asked everyone to reach out and encourage their families and friends for contributions.
How do I apply?
Program Requirements:
You must put in to pull out. All Bridge Fund recipients must contribute $10.00 to the fund.
You must be working in Georgia (full or part-time). Send your request for need to melanatedpearl@gmail.com
Program Description: Melanated Pearl Corp Fundraiser “BRIDGE FUND” – I’m in for $10
We are starting a Bridge Fund for women. Have you ever needed a BRIDGE to prevent a financial set back?
Have you ever been just $100 dollars short but end up paying a fee for overdraft charges? What if you could apply for a bridge?
What are the terms?
The Bridge Fund is not a loan, it is considered a grant and does not have to be repaid.
2020 Goal: Engage 1,000 Women in 10 months
How to support:
Post a picture of yourself holding $10 on social media and tag #melanatedpearl #iminfor10 #wherethebagat2020
Donate $10 or more
via CashApp $MelanatedPearlCorp or
PayPal https://www.paypal.me/melanatedpearlcorp
Spread the word and volunteer!
Why does it matter?
It is expensive to live in poverty and the emergency financial assistance options are predatorial to say the least. For example, women in poverty report having more experience with debt traps. They may turn to predatory lenders at times to help them make ends meet or pay exorbitant fees in alternative check cashing institutions if they do not have a dedicated bank. Additionally, households with low incomes that are headed by women are subject to much higher housing costs than men. These households may also struggle to afford fuel for vehicles or to purchase transit passes in order to get to work. Additionally, women are more prone to poverty because women’s personal care items and necessities for their children are often more expensive than men’s personal care items.
The cost of Inequality
The combined force of gender and racial inequities and policies that present extra systemic barriers for women of color and immigrant women weakens Georgia’s long-term potential. Gender, racial and ethnic equity and inclusion must be goals of any smart and healthy growth strategy the state pursues. College-educated women who work full time make, on average, 25% less than their male counterparts who hold degrees, leaving women with less income to live and put aside to pay off loan debt or secure retirement.
This missing money is critical to Georgia’s future since women are responsible for bringing in at least 40 percent of family earnings in more than half of the state’s families with children. Georgia leaves behind more than $14 billion in potential additional household income for its residents because women are not earning the same amount of money as men in the state. Leveling the pay gap can also cut poverty for Georgia women by as much as half, providing a powerful boost to both working women and their families. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), if equal pay for women were instituted immediately, across the board, it would result in an annual $447.6 billion gain nationally for women and their families.
