If you are unfamiliar with The Beehive Collective, it is an organization based in Raleigh that pool together resources, host fundraisers and events, as well as coordinate other activities that benefit others in ways that have a greater impact than a contribution by a single individual may have. The idea behind the “collective” is to be a close-knit and industrious group that give back to the community through co-operation.

A little over a week ago, the 41 members of the Beehive Collective met at 101 Lounge and Cafe to vote on their first ever grantee that is in-line with their focus of 2008: Improving Economic Security & Financial Literacy for Young People and Low Income Individuals in our Community. The recipient of their first grant is Passage Home‘s Just Greening Communities intiative, which is a program in Southeast Raleigh that will take neighborhood residents and train them in the green jobs career field.

Although the group is comprised of mostly women, several men fill the ranks too

The specific Passage Home initiative that they are contributing to for 2009 targets individuals and is comprised of three parts:

• On-the-job training including green building processes (a high-growth emerging industry)
• classroom training on green technology and green building
• life skills and financial literacy training

The members of the community specifically targeted by this intiative are female ex-offenders. They will be helping build homes within their own neighborhood, for existing residents of that neighborhood. They will be contributing towards the growth and development not only of their neighbors, but for themselves as well.

The Beehive Collective donated close to ten thousand dollars to this initiative. Although they have hosted several events and a couple of fundraisers, the principle funding vehicle of their organization is member dues. Members are asked to donate one half of one percent of their annual yearly income.

If you are looking to make a difference in the downtown Raleigh area and meet some very great people in the process, consider becoming a member of The Beehive Collective. Half a percent of your yearly income is a surprisingly low amount: $100 if you make $20,000 per year, $150 if you make $30,000 per year, and so on.

Considering the state of contemporary world affairs, the theme of 2008 (financial literacy/responsibility) was especially prescient. You can have a say in how your community can be more greatly benefited by becoming a member of this great organization and voting on the theme for 2009 in the early part of next year.

Visit the Official website