text: Card Party | Mighty Isis: The Adventures of a Social Entrepreneur
  Isis Initiative, Inc. volunteers Vivian Louden, from left, Ellen Fuller, and Jeanene Louden prepare note cards for sale. The note cards feature photographs by Isis president Cheryl Hatch. All monies from the card sales will be donated to the nonprofit.
  My friend Jeanene calls it "repurposing resources."
  I had boxes of photo note cards that I sold in conjunction with my photo exhibitions, featuring my earlier documentary work on women and the aftermath of war in the Middle East and Africa. I'm still an advocate for women; however, I've turned my energy and attention to helping women get a college education.
  I was looking for fresh ideas for raising funds for Isis Initiative, Inc. I was already spending money on cards for thank-you notes. Jeanene suggested "repurposing" my cards: we could save money and make money.
  This afternoon Jeanene hosted a card party at her house. Her mother, Vivian, joined us and Ellen stopped by on her lunch hour. In just over an hour, we had labelled and packaged 53 sets of cards for sale.
  I stopped by our local independent bookstore, Grass Roots, and our local food cooperative, First Alternative, and asked if they'd be interested in selling our cards and supporting our cause. I'll return tomorrow to speak with Sandy at Grass Roots and Jen at First Alternative. Both stores have a wonderful history of supporting local artists and causes.
  Samanda designed a beautiful promo card that accompanies the set of note cards and explains our mission. The cards will raise funds and raise awareness. And as people send them to friends, family and colleagues, they will help spread the message of Isis Initiative, Inc.
  Again and again, I'm reminded that when each person gives a little–whether it's time, ideas or money–it makes a big difference.
  — Helen Keller, 1880-1968
  Tags: Corvallis, Education, friends, Fundraising, Ideas, Matriarchy, Oregon, Quotes, social entrepreneur, Volunteers, War, women