Sliding Scale
“What you spend your money on reflects what you value. By investing in a supportive network, you're prioritizing your emotional and social well-being.”
— Gretchen Rubin, Author of The Happiness Project:
We know your income doesn’t tell the whole story.
Consider the guidelines below to determine your Community Spark monthly payment. We work on the honor system and trust that you will choose a fair option and will adjust your payment accordingly as your financial circumstances change.
Consider paying 100% if:
have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money
travel for recreation
have access to family money and resources in times of need
work part time or are unemployed by choice, including unemployment due to full-time school in a degree-earning program
have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education (or gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.)
own the home you live in
Total monthly cost: $397
Consider paying 75% if:
are single and/or without dependents
are able to repay your student loans, are in repayment or have paid off your student loans
have employer health insurance and/or other employer benefits
have daily reliable transportation
are able to miss work either for sickness or leisure and are still able to pay next month's bills
travel when needed especially for an unexpected occasion like a family funeral or emergency
Total monthly cost: $298
Consider paying 50% if:
are supporting children or have other dependents
have significant debt have medical expenses not covered by insurance
are eligible for public assistance
have immigration-related expenses
are an elder with limited financial support
are an unpaid community organizer
are a returning citizen who has been denied work due to incarceration history experience discrimination in hiring or pay level
are descended from enslaved people or Native American Indian
Total monthly cost: $199
Sliding Scale Credit: https://www.embracingequity.org/post/embracing-an-equitable-sliding-scale
Other things to consider:
We get that it might not be clear which payment option you should choose. We suggest choosing the one that feels like a stretch but doesn’t create an undue hardship. You’re not just investing in yourself or your business, you are investing in creating a culture that values humanity over profits, and impact over power.
Johann Hari, Journalist and Author of Lost Connections
"We are the loneliest society in human history, yet connection is the antidote. Investing in a community that supports and understands you can transform your life in profound ways."
Daniel Goleman, Author of Emotional Intelligence: