When I started my first graduate theology program in 2010, my personal library began growing exponentially. I was such a bookmonger that I thought it was totally reasonable to bring several boxes of books to my second program… in Scotland. Here I am, totally oblivious to the absurdity Laura is trying to point out;
Then, my favorite bookstore in North Carolina announced it was shutting down after we returned to the States. So I made sure to be there (with a handful of my friends and a trunk full of empty boxes) on their last day of business to hoover up all the books I could. I told myself I would open a shop focusing on religion and politics, a place where difficult subjects affecting soldiers and veterans could be discussed. I even created a vendor bike setup called Spoke’n Polite Company;
I learned quickly that bike brakes are no match against (what felt like) a cubic ton of weight on even the slightest downhill. There’s a reason that book bikes aren’t a thing… Finally, after several interstate moves (including to MD, then CA), I have had the time and stability to get the process past a few fleeting connections. Last week, I turned in a business plan and financial projections for The Chapter House, a veteran-owned bookstore and community space in Lebanon, OR;
The landlord is a community bank that has been patient and supportive throughout the early lease negotiation process. They liked my plan and projections and are ready to move forward; now, all I have to finalize is funding. That’s where I could use your support.
How Can You Help?
I plan to finance most of my estimated startup costs, but I want to involve my community as much as possible. Many of you reading this have been with me since I started seminary, and a few even helped fill my trunk with used books all those years ago. I can’t believe how many of you have already helped me get to where I am or how many people have asked how they can help.
Community is about buy-in and personal investment, and while it isn’t everything, financial support is critical to the success of any business. That’s why I have set a crowdfunding goal of $25,000. It won’t tank the deal if I don’t get it all, but the closer I get to my goal, the easier the work will be to reach profitability in a reasonable amount of time. A handful of awesome people have given generously to a GoFundMe I created to help launch the Chapter House, and I’m almost at $1,000 before I even announced it!
Will you consider donating $20 to my fundraiser to help launch a veteran-owned bookstore and community space?
I’ll be sure to keep readers of The ☧ost up to speed on all major developments, but GoFundMe will be where I post most updates related to the Chapter House. Even if you can’t contribute, I’d love for you to share about the Chapter House in your socials and IRL. I mean it when I say money isn’t everything; creating buzz is an important way to generate interest before doors open. That’s why sharing this ☧ost is a simple but powerful (and free!) way to support the Chapter House;
Here is a sample post with the URL included; feel free to cut and paste, or adapt, it however you like;
I am raising money to help Logan M Isaac launch a #veteran bookstore and community space. He’s been dreaming about this a long time and could use all the help he can get. Would you consider donating $10 to help launch this small business? GoFundMe.com/f/chapter-house
Thank you in advance for all the help! I can’t wait to share more as things develop, so keep your eyes on your inboxes after the holidays wind down. Until then, happy holidays and a blessed New Year!
*I’m also happy to share that I am nearing a process to (almost) automate First Formation, meaning they will continue uninterupted even as I put more time and energy into The Chapter House. And don’t forget: First Forward, advance insight into Sunday lectionary texts, is 40% off until Christmas.