To the Editor:
Last year, we saw the launch of weR Gold, a new crowdfunding platform exclusively for RPI student groups to raise funds for specific projects. This growing initiative is an extension of weR: The Spirit of Rensselaer Society. To our great surprise, we received a large number of student submissions. Thanks to many alumni contributions, this first year marked a very successful start to the platform. weR thrilled to be moving forward with another year of crowd-funded financial support.
At the first gathering of our executive committee, it was brought to our attention that The Poly is going through a tough time with a lack of financial support and human power. As The Poly works through this semester, we want to shine the spotlight on your continued dedication to Rensselaer, and we encourage you to consider applying to raise funds through the 2013-2014 season of weR Gold. Every living alumnus and alumna has experienced The Poly delivering campus news, and we believe this is a tradition that many alumni would want to continue. weR proud to see The Poly building a strategy to transform with the changing times, a struggle that impacts almost every print organization. We would love to see you—and all of our student organizations—apply for and gain access to a new funding opportunity. Applications are available at http://weR.rpi.edu/gold/ and are being accepted until Monday, October 21.
In the first year, weR Gold raised over $10,000 to fund eight different projects. Four of these groups saw their projects completely funded. We enabled the RPI Players to purchase a new lighting control console after they raised $4,970, exceeding its goal. (You can see more details at http://alumni.rpi.edu/weRGold/. Click “2013 projects.”)
In tough situations, where staffing is short and budgets are small, it is our privilege to reach out and share our support with The Poly, a cornerstone of our community and our history.
Let’s Go Re(a)d!