Community Leader: Lucy

Meet Lucy Graham, Chuffed.org's Community Leader from Brisbane. For Lucy, crowdfunding is the perfect way to combine her love of the outdoors and physical challenges, with her desire to build a community for a better world. Read on to see where her journey has taken her so far...

Tell us a bit about yourself and your career (or life) so far.

I'm passionate about the planet and people and a better world. I worked in outdoor education for many years before pursuing a career in sustainability and social science. I now work as a community organiser; training people in how to build movements and to campaign for a better world. In my spare time I volunteer to create change that I think is important. I am currently crowdfunding with Chuffed.org to raise money for marine debris programs and ocean protection.

How did your crowdfunding journey begin? 

The first time I crowdfunded was to raise money for cancer research in 2011. I was participating in a charity kayak, originally for the physical challenge. I soon realised how truly powerful crowdfunding is. It not only funds important projects, but also creates conversations and an informed community.

What is a social cause you are passionate about and why? 

Too many to put into words! Right now my big focus is marine debris and pollution -  mainly plastics. The aim is to reduce consumption, demand, and irresponsible use of plastic.

What do you love most about the Chuffed.org community? 

The support, the passion and the shared desire for a better world that motivates so many of us!

Why did you decide to become a Chuffed.org community leader? 

I want to meet like-minded people, and to inspire and empower people to believe in themselves and their ability to make change. More than anything, I would like to share and to learn from collective experience.

What advice would you give to someone starting crowdfunding today? 

Just do it. Start. Learn as you go. Make mistakes, learn from them, but more than anything - get in and do it!

What social cause project or campaign on Chuffed will the funds raised through the workshop support?

I'm campaigning to raise funds for ocean cleanup - read more about it here.