voting with my dollars

When I was living overseas something changed in me. I became very aware of where my dollars were going. Not in a budgeting sense, but as a matter of social conscientiousness. I had heard the term "voting with dollars," but certainly didn't make conscious choices about how I spend my money to advance social endeavors. 

That has changed. 

I am much more aware of where I spend money to buy groceries or clothes, to eat out, or in any other consumer action. My consumerism has become more intentional. Kenyon and I eat out hardly ever, mostly I cook. However, when I have to set business meetings I choose local restaurants. I buy our groceries at a local grocer or the farmers market. I want my dollars to support good causes. I have even done the majority of my clothes shopping at thrift stores - it's amazing how many never worn items are available at discount prices.

This month I am officially out of the "uninsured" category and have moved to the "insured" category of individuals. Now that I have health insurance I am going to set some much needed doctors appointments. First on the list is a dentist. I haven't been to a dentist in two-years (or more). There weren't many options where we have lived recently and we weren't covered for such things when visiting the U.S. On our last home leave (in 2010) we tried to get dental appointments at the free clinic, but were unsuccessful due to the high demand for these services and our limited time frame. 

I was excited about my upcoming dentist appointment. One of the people out with us that night said, "you are excited to go to the dentist?" Yes, sir. I now realize what a luxury a dentist visit is. Such luxuries aren't available in most of the world, nor to the uninsured in our country. I am only now leaving those categories to the privileged position of an insured person living in America. You betcha I am excited to go to the dentist. Bring it on!

His wife asked me how I chose my dentist. She had recently had a bad dental experience with her current dentist and was shopping around. I told her it was simple. Having experienced the struggles of the uninsured first-hand. I chose the local Community Health Center as my dental office. Most of their clients are the uninsured and they work hard to raise money to keep this service going. They are trying to up their client mix to 25% insured to help underwrite the costs for everyone else. I am happy to take my business to their medical office so they can keep their doors open and help others. I am voting with my dollars.

just Sheri, excited to visit the Community Health dentist