11/28/2023
20 years ago, the world lost Hallie Kassandra Geier, my sister, an eleven year-old reader, writer, dreamer, thinker, performer, and activist.
In the brief reverie that was her life, Hallie dreamed about and wrote about and fought for a better, more just world. She felt tormented by what she called her fierce wonderings, and in less than a decade, she wrote more than a thousand pieces describing her love for being alive and the connections she saw between all living things. She loved plants, animals, and people. She loved what she saw was possible when people take care of each other and tend to the world around them. Hallie was goofy and she loved to laugh and she wanted to use her voice to find a framework for a kind, compassionate, joyous planet Earth.
“I want to do something special this year, or even 20 years from now. I want to stand out sometime. That may be the reason I’ve decided to become a doctor when I’m grown. Most kids think that’s stupid, even you may be thinking that too as you read this. But, I want to help. Anything! I can help clean up my neighborhood, wash away mean words written on walls, so no one has to be reminded of the hate that lingers in this world. I’m getting off point. Anyway, I want to help the class community, or help raise money for starving people. I want to become more active in peacemaking, and helping people make the right choices. I want to help save endangered species. I want to discover the cure for cancer, and save lives. I just hope I get the chance.” -Hallie, age 10
We lost Hallie too soon, but 20 years later, through her writing, her voice is alive with us. LOVE, HALLIE was founded on the belief, exemplified by Hallie, that young people are smart and aware and want so much to make a difference. Too often, however, they feel overwhelmed by the grief of a world in which they are only just starting to find their place.
Young people need agency, tools, resources, connections, opportunities, and real space to get and stay involved in the causes they care about.
In our poignant 20th year as an organization, ChangeSpace is that space: a central gathering place for creativity, for community, and for the new ideas and energy our world so urgently needs. More than 20 partner organizations have joined us to create this home for the good fight at Culture Lab in Hallie’s hometown, Queens, where we pilot our ambitious programming and where, in 2024, young people will host our fifth Better World Festival.
We are a tiny, all-volunteer organization and, in the spirit of our founding, we try to do a lot with a little. Our work can only move forward with your support. Please give what you can here: https://lovehallie.networkforgood.com/projects/211848-2023-year-end-campaign
Thank you for the chance to do something special.
Love, M.J.
M.J. Geier, Board Member and Co-Founder
LOVE, HALLIE Foundation
