Lift Up with Lyft Round Up

by Patti Chang

From the Editor: Everything we do takes funding, and it is good when a business acknowledges our worth and gives customers an opportunity to help. Here is what Patti Chang, our executive director of development, offers to promote this opportunity:

Lyft and the National Federation of the Blind have been working together for some time. Our partnership often means that we hold Lyft accountable and provide honest feedback on their progress. That feedback is not always positive, particularly when we report issues related to ride denials involving guide dog handlers, but this article shares news about Lyft we hope you will welcome.

In December, the National Federation of the Blind joined Lyft’s Round Up program and became one of only thirteen charities invited to participate. Anyone who is a Lyft user can select the National Federation of the Blind in the app, and Lyft will round up the rider’s fare to the nearest dollar. One hundred percent of the difference is forwarded to the National Federation of the Blind. The Lyft Round Up program has potential to bring in much needed financial assistance to the National Federation of the Blind from members and non-members alike.

“It took me all of two minutes to sign up, and I feel good about helping the Federation to fund things like free white canes, early childhood programs, NFB-NEWSLINE®, and BELL® Academy.”—NFB Member.

Signing up is easy—go to the menu, hit donate, and choose the National Federation of the Blind. We hope that readers of the Braille Monitor will also ask their friends, family, and colleagues to sign up for Lyft Round Up and select the Federation too.

Here is an example of what you can share to encourage those you know to sign up. This would be perfect for a text, social media post, or an outline of what to say in conversation.

“An exciting and easy giving option for everyone: the organized blind movement has joined the Lyft Up program, so you can contribute every time you ride with Lyft. The program will round up the cost of your ride to the nearest dollar and donate the difference. In the Lyft app, simply go to the menu, navigate to donate, and choose National Federation of the Blind. Share this with all of your friends and family, because all of our small change leads to making a big difference. Thank you for your support!”