Fast Forward to a better world, faster!

A few years back, in Toronto, I started a small social experiment, designed to see if we could accelerate compassion and giving. I called it a generosity hack. Essentially, I asked people to (1) set aside the money they didn't spend when they fasted - for whatever reasons - and (2) donate that to a cause of their choice.

Over the next few years, our small little social experiment/innovation raised a few thousand dollars for worthy local causes, including Canadian food banks, education programs for youth in Toronto, etc.

With encouragement from mentors and given that the need for social engagement of all kinds has only increased in the past few years, I am now launching the initiative wider, and asking for your support - by (1) participating in the experiment, and (2) spreading the word.

Please read the description/manifesto below and join us in creating a better, fairer, and kinder world.

1) What is a Fast Forward?

Fast Forward empowers everyone to support the causes we believe, accelerating progress towards a kinder, fairer and better world – whatever that means to us individually. Come join us.

2) How does it work?

Simply, every year, millions of people around the world fast. We fast for religious reasons, health benefits, self-discipline, weight-loss, and much more. Whenever we fast, we give up something - food, sugar, wheat, coffee. And giving up means not spending money on the thing we abandoned. Fast Forward simply asks you to donate the money you did not spend to a cause that speaks to you.

3) How do I get started?

• Plan how long you will fast this year – hours, days, weeks or months.
• Estimate how much you will not spend when you fast, including breakfast, coffees, lunches, dinners, treats, snacks, etc.
• Donate the estimated amount to any organization or cause of your choice.
• Optional: Fill out the Fast Forward - Pledge Form so we can observe the total impact through the program.
• Share your donation on your social media account, inspiring others to discover their own generous self.

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4) What can I do to help?

• Fast Forward and donate.
• Encourage everyone you know to Fast Forward by sharing your support.

?5) More Background:

5.1) What is Fasting?

Fasting is the willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a defined period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid; other fasts may be partially restrictive, limiting only particular foods or substances, or be intermittent.

5.2) Who Fasts?

5.2.1) Religious or Spiritual Fasting

Over the course of human history, people have fasted for a variety of reasons. People have fasted in line with their religious beliefs – to fulfil their religious obligations, to gain spiritual enlightenment, or to purify their souls.

Many people know about the Islamic practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan. However, fasting is actually an integral part of many other faiths and religious practices.

• In the Bahá'í faith, fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset during the month of 'Ala' (from 1 or 2 March to19 or 20 March)
• Buddhists fast during times of intensive meditation, such as during a retreat, and are also expected to refrain from eating after noon until the following morning on Uposatha days (roughly once a week)
• Several Christian denominations encourage fasting - collectively during certain seasons, or individually as a believer feels led by the Holy Spirit. In the Western Christian denominations, fasting is encouraged on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

• Fasting is a very integral part of Hinduism religion. Hindus observe different fasts based on personal beliefs and local customs. Some Hindus fast on certain days of the month and certain days of the week are also set aside for fasting depending on belief and favorite deity.

• In Islam, fasting is obligatory for every Muslim one month in the year, during Ramadan.

• Fasting is also practiced in Judaism. Fasting for Jews means completely abstaining from food and drink, including water. Traditionally observant Jews fast six days of the year. Tisha B'Av and Yom Kippur are the major fasts and are observed from sunset to the following day's dusk. The remaining four fasts are considered minor and optional fasting is only observed from sunrise to dusk.

5.2.2) Health, Longevity Related, or Political Fasting

However, religion is not the only reason people fast. People continue to fast as a way of making political statements. Many fast to practice self-discipline. And increasingly, many people are fasting for health benefits and to lose – or maintain – weight. Many people are drawn to fasting as a way to detoxify. Some people fast to avoid sugar while some are doing so to avoid gluten.

In summary, no matter when, where, and why you fast, please join us in creating impact in the world.