WENIGER.MEHR
Less can become more. What we let go of, we can share.
An idea from Japan that we are carrying forward: On the 1st and 15th of each month, consciously forgo something non-essential, share the experience and, if possible, donate the money saved. A small act can nurture compassion and bring practical help to others.
What is WENIGER.MEHR?
An open movement for mindful giving: On the 1st and 15th of every month, we consciously choose not to do or buy something non-essential. We can share what that moment felt like and voluntarily donate money saved to charitable causes. No financial donation is required to take part.
How to take part
- On the 1st or 15th, pause and consciously forgo something non-essential.
- Notice what happens inside you, even if the attempt is difficult.
- Share your experience and/or donate the money you saved – both are voluntary.
“Today I wanted to have the last word in an argument. Instead, I listened. It was harder than I expected.”
Illustrative example
An idea from Japan
The Buddhist lay organisation Rissho Kosei-kai created the Donate-a-Meal Movement. On the 1st and 15th of each month, participants consciously forgo a meal or a non-essential expense and donate its value to humanitarian and peace initiatives. WENIGER.MEHR adopts these shared dates and the practice of mindful restraint.
Our addition: We also share what we experience when we pause. This connects compassion for ourselves – without punishment or pressure – with compassion for others. WENIGER.MEHR is an independent SAILR initiative, not an official partnership with Rissho Kosei-kai.
Japanese inspiration and background
Two ways of giving
Share an experience: What did I consciously choose not to do today? What did I notice or feel? A few honest words can encourage others. Giving money is not a requirement for taking part.
Donate money: Did you decide against a non-essential expense? You can voluntarily donate the amount saved – with or without sharing a personal reflection. Every contribution is welcome.
Deciding together where donations go
Donations will be used for charitable purposes. We will invite participants to suggest charitable causes and take part in deciding how the collected donations are allocated, regardless of whether or how much they donated themselves. Suggestions will be checked for charitable eligibility and compatibility with SAILR’s non-profit statutes. We will make the process and its outcomes transparent.
Donate to WENIGER.MEHR
You can already support the initiative by bank transfer to SAILR. Please use WENIGER.MEHR as your payment reference so we can attribute your donation to this initiative.
Account holder: SAILR – Soziale Arbeit im ländlichen Raum gUG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Bank: GLS Gemeinschaftsbank eG
IBAN: DE92 4306 0967 1357 6746 00
BIC: GENODEM1GLS
Payment reference: WENIGER.MEHR
Participation is voluntary and open to people of any faith or none. Please do not give up necessary meals or other basic needs. Contact us before sending personal reflections; a protected online submission form is still in preparation.
