12th October, 2015 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aeriel A. Ashlee and Kyle C. Ashlee

(651) 295-2532 | (603) 667-1958

contact@ashleeconsulting.com

CO-AUTHOR COUPLE CROWDFUND A BOOK ON SOCIAL JUSTICE

Aeriel and Kyle Ashlee, married partners and educators, offer everyday solutions for social change in a book that is now on Indiegogo.

CINCINNATI, OH – On October 1st, Kyle and Aeriel Ashlee launched a crowdfund campaign to raise support for VITAL: A Torch For Your Social Justice Journey. Their first co-authored project, VITAL is a 198-page paperback book that weaves together inspirational stories and effective strategies for social justice. The Ashlees set out to raise $6,500 on Indiegogo to offset self-publishing costs, and in the first 11 days have already raised nearly 30% of their goal. With contributors from five countries including Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, VITAL has already made a global impact.

“VITAL is a resource that can help anyone who wants to make the world a better place but doesn’t know where to begin,” explains Kyle Ashlee, co-author, “We decided to crowdfund this book because we want to democratize the publishing process.” Rather than allow the publishing giants to decide what is accessible to readers, the Ashlees have taken their social justice values and the creation of their book directly to the community.

In exchange for pledging to the project, backers can gain access to a variety of rewards including an eBook copy for $5, a paperback copy with limited edition cover art specifically designed for crowdfund supporters for $25, and more. Supporters can also choose to contribute any amount without receiving perks.

“From the corporate guy in a mid-life existential crisis, to a well-intended yoga mom, or an curious college student,” says Aeriel Ashlee, co-author, “VITAL is for anyone who wants to delve deeper into social justice.” The book explores five core principles that make up VITAL: vulnerability, identity, trust, authorship, and liberation. “Through our international consulting experience, we have seen these principles come up again, and again,” says Ashlee, “This book will share these concrete tools and sources of hope for those working to make a difference in one tangible resource.”

“Too often people feel overwhelmed, angry, and uncertain about how to respond to social injustice,” notes Kyle Ashlee, “What if instead there was a way to feel completely empowered? What if instead of being railroaded by guilt there was a way to find courage in vulnerability? What if instead of getting shut down by triggers and tip-toeing around issues we could find strength in storysharing? VITAL is the answer to these questions.”

Aeriel and Kyle Ashlee are co-founders of Ashlee Consulting, a diversity and inclusion training firm established in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 2014. For more information about the crowdfund, please visit the Indiegogo page. To learn more about Ashlee Consulting, visit their website online.

Source: ICNW