June 11, 2010

The Importance of Words

Have you ever heard: Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? This makes for a great rhyme, but I don't think there's truth in the saying. Words can really hurt. They can damage relationships, hurt feelings, and it destroys self-esteem. Our words are important and they can impact the lives of others. It's important to watch what we say and make sure that they uplift the lives of the people around us.

June 10, 2010

Mentoring

One of the biggest impacts you can have on the life of another person is mentor them. At some point in everyone's life, you have to choose what you're trying to make a living. This can be a very difficult decision inventory can help someone determine what their talents are and how they can uses those talents to contribute to society.

Even if you're young and new in your job, you could help somebody figure out what their talents are what they're good at, and enable them to get a job. You can also give them the tools and encouragement needed to figure out how they can make a difference in the lives of others through their work. If you've recently been on the job market and were successful, you can also give helpful tips about how they can also find a job. This practical information can be invaluable and help someone understand the true worth that they have and how it can be beneficial to others.

June 9, 2010

Getting to Know You

If you’ve just moved somewhere, one of the best ways to meet new people is to volunteer. You’ll get to meet all the people who come to a fundraising event/ service effort. In addition, you’ll get to know the leaders of the organization you’re supporting. It’s likely that these people are well-connected within the community and can help you meet other people. This is a great way to help others and help yourself in a time of need.

June 8, 2010

Caring for Kids

Some of the most recent statistics about kids in America are startling. Take a look at these facts from the Children’s Defense Fund’s 2010 State of America’s Children report:

Each day in the US,

• 4 children are killed by abuse or neglect
• 5 children or teens commit suicide
• 202 children are arrested for committing violent crime
• 2,222 high school students drop out
• 18,493 public school students are suspended

What will you do to help change this for the better?

June 7, 2010

Who is Eunice Kennedy Shriver?

Who is Eunice Kennedy Shriver?

Born in 1921, Eunice Kennedy’s life legacy is her work to give mentally handicapped individuals the opportunity to become respected members of the community. She believed that these Americans could contribute to society and should be treated with respect. In 1968 she established the Special Olympics, which is renowned for its athletic events held for mentally handicapped people. These events give them a fun way to engage in physical activity and competitions. She also helped found the National Institute for Child Health and Development.

“You are the stars, and the world is watching you. By your presence, you send a message to every village, every city, every nation, a message of hope, a message of victory.”
-Eunice Kennedy Shriver

June 4, 2010

Fun Events for Fundraising

Fun Events for Fundraising

Need help brainstorming events that you can use as fundraisers? There are plenty of options aside from extravagant galas and ballroom dances. Consider these options:

-Office Olympics
-Cheese or chocolate tastings
-Health fairs
-Roasts
-Golf/tennis/soccer/bowling/Scrabble tournaments
-Open mic concerts
-House parties
-Dance-a-thons

June 3, 2010

People Who Can Recruit Volunteers

One of the best sources for recruiting volunteers is the people who are already involved in your cause or organization. Ask them if they have any friends, colleagues, family members, or networking contacts who would be interested in volunteering. Here are some of the people who can help with this:

-Donors
-Fundraising volunteers
-Website visitors
-Newsletter recipients
-Board members (if you have them)
-Program beneficiaries

June 2, 2010

Giving Now

Many people choose to save up their money and entrust it to a foundation or trust that will disperse the funds to good causes after they pass away. However, many of America’s greatest philanthropists are following a different model. First, they devote a considerable portion of their time, energy, and talents accumulating massive amounts of wealth. Then, they spend the end of their lives giving a significant portion of that wealth to others. They believe that a part of their service to others is not only donating the money, but also determining where it can best be put to use. In this sense, they use the intellectual capital they cultivated while earning financial capital in order to ‘invest’ the money where it may make the biggest difference to the community. This is an approach many of us should consider when reflecting on how to give money in the most effective manner.

“Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community.” –Andrew Carnegie

June 1, 2010

Volunteer 'Jobs'

Volunteer ‘Jobs’

When you’re fortunate enough to get volunteers to help, it’s important to let them not what you expect of them and how they can contribute. There’s no need to write an actual job description to give them, but having a clear idea of what their responsibilities are is important. Make sure that you communicate about the following topics so that there is a mutual understanding about what they will be able to do to help:

-Specific responsibilities
-Training that you provide
-Time commitment and scheduling
-Team participation
-Opportunities to get more involved
-Fundraising goals

May 31, 2010

Fundraising Guidebook

There are countless books, websites, and other resources available that claim to tell you the ‘secret’ to raising money. Most of them are not worth the cash that you shell out at Borders or Barnes and Noble. Fortunately, there are a few diamonds in the rough that provide comprehensive and concise advice on raising money for a charitable purpose. My current favorite is:

The Essential Nonprofit Fundraising Handbook by Michael A. Sand and Linda Lysakowski (published in 2009 by Career Press)

It tells you everything you need to know in simple and practical terms—all within 224 pages and at a list price of $14.99. This is highly recommended for anyone who needs to raise money.

(I didn't include a link to Amazon, Borders, or B&N to show that I'm not making any money off of this recommendation unlike other bloggers who recommend products/books. You can trust that this is really the best resource out there that I've found.)