Attention Winners of the Workbook - Please Read!

Okay everybody - if you are one of the 7 lucky winners of the special event planning workbook, I need you to send me an email so I've got your email address. Syd and I spent an hour trying to find a couple of you - and because we've got 0ver 500 people registered, we decided this would be faster!

So, if you posted a comment in the blog earlier about why you wanted to win a copy of the book, you won! Send me an email (in case you don't know the address - and I don't want to get slammed with spam, so here's the code: it's my name with a period between the two and then "G" mail.)

As soon as I get your email, I'll forward it to Syd, she'll send you the release and we'll get you your copies of the workbook.

Oh, and just so you know, I just added 15 more pages to it, because I thought of some other worksheets you will be able to use!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Cheryl and Syd

Winners of the Special Event Planning Workbook Announced!

Hey everyone!

We're announcing the winners of the 5 "Special Event Planning Workbooks" that we are giving away...And I have to tell you that Syd and I had a really hard time choosing! In fact, to give you an idea of just how hard it was, Syd put it this way when I couldn't decide so I tossed the burden of choosing directly in her lap:

"Break my heart and stomp on it why don't you? There are 7 comments and each one is equally in need of assistance and could really use the book! The only way I can see to to choose 5 winners is to pitch a coin or pin the tail on the non profit with the most dire situation."

So, here's what we decided: We're not deciding!

We've officially declared each of the 7 VISTAs who took the time to post to the blog - a WINNER!

Yep! We're giving each one of you a copy of the book!

So, here's what's going to happen next. Syd is putting the finishing touches on a release form and she'll be getting in touch with you in the next day or two to tell you how you can get your hands on the workbook.

So, congratulations to: Tammy G., Katy Irving, Erin H., Beckie Clere, Katie McKeown, Nat and Michelle! You did an excellent job of presenting your case and showing us why you deserve to win a copy of the book!! By the way, if you don't hear from Syd by Friday, make sure to send me an Email, so I can send her your email address and she can send you a note telling you what to do next!

And can I just say that Syd and I both appreciate each and every one of you who is reading the blog, checking out the Activist Guide Website and attending the free monthly teleseminars. We appreciate and admire your honesty, your dedication and your passion to making a difference in communities all across the country. And we are truly and deeply honored by the trust you're placing in us - and we are going to keep trying to give you the kind of information that you want and that will help you to do your jobs to the best of your ability! You guys rock!

Update on Special Event Planning Workbook

Hi everybody!

Well, I wanted to have the Special Event Planning Workbook finished and ready to go yesterday, but as you know, Syd's son came down with the flu, then she got it and now somehow she transferred it to me - hey! She gave me an internet virus!

Anyway, today is the first time that I've been able to drag my sorry butt out of bed - and sitting at the computer for the last 20 minutes has made me feel like I've run in the Boston Marathon - twice!

So since the book isn't quite ready to go, we're going to give you a prezzie! (More about that in a minute!)

I want to remind you to enter the contest if you haven't done so already! (The rules are simple: just make a post on the blog telling us why you'd like to have the workbook! It's easy to do and it takes less than 5 minutes - if you're one of the five winners, you get the workbook (a $37 value), plus a free question and answer teleseminar with me - you get to ask any question you've got about your next special event and I'll answer it! I'll even look over your plans and give you suggestions. (And since I currently get $250 an hour for working with my consulting clients, that's a $125 value!) We'll even give you the audio recording that you can download so you can listen to it again.

Now, I'm putting up a page on the Activist Guide Website where you can find your prezzie - what it is, is a section of the workbook! That way you can see for yourself how useful the workbook will be when you're planning your next special event! So - watch for my next post - it should be sometime today, and I'll give you the "secret link" and password to get to the download page.

Don't forget - you only have until tomorrow to enter the contest to win your free copy of the Special Event Planning Workbook! It's free to enter - and if you win, you get a workbook that will help you create a special event that you can be proud of - one that people will rave about and that will be remembered long after you're gone!

I'll post as soon as I've got the Webpage up and running! Syd and I are looking forward to reading all of your posts over Thanksgiving weekend and choosing the five lucky winners!

Want to Win a Copy of the Event Planning Workbook?

Hi everybody!

First of all, we want to thank you for tuning into last Wednesday's call about how to plan the perfect special event - your feedback was awesome and we got some great ideas for what topics you want us to cover in the future - so Thanks!

How would you like to win a free copy of the workbook that goes with this month's call? We were going to announce the contest last week, but we ran out of time. (And would have announced it sooner the day after, but Syd's son got sick with the flu, and after she nursed him back to health, she got it and has been out of commission.

I just talked to her last night and she's finally starting to feel a little bit better (she's gone from begging me to put her out of her misery to saying that she's one step up from death...I guess that's an improvement, right?!)

Anyway, I'm going to announce the contest now - and you can enter right away.

First, let me tell you a little bit about the workbook. We designed it so that you can print it out, and put it into a 3-ring binder. And when we say "workbook" - we're NOT kidding. This little baby will almost plan your entire event for you! (Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration...) But
let me tell you what's inside:
There are 10 sections in the workbook:

Section 1: Planning Your Special Event: This section takes you by the hand and walks you through the steps you need to take to plan your event - whatever it is. You'll get worksheets, samples, templates and more! For example:

• Quiz - The Secret of Your Success - Want to know if you're choosing the right special event, or what your chances for success are? This online interactive quiz can help you to figure it out. This quiz works for any type of event, and you can take it as many times as you want for as many different events as you want to test yourselves for.
  
• Planning Process - This worksheet helps you keep on top of all the different elements necessary for planning a successful event.
• Logistics - What it is, how to do it the right way.
• Publications Checklist - Can you think of every single publication or document you might need to put your special event together? Now you don't have to - we've created a comprehensive list AND a timeline to help you figure out what needs to be done by when!
  
• Critical Path and Timeline - This table not only helps to keep you on track, but it gives you a realistic idea of what needs to be done by when. (Think of choosing the type of event, booking your site, figuring out what permits you need - special event, vendors, alcohol, food handlers' street, city, fundraising, etc. Are you going to need special event insurance - if so, what kind and how far in advance do you need to apply? What about creating your planning committees, choosing a head, providing job descriptions, creating an action plan, developing a budget, etc. Will you need security? What's your emergency plan? (On-site first aid, an emergency plan in case of specific problems such as health problems, missing child, theft, violence...) The critical path and timeline helps you keep all of that and more organized and on schedule.
• Templates - Recruitment Letters, Job Descriptions, Duties and Responsibilities, Special Event Mission Statement Planner, Master Contact List, Budget Forms and more!

Section 2: Committees: This section gives you everything you need for creating, working with and motivating your committee members. For example, you'll get:

• 3-Tier Event Coordination Committee Chart
• Organization Chart
• Sample Committee Meeting Agenda
• Staff and Board Resources Checklist
• Committee Timeline
• Job Titles and Duties
  
• Tips for keeping your committees happy, focused and motivated

Section 3: Your Budget: Even if you don't have a dime to put towards your special event, you need to create a realistic budget. This section walks you through the process of creating one and gives you two excel documents that you can use to create your own special event budgets.

Section 4: Publicity, Advertising and Promotion: One of the key elements in creating a successful - and profitable - special event is how you promote it. This section walks you through everything you need to do to promote your event. (And will tie in with what radio talk show host Wayne Kelly will be teaching you in next month's teleseminar which is all about how to get media exposure the right way!) Here's just some of the tools and resources you'll be able to use right away in this section:

• What are the different types of advertising and which ones should you use in promoting your special event? (I've listed 15 - and some of them won't cost you a dime - but can increase attendance and donations by 30% or more!)
• 7 Questions you must ask before planning your publicity campaign - do this wrong, and your promotion efforts will be a waste of time, effort and money!
• Personal Contacts - how to ramp up the effectiveness of making personal contacts - while making sure that people do it the right way.
• How to make the most out of your publicity opportunities
• Tips for writing a press release that gets the results you want
• Sample press releases
• Media Timeline
• Promotion Checklist
• Using the Internet for Promoting your Special Event

Section 5: Volunteers: Want to know how to make sure you get enough volunteers to help you plan and run your special event? Curious how to keep them excited and motivated? Got questions about what forms or releases they need to sign? Need sample job descriptions? And don't forget about recruitment forms, job descriptions, evaluations, permits, etc. Here's what you'll find in this section:

• Job Descriptions and duties samples
  
• Tips for Recruiting the right volunteers for the right jobs
• How to Screen and Interview prospective volunteers
• Volunteer Training
• Supervising Your Volunteers
• Motivate and Recognize Your Volunteers
• Templates, Checklists and Sample forms
• Planning Exercise for Recruiting Volunteers
• Volunteer Job Descriptions Template
• Volunteer Waiver and Release Template
• Sample of Volunteer Application Form
• Volunteer Training - What to do in Case of an Emergency
• Volunteer Training - Handling Difficult People
• Volunteer Training - Specific Duties during the Event
• Volunteer Evaluation - of the Event
• Volunteer Evaluation - of your Organization
• Volunteer Evaluation - of the Volunteer
• Volunteer Recognition - Creative and Inexpensive Ideas for Recognizing your Volunteers
  

Section 6: Raising Money For - and From - Your Special Event
There are several different types of special events and reasons for holding one. Most of the time, creating a successful special event means more than having a great idea, putting together a few activities and providing food and entertainment. It also means making a profit - or at least breaking even. We're going to go into the different ways you can raise money to help you underwrite the costs of your special event and also tell you how to turn your special event into a money making bonanza! Here's a little of what you'll find in this chapter:

• The Big "3:" Grants, Sponsorships and Fundraising
• Where to find grants that fund special events
• How to put together the perfect sponsorship package
• What you need to know about raising funds during your special event
• Sponsorship Checklist
• Sample Sponsor Package Templates
• What needs to go into your sponsorship request letter
• Sample sponsorship letter
  
• Sponsorship Recognition Ideas
• "Level" the playing field
• Sample grant proposal
• Operating Budget Template
• Grant Application Package Checklist
• What your fundraising committee needs to know
• Tips for creating a profitable special event - every time
• How to turn your one time event into a "signature" annual event

Section 7: What You Need to Know About Choosing the Best Site for Your Event
Choosing the right site for your special event is one of the most critical factors of whether it's going to be a success - or an abject failure. This section covers the what, where, when, how and why to choosing the perfect site. For example, you'll find:

• Site Evaluation Checklist
• What You Need to Know
• Indoor vs. Outdoor Sites
• Having a Back-up Location
• Liability and Insurance Issues
• Risk Management
• Can You Get and In-Kind Donation?
• Your Responsibilities
• Doing the Walk-through
• Getting Permits
• What about: alcohol, lighting and electricity, street closures, police, security, fire and emergency services, creating a location map, music, games and amusement rides, music and concerts, food, vendors - including set-up, licensing and permits, parking, toilets, noise, tents, fireworks, inclusion and handicapped access, first aid, lost kids, insurance and more...

Section 8 - Different Types of Events
Here is a kind of firestarter of creative ideas for planning your next special event. It also includes basic tips, how-to's, checklists, samples and more - things like:

• Auctions
• "Thons"
• Food Events
• Job, Health, Book, Craft and other "fairs"
• 5-K runs
• Golf Events
• Indoor Events
• Outdoor Events
• How to Combine Different Elements and Make Them Work
• Planning Checklists
• Sample Letters
  
• Templates
• Timelines
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Putting it all together

Section 9: Getting In-Kind Donations
In-Kind Donations can keep the cost of putting on a special event down to almost nothing - which is a good thing, especially if you don't have a budget! This section includes a run down of what you need to know about getting In-Kind Donations and includes many sample letters, forms and templates that you can use.

Section 10: Everything Else
This section is everything else that we kept finding or thinking that you might want or need. It's got lots of other forms, flyers, graphics and other useful tools and resources!

Contest Information and Rules:
We're going to give away 5 Special Event Workbooks - here's how you can win!

1. Post an entry on the blog and tell us a little bit about your upcoming special event - or, if you haven't planned it yet, tell us about your organization and why you want to plan a special event.

2. Tell us why you should be chosen to win. Get creative. Go all out. Have fun with it!


That's all there is to it. The contest is officially open now, (November 14, 2007) and will run through Wednesday, November 21.

Syd and I will go through all the entries received and choose the five winners. We'll notify you after the Thanksgiving holiday.


We wish all of you good luck!

Cheryl and Syd

Should You Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth? What You Need to Know Before Setting up a Sponsorship Program

Part l.

Special events are expensive – in terms of time, resources and cost. Yet they’re also a wonderful way for your organization to get funding for a special project, increase community awareness about your issues, provide training or acknowledge supporters.

As a VISTA Volunteer or Americorps member, you should constantly be on the lookout for new resources of private and public funding – and one of the most available – and lucrative for your organization can be business or corporate sponsorships.

Which sounds great on paper, but there are always lots of questions when it comes to putting the theory into action – and this article is going to attempt to answer the most common questions.

Think in Terms of Your Mission and Strategic Plan

Before rushing out and looking for a corporate sponsor, you have to get back to the basics – take a good look at your mission and strategic plan. Ask yourself these questions:

• Does this project fall within our mission and fit within our current or emerging strategic plan?
• Is this project a priority? (For example are there unexpected circumstances or a sudden emergency that makes it vital to our community?)
• Is there another organization that is already doing similar work, or that is better suited to manage this project?
• Do we have the staff, space, expertise and additional resources necessary to carry out the work? (And will we have to drop another project in order to do this one?)

If the answers to these questions still gives you a green light for the project in question, then it’s time to think about what type of sponsorship opportunities would be fit within the goals of the project and your mission. Sponsorship comes in many different forms – and it’s entirely possible to have more than one sponsor and more than one type of sponsorship for a project. (It depends on a few different things – your organization, the project, the type of sponsorship you’re looking for, the type of businesses and corporations that would see a direct benefit in a sponsorship, what they have to offer, etc.)

Different Types of Sponsorships

Sponsorship comes in many forms and at many different levels – and you can often set the stage for the types you receive simply by doing a little planning ahead. Here are a few different types:

• Cash – this is one of the most common forms, and can run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars
• Product or Service Donations – this is also known as an In-Kind donation and could include food, prizes, supplies or specific materials needed for the project
• Labor – this is also an In-Kind donation, and is usually offered in the form of employee volunteerism, but can also be offered by a business person providing his or her usual service – such as accounting, plumbing or technical support
• Advertising – a business could provide in-house or outside advertising services, or pick up the cost of advertising your project through newspaper ads, flyers, promotional posters, etc.

First Steps

The first thing to do is to put together a broad outline of your project. (This is also known as a project scope.) Answer all the “who” “what” “when” “where” “why” and “how” questions. For example:

• What is the project? Describe it in broad terms
• When is it going to start? When will it end?
• Who will it benefit? Who will be involved? Who will be affected by it?
• Where will the project be held?
• Why is the project necessary? What will happen if the project doesn’t go through as planned?
• What do we need to make the project successful?
• How will we do what needs to be done?

Once you’ve created your project scope, it’s time to look at it in terms of who could benefit from a partnership with you on the project.

Why Businesses and Corporations Sponsors Projects

All businesses need to advertise, and are looking for new and innovative marketing ideas. Forming a partnership with nonprofit organizations who are working on issues that are important to people in the community is just good business. It enhances the business’ image in the community by showing that they are concerned about, and support the programs that are working to solve local problems.

But sponsorships often go deeper than that, if you take the time to do your homework.

Many companies have mission statements and vision statements, and these are often written around issues that are vital to the way the company is structured and run.

A company's mission statement will give you some insight into what's important to them, and the way they see the "big picture" of doing business.

For example, if you check out Microsoft, here's what their "values statement" says:

Our Values

As a company, and as individuals, we value integrity, honesty, openness, personal excellence, constructive self-criticism, continual self-improvement, and mutual respect. We are committed to our customers and partners and have a passion for technology. We take on big challenges, and pride ourselves on seeing them through. We hold ourselves accountable to our customers, shareholders, partners, and employees by honoring our commitments, providing results, and striving for the highest quality.

Or what about this from the Bank of America?

Our Philosophy

“We believe, very simply, that it is the actions of individuals working together that build strong communities ... and that business has an obligation to support those actions in the communities it serves.”

Kenneth D. Lewis, Chairman and CEO

Here's something else you might not have thought of before. It’s in a company’s best interests to be located in a healthy, thriving community in so many ways – their employees do a better job if their basic needs are taken care of, people tend to spend more money when they go shopping, and other businesses are attracted to the area, which causes more people to come – either to live or to shop.

So think about how that ties into your project - for example, if you're creating an after school literacy childcare project, then link it to the way that employees won't need to take as much time off work, because they are secure in the knowledge that their children are safe and being well-taken care of.

Or if you're working on a health-related project, talk about how much money companies lose when employees or their children are sick. And if the project doesn't affect the company directly, talk about how important the project is for everyone in the community. And how people in the community are going to feel about the company for helping to make it happen.

The reality of it is, you're offering the company a unique opportunity to make a difference in the community and increase their presence, standing and value in the eyes of the people who live there - and that's the kind of publicity that can't be bought at any price through an ad in a newspaper or magazine.

So now you should understand that you’re not “begging” when you approach a company with a sponsorship opportunity – in fact, if the project meets their needs, you’re actually giving them something they can't get anywhere else!

Watch for part 2 of this post coming soon - this is an excerpt from the Special Event Workbook that we'll be making available after the November 7 teleconference - and it will be for a special price only for people who have registered for the conference. (So if you want to get it, make sure you've registered - even if you can't attend, because you'll also get the powerpoint presentation and a mp3 file download, so you can listen to it at your convenience!

If you haven't already registered, sign up today here: Special Event Teleconference

You Can Plan a "Purr-fect" Special Event - it's so easy it's almost Spooky!

Just wanted to let you know that Syd and I are putting together the PowerPoint Slides and the Agenda for the Upcoming "Special Event Planning Seminars" - and you are going to be absolutely blown away by it!

Here's Just a Sample of What Kind of Information You'll Walk Away With:

• The Different Types of Events
• How to Choose the Perfect Event for Your Organization - to insure it's success
• How to Know Exactly What Resources You Need to Pull it Off
• How to Find Community Partners and Get them Excited to be On Board
• The Elements of a Successful Partnership - and What NOT to Watch Out For
• How to Create Your Own "Dream Team" of Corporate Sponsors
• How to Create Get More Done in Less Time to Make Sure No Balls Get Dropped
• How to Get Corporate Sponsorships that Can Be Worth $10,000 - $20,000 or More

And that's not all!

When you sign up for this free teleseminar, you'll get all the power point files (sent to you BEFORE the date of the teleseminar) and the agenda - which includes additional resources that you can get even more tools and information.

Plus - I'm finishing up a special report about Special Events - it's going to be able to go into so much more detail than what we'll be able to go over in the time we have for the teleseminar - and it's packed with actual templates that you can print out and use, checklists to keep you on top of every little detail - and even sample letters, press releases and sponsorship agreements.
Syd and I will be making the Special Report available at a one-time low price only for everyone signs up for the teleseminar.

If you've got any questions - just email me.

Oh, by the way - this time there will be a replay of the conference, so if you miss it, you can listen to it at a later time - but you have to be registered!

Talk to you soon!

Cheryl and Syd

Online Fundraising: Are You Connected?

Think about this question for a minute - right now you're reading the blog of someone who's writing it while sitting on her balcony in the sunshine in the French Riviera.

And you're working for cause on a project that's maybe far away from where you grew up.

You can instantly get in touch with friends and family by pushing a few buttons on a phone that isn't connected in a wall.

And you can talk to people all over the world using a computer.

So when I ask you if you're connected, the obvious answer is yes...

But are you taking advantage of being connected?

And when I say that, I don't mean in a bad way - as in trying to "get" something or "take something" from somone.

But this marvelous, magical connection that we all have - gives us the opportunity to communicate - to have conversations with- so many different, amazing people - just like this one that I'm having with you.

(By the way, just so you know - I'm very happy - and really honored - to be having this conversation with you.)

The reason I'm asking you if you're connected is that I'm working on a special report - which will go along with an upcoming teleseminar about how to raise funds using the Internet.

The figures for online fundraising are actually a bit astonishing - there are a huge number of people who make donations online - after seeing an organization's Website, or reading about them in an article or on a blog. And if you're not taking advantage of this - if nothing else, using the Internet as one of your advertising and marketing sites (after all, you can do a lot absolutely free), then you're not only leaving money on the table, but you're missing a wonderful opportunity for reaching your donors and supporters and building a stronger relationship with them.

In the report I'm putting together actual case studies, giving you screen shots and step-by-step instructions for how to do it to get the biggest bang for your buck.

Oh, which reminds me - if you've got any questions about online fundraising, make a post to the blog and I'll make sure to find answers before the teleseminar. Oh, and don't forget about next month's teleseminar - it's going to be fantastic - with radio talk show host Wayne Kelly! As soon as I can get Wayne pinned down on a date and time, I'll give you more info! (But if you've ever wanted to learn how to guarantee that your press releases will get noticed, if you've wondered about how to get free publicity or what to do to get interviews with the media - Wayne's the guy that can show you!) Plus, even though he's famous (and about to get a lot more so), he's one of the nicest, most down-to-earth guys I know, and I'm honored that he's also a friend.

Save the Date for the November Teleseminar

Hey Everyone,

It's been a busy weekend - Syd and I worked rather than taking the weekend off, so that we could get everything ready for November's Teleseminar - and you can register now!

By the way - even if you registered for the first one, you'll still need to register for this one!

The date is: Wednesday, November 7th

The time is: 10:00 a.m. EDT

The Subject: "How to Organize the Perfect Special Event in Less Time, With Fewer Hassles and without Losing Your Sanity or Your Volunteers!"

To register, just click the link above.

We made a few changes - for example, we are trying out a new company this time.
And you can choose whether to participate on the phone (and your regular long-distance charges will still apply) or on the Web - with no long-distance charges.

Also, we will be doing a question and answer period this time (if you choose the Webinar version, you will be able to type your questions in) and for the case studies this time - we're going to hold a smaller training next week - we'll answer your questions and help you with the planning of your next special event - and this time you'll be able to talk about what worked and what didn't during this training. However, the special training is limited to 25 people, so if you want to be one of the participants, you need to register right away!

As always, if you've got questions, just email us!

Talk to you soon,

Cheryl and Syd

Resources

Hi everyone,

I'm working on creating a special workbook for you, and while I was doing it, I came across a some resources that I thought you would find very useful - and so I decided to post them here on the blog - but I'll also be putting them on the Activist Guide Website, so as time goes on, they'll always be available to you.

Here's my thought though...you might have some great resources too - that you've found, created or have been given. If you'd like to share them, here's a great place to post them!

You can also email me and if it's something that I can put up on the Website - with appropriate credit - I will!

Okay, here's the first one: It's a kind of Resource book for you to create for the next VISTA who serves at your project site - but it's also a great way for you to get organized and keep all the information you're gathering about your project and your community in one place!

Here's the Link:
Stone Soup Workbook

Let me know if you have any problems downloading it - and also, I'd love to hear what you think of it!

Check out the New Activist Guide Squidoo Lens - and give it some Social Loving!

Hey Everyone,

I just put together a "Squidoo" lens for the Activist Guide - and all of you. If you're not familiar with Squidoo it's part of the new "Web 2.0" - the social part of the Web - and it's a way that, if you use it right - you can get more volunteers, In-Kind donations, sponsors, even individual donors for your project.

In fact, we're going to be doing a teleseminar/webinar on that very topic in the next few months.

In the meantime, do me a favor and go check it out. You can find it here:
Activistguide Squidoo Lens

And if you already understand how to use delicious, digg and stumble upon, please click the little icons and give our new squidoo lens some "social lovin'!" If you don't know what I'm talking about, the short version is, by clicking the icons found on the squidoo lens page, you're helping to "bookmark" the site, and letting other people know that you like it. The more bookmarks a site gets, the more "popular" it becomes and the more traffic it gets...

Which is why I created the lens in the first place. I'm going to use it as a "case study" to show you what's possible for your own site, and how you can use it to get the word out about your project, and even get additional volunteers, raise more money and build a stronger, more sustainable project.

So something else you could do is to pass the word around - let your friends and family know about the squidoo lens, and give them a link to it and ask them to visit it and bookmark it using digg, stumbleupon and delicious. (If you are a "twitter" fan, you can even twitter about it.)

Okay guys, I'll be back in touch shortly...don't forget to go and check out the squidoo lens though! Activist Guide Squidoo Lens

October Issue of "Spotlight Magazine" in the Works

If you've signed up for the teleseminar series, you can also receive "Spotlight Magazine" - the monthly magazine for VISTA Volunteers - where the spotlight is on you!

The magazine offers the latest product reviews, cutting-edge articles and each month puts the spotlight on a VISTA Volunteer and their project. We also accept submissions - so if you've got an event coming up, want to acknowledge your volunteers or just have something you want to get off your chest - then you can submit it to me and I'll add it to the magazine. Articles should be between 500 and 1,000 words long and must be your own original work. You'll get a byline, your article will be published in the magazine along with your photo and writer biography.

Also, if you've ever had a yen to work on a magazine - and are looking for some "behind the scenes" experience - especially if your VISTA term is about to end - let me know, because I'm looking for an intern. Although the position isn't a paid one at this moment - it does include the opportunity to apply for a sponsored trip to France, and work with me here for up to a month in the spring or summer next year.

If you haven't signed up to get a free subscription to the Spotlight Magazine, just click the link below and get on the mailing list!
Activist Guide Spotlight Magazine

Did You Catch the Teleseminar?

Man oh man! One of the things I learned when I was a VISTA is the importance of knowing and understanding that when you're trying to learn something new, things are going to go wrong - so plan for it, have a backup plan when possible, but be prepared to just deal with the problem and go on...

And that's exactly what happened! There was a glitch with the technology that we were using - and while you could hear us (Thank Goodness!) We couldn't hear you! (Which meant that we couldn't share the case studies with you - the people we'd been able to work with and do one-on-one In-Kind donation training...and we didn't get to open it up for your questions and answers.

So, okay - I'm still technologically challenged.

But - we had a great time, your feedback comments and suggestions have been terrific - keep them coming please! And most of all, you told us you liked the training and want more!

So we're putting together a complete plan - and we'll keep you updated on what's happening.

However - SAVE THE DATE:
November 7, 2007 - at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

November's teleseminar/Webinar is titled: "How to Organize the Perfect Event in Less Time, With Fewer Hassles and Without Losing Your Sanity or Your Volunteers"

So stay tuned because more details will be coming!

Thought for the Day

A girlfriend of mine sent this to me, and I thought it was good enough I wanted to share! (Thanks Deb!)

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old.)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."



Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Wow - You Guys Really Rock! VISTAs RULE!

I'm so impressed by the work you guys are doing - and I'm having a blast getting to talk to some of you and working with you to find the In-Kind donations you need!

If I haven't been able to connect with you yet, be patient, because I'm working on it...the time difference thing is part of it and part of it has just been my crazy work schedule the last couple of weeks. I've had two different clients who are launching new projects and so things have been a little hectic to say the least.

In the meantime, I wanted to let you know that we've got close to 200 people signed up for the first teleseminar - "Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Getting In-Kind Donations But Didn't Know Who to Ask" - and that is just incredible! I love it!

In fact, I've decided to leave the reservations open right up until Monday, October 1st - and if you know of anyone who might want to participate in the seminar, give them the link and tell them to hurry up and get signed in.

Because there are more than double the number of people who want to attend than I had telephone lines for, I've made a decision to use a different provider - and the cool thing is, this
will now make the entire teleseminar interactive - and even better. It's NOT just a teleseminar any more - now I'm going to give you a Webinar!

And in case you're not familiar with that term, basically what it means is that you can "watch" the event from your computer (this works best if you have dsl rather than dialup by the way, guys.) Or you can call the phone number that you'll be getting next week (with your secret PIN#) and just listen in.

If you decide to watch it, you'll be able to ask questions, answer a couple of polls and even give us your evaluation - all from the comfort of your computer.

I'm using a company called "Go to Webinar" and they've got the capacity to handle everyone who has signed up so far - which means nobody will get locked out! This is very cool technology and Syd (my partner in this project) and I are going to be practicing on it next week.

By the way, if you haven't submitted your "most burning question" please do so - because we're going to try to answer all of them!

And - I'm submitting your donation letters to the professional copywriters - so if you haven't gotten yours in, there's still time...just do it quickly. Not all of them will be finished by the date of our webinar, but they will be done before the second one in November.

Okay all, I'm off to Monaco and Italy for the weekend, so you guys have fun and I'll be in touch on Monday!

Make a Ripple

Quick Clarification: Please do not contact me about donating money!

Hi Everyone,

Listen things started getting TOO complicated - and the "Ripple Experiment" is designed to be simple!

So, I'm setting down some ground rules:

1. If you want to donate money - find a cause that you're passionate about - and contact the appropriate agency and just do it! (Don't forget to ask for a tax-deductible donation receipt.)

2. Please post something on this blog - even just to say Hi and say a word of encouragement for all these people who are spending a year of their lives working on poverty, social justice and environmental issues - they're making tangible ripples that are going to have an effect on our world.

3. If there is a project going on in your city, state or neighborhood and they need something that you have and are willing to give - please contact them and give it - make your own ripple.

Thank you!

The Activist's Guide Experiment - Do You Believe One Person Can Make A Difference?

If you do, then will you help with an experiment?

Here it is in a nutshell: On Tuesday, October 2nd, I'm teaching a free teleclass to 150 or so VISTA Volunteers and others who are working for nonprofit organizations. In case you don't know, VISTA is like the domestic branch of the Peace Corps. You can find out all about the Corporation for Community and National Service and what VISTA Volunteers and Americorps Members do, by clicking the link above.

What I can tell you is that these are very dedicated, hardworking people who believe that one person can make a difference - and they're willing to spend up to a year of their lives proving it.
VISTAs have been providing a tremendous amount of help to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. They work with Habitat for Humanity building houses. They feed the poor, help the homeless and work with latch-key kids in after-school programs. They also work on environmental issues - in short, they're taking action to make our neighborhoods a better place to live.

So while I was going through their answers to the questions I asked them in preparation for this first free teleseminar, I suddenly had an idea for a great experiment. And that's why you're here.

I also believe that one person can make a difference - and I'd be grateful if you could help me prove it. Whatever cause you're the most passionate about, I'm inviting you to check the posts on this blog from now until October 1. I've asked the participants of the seminar to write a little bit about their projects and three things they need to help them make those projects successful.
Read through the things they need - and if there's something there that you can provide - please either get in touch with the VISTA Volunteer or me, to say what you can do. Donations of cash and checks are always appreciated - and you can either designate that it goes into a pool which I'll make sure is distributed equally among all the organizations (I'm working on finding a fiscal agent with a 501(c)(3) - so that your donation is tax deductible), or send the check to a specific organization.

And if you don't find something that you're passionate about on this list - look around - give something in your own neighborhood, hometown or to your favorite cause. Just please leave a post on the blog about what you've done to contribute to the "Activist Guide Experiment."

And if the only thing you want to do is pass the word to someone else that's great too! Just leave a note that you've done that - who knows what results your action will have? Whatever it is, you're making a difference just by reading about this and participating.

And, okay, my VISTAs - my secret is out - this is why I've asked you to post your comments about your projects and what you need, and this is the big "experiment"! Lets see what happens, shall we?

Calling All In-Kind Donation Teleseminar Attendees - Yes, You're At the Right Place!

Okay guys - make your posts right here - put your name, your project and a little about it - what you're trying to do, who you're helping, where you're located at - and what 3 things you need to help you accomplish your goals! Come on, don't be shy! Let the Great Experiment Begin!

Volunteers to help area seniors with yard work

By: Jodi Sheridan - Texarkana Gazette -

Published: 06/14/2007

Senior citizens who are unable to keep their yards clean will soon have some relief from volunteers happy to push a lawn mower. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is beginning its third year of cleaning and mowing yards for disabled and low-income senior citizens in Bowie, Miller and Little River counties. Cecelia Cole, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, said a number of seniors cannot withstand the hot summer weather to maintain their yards. And there are many who can’t afford to hire someone. “We want to make sure their lawns are cleaned,” said Cole.

RSVP is recruiting volunteers from agencies, churches and individuals to adopt a yard or two for the summer and maintain it by doing regular yard work, like mowing, raking and weed trimming. Cole said each volunteer could adopt up to two yards, and would be required to work on them at least every other Saturday. They will not be required to spend more than two hours per week on any project. But she said they can work on the yards anytime they like.

“We want it flexible for them,” said Cole. RSVP also has several lawn mowers available as well as rakes. Cole said many volunteers provide their own equipment. “We’re just glad if anybody can help ... we’d be so grateful,” she said.

The program begins Saturday and goes through Sept. 1. In determining who is eligible, Cole said she conducts interviews over the phone with seniors interested. She said most who call qualify. “I really don’t turn down people too often,” she said.

Cole said there is a waiting list. There are liability forms to fill out, for both the seniors and volunteers. The service is free, but RSVP will take donations. For more information on the service or to become a volunteer, call the RSVP office at 870-779-4983.

If You're Blogging, Are You Using the Power of Trackbacks?

As you know, I've been blogging for a while now - sometimes not as often as I'd like to, especially for this blog, as it's strictly a labor of love.

If you're not blogging for your program, you should be. And if you are, I want to make sure that you're using the power of trackbacks.

If you don't know what a trackback is, it's kind of like the game "telephone" or "gossip" that you might have played as a kid...somebody gives you a message, and you deliver it to someone else, who delivers it to someone else, and so on and so forth.

The cool thing about trackbacks is that, unlike the game where the messsage sometimes gets garbled up, or doesn't get delivered at all, a trackback is a way for someone to talk about a post you made on your blog with the people they know...and if it's relevant, those people can talk about it to other people, and it goes on and on!

That's the beauty about social networking. The other reason that using trackbacks is so important is that they are a way to get your blog - and your Website listed in the search engines. The higher you're listed in the search engines, the easier people will be able to find your blog or your Website, and that will get you one step closer to achieving your goals and continuing with your mission.

So, how do you trackback? Click that link (with the word trackback) and be sure to read both posts. The guy who wrote it explains it a lot better than I can - in fact, he's the one who (finally) was able to make me understand what trackbacks are and how they work.

And then after you've read it, get busy and start doing it!

VISTA Program Reaches 500,000 Members - President Bush Personally Welcomes Alivia Sturgill to White House

White House Meeting with West Virginia AmeriCorps Member Part of AmeriCorps
Week

WASHINGTON, May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Bush welcomed
West Virginia AmeriCorps member Alivia Sturgill to the Oval Office this
morning as part of a nationwide recognition week for the AmeriCorps
national service program as it reaches a historic milestone of 500,000
members.
"AmeriCorps was founded to encourage citizens to strengthen their
communities through acts of service. Today, thousands of AmeriCorps
volunteers contribute to a culture of compassion by mentoring children,
providing shelter for the homeless and performing countless other acts of
kindness. This week is an opportunity to raise awareness about volunteerism
and honor those who are making a difference in the lives of others," the
President said in greetings to those observing the first-ever AmeriCorps
Week.
"I am grateful for all those involved with AmeriCorps for your
dedication to a cause greater than self. Your compassionate efforts
demonstrate the great character of our country and inspire others to build
a more hopeful society," the President said.
To read the full text of the President's message:
http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/statements_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=698.
To view a photo of the President and AmeriCorps member Alivia Sturgill:
http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/photos_press_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=69
9
Sturgill, 24, will mentor low-income elementary students in rural Mingo
County this summer as part of the Energy Express AmeriCorps program run by
West Virginia University. Sturgill graduated last week from Midway College
in Kentucky with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and will
immediately put her training to work providing summer reading instruction
to students. AmeriCorps members in Energy Express have served more than
34,000 low-income and rural children across the state since 1996.
After meeting with the President, Sturgill joined 100 of her fellow
members from Washington, D.C. area AmeriCorps programs for a reception at
the Indian Treaty Room at the White House. They heard words of
congratulations from USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree Sayle and
Corporation for National and Community Service CEO David Eisner. AmeriCorps
Director Kristin McSwain led the members in taking the AmeriCorps pledge to
"get things done for America."
The President's recognition highlighted a series of more than 200
events for the first-ever AmeriCorps Week including service projects,
recruitment fairs, and recognition ceremonies. The U.S. House of
Representatives passed a resolution recognizing AmeriCorps for its
important contribution to our nation on Monday; and 19 Governors have
issued AmeriCorps Week proclamations.
"One of the President's major goals is building a national culture of
service and responsibility, and AmeriCorps is doing that every day in
profound and powerful ways in small towns and big cities all across
America," said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and
Community Service. "AmeriCorps members tackle our toughest problems; make
our communities safer and healthier; and improve the lives of tens of
millions of our most vulnerable citizens. AmeriCorps Week is a time to
thank these local heroes and ask more Americans to answer the call."
AmeriCorps was created by President Clinton and Congress in 1993 as a
way for Americans to give back to their communities and country and earn
money for college in return. President Bush first championed AmeriCorps as
Governor of Texas, where AmeriCorps members were a key part of his
statewide literacy initiative to get more third-graders up to basic reading
levels. As President, he successfully pushed for a 50 percent expansion of
AmeriCorps to 75,000 members each year. His Administration has also enacted
reforms to reduce costs, increase efficiency, devolve more authority to the
state and local level, and strengthen AmeriCorps focus on recruiting and
managing community volunteers.
AmeriCorps members have provided more than 637 million hours of service
since the first members began serving in 1994. Using Independent Sector's
estimate of the dollar value of a volunteer's time, those hours equate to
more than $11.9 billion in value. In addition to their direct service,
AmeriCorps members have proved to be a powerful force multiplier for
volunteer efforts. In 2006 alone, members recruited and managed 1.4 million
community volunteers. Once they complete their service, AmeriCorps alums
remain highly engaged and active in their communities, volunteering and
entering public service careers at disproportionately high levels.
AmeriCorps Week kicked off on Monday, when the Corporation for National
and Community Service announced AmeriCorps grants and education awards
totaling $172 million for 167 organizations across the United States. On
Wednesday, the agency released a new study showing that serving in
AmeriCorps is a way for individuals to gain valuable career skills,
leadership abilities, civic connections and a lasting ethic of volunteering
and civic engagement. Yesterday, agency leaders were in New Orleans to
launch an initiative to engage 200 AmeriCorps VISTA members in helping city
children and youth have safe and productive summers. This initiative
complements the NCCC Summer of Service, which will engage 300 14-17
year-old youth in a three-week residential program to carry out community
service projects in New Orleans, Charleston and Denver.
AmeriCorps Week ends this Sunday in Biloxi, Miss. with a closing
ceremony that also serves as the kickoff of Habitat for Humanity's annual
AmeriCorps Build-A-Thon. During the following five days of the
Build-A-Thon, hosted by Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast,
more than 500 AmeriCorps members and alumni from across the country will
blitz build 20 Habitat homes in Gulfport, Miss.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and
Community Service, which also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve
America. Together with the USA Freedom Corps, the Corporation is working to
build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility in America. For
more information, visit http://www.nationalservice.gov.


SOURCE Corporation for National and Community Service

Community Organizing 101 - How to Create an Effective Grassroots Campaign

Start with the general problem you're working on - A PROBLEM is a negative condition that people in your community are experiencing. A problem is always very general, affects several people or groups of people and if asked, most people will agree that it is a problem.

Examples of problems include: Crime on the streets,unemployment, substandard housing conditions.

Next, choose an issue that you're going to work on. An ISSUE is winnable or loseable. It is specific, relates to the problem, but not everyone is going to agree on it.

Examples of issues include: For the police and city to provide afternoon and evening youth programs and specialized activities for kids who are either gang members or are vulnerable to joining a gang.

The next step is to conduct research about the problem that is going to strengthen your case, and help you figure out who your adversaries are, and develop your tactics. (For example, what time do most crimes occur that involve gangs or the youth of the ages you're targeting. Who is being arrested? How many youth are at-risk in your community?)

Now decide what your Recomendations/Requests (demands) are. RECOMMENDATIONS/DEMANDS are the specific requests you're going to make that will address or solve the problem. Demands mist be specific and measurable so that everyone will know when you've achieved your goal or won your issue.

Examples of demands or recommendations could be: Demand that the city and police budgets include specific activities for gang members as well as non-gang members. Demand that the city include youth representatives from the community to participate in planning and organizing activities.

Next determine who your Advesaries/Enemies/Targets are. ADVERSARIES are the people who have the power to make changes on your issues or the problem, but are probably going to have objections. (You'll need to make a plan to overcome those objections in order to win - so the more information and research you can gather in the beginning, the better your chances are.)

The next step is to determine who your Friends and supporters are. FRIENDS are the people, groups, organizations and businesses you can count on to be on your side and supportive of your issues or who are working on the problem also. Figure out how closely they need to be involved (or will want to be involved) in working on this issue. Put together several different action plans requiring different levels of commitment and involvement. For example, a simple action could be to start a letter writing or petition campaign. People only have to write a letter (or sign onto one that's already been drafted), or sign their name onto a petition to show support. Create other actions with increasingly more involved levels of support, and put together all of the necessary materials, background information and resources that will be needed. To be effective you need to make it as simple to get involved as possible, and have something to do for each level of action you choose to have available.

Note: Whatever action you choose to take, make sure that it's within the experience of the people who are working on the issue. That's not to say that it has to be inside their comfort zone - it doesn't. But whatever action you take needs to be at their level of ability and capability, and they need to be invested in the success of the issue and of the problem.

Once you understand the problem, have your issue and your volunteers have decided on a course of action and developed a project (grassroots campaign), it's the VISTA Volunteer or Project Manager's responsibility to see that it's carried out. Not to do all the work yourself - but oversee the details and make sure that everything is staying on track.

Plan Your Service Project For National & Global Youth Service Day 2007

National & Global Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world, is April 20-22, 2007. Resources are available to help you plan your service project:



*Order or download free planning resources: Planning Tool Kits, Service-Learning Curriculum Guides, posters are available at www.ysa.org/nysd/resource/planning.cfm.



The Planning Tool Kit is a comprehensive guide to help project planners identify their projects, recruit volunteers, generate media attention, raise funds, and more. The Service-Learning Curriculum Guide contains eight lessons to develop students' project management skills while planning projects for National & Global Youth Service Day. Classroom Posters are colorful tools to recruit volunteers and decorate project sites. The back of the poster contains a guide for teachers and activity sheets for students.

*Apply for a grant to support your project: Youth Service America is pleased to offer grants to help young people and organizations plan and implement service projects for National & Global Youth Service Day and beyond. Current grant opportunities include National Crime Prevention Council Grants; Red, White, and Green Climate Change Grants; and YSA Youth Venture Program Grants (to support sustainable social ventures). Visit www.YSA.org/awards for more information.