Vanessa L.
Marketing Consultant, Graphic Designer, Speaker, Author and Radio Host
“A small group of committed people can change the world”… do you believe that?
If a non-profit that you already support asked for your help, would you:
1. Ask someone to make a purchase where proceeds benefit your non-profit (for example, buy girl scout cookies or buy through an on-line portal to a company like Amazon or Target where a referral fee goes to your non-profit)
2. Ask someone for a donation (for example, sponsor you in a race or help reach a monetary goal for a specific promotion)
3. Ask someone to take a specific action (for example, volunteer with you on a particular day, join a cause page or visit a website and add their name to a petition)
FYI, the full quote by Margaret Mead is “ Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. It is the only thing that ever has.”
Answers (12)
I believe it only takes one person to change the world weather it’s “your world” or reality. Some people might not think they can change anything but in fact everyone has the ability change someone’s life.
NUMBER INCREASES DIVERSION AND INHERENT LACK OF UNITY OF PURPOSE.LACK OF COMMITMENT INDICATES UNSURE LOYALTY TO PURPOSE.HENCE IT IS BUT TRUE THAT A SMALL GROUP OF COMMITTED PEOPLE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
The nonprofit I spoke about in your last question, KIVA, is mainly online based, and they ask after ever loan if you would like to invite friends. I do that, and so far have gotten two referrals and they have each made one loan. (The site is very good about letting you see your referrals, loans made, and other statistics.)
I've done all three of the things you are asking about, but lately, as I try to focus on just one nonprofit, I've simply been trying to drive traffic to them in anyway I know how. (Email invitations, Facebook Cause Page, and joining the KIVA group right here on LinkedIn!)
Links:
Rosemary B.
Chief Inspiration Officer at Ardent Cause
Best Answers in: Nonprofit Management (2), Nonprofit Fundraising (1), Starting Up (1)
Yes, I do! I also think technology is enabling this kind of impact, allowing us to take an idea and propagate it quickly using technology. Look at twitter storms - a few people start an electronic conversation, it spreads rapidly and, in one circumstance, a global company was forced to change their workers' conditions, and in another, a dictator was actually toppled in days - all through online collaborating and organizing, and spurring physical action.
If your goal is to grow the base ...
4) If I had a group who really supported the NP, I'd ask each of them to introduce the NP to two other people they know who are likely to support the NP.
If your goal is to increase funding- 1 or 2 will do fine.
Sheronde G.
Strategic Planning and Marketing Consultant/Trainer; Author, Writer & Communications Professional
I would probably try to spread the word of what they were doing via my database to see if the cause resonated with anyone. I've found when it comes to charitable giving, most people give based on something they're passionate about.
Deborah H.
Intuitive Coach, Counselor, Trainer and Author/The Awareness Initiative
Best Answers in: Mentoring (1), Using LinkedIn (1)
I would do all of the above. I do qualify #3 and ask only those who are sympathetic to the charity's cause.
It's rewarding to be a part of an organization and see the changes made. For example, I'm on the Board of the Chastain Park Conservancy and love walking/running around the path and seeing the improvements we've made and how much others are enjoying them.
I also believe that each one of us changes the world with every thought and deed.
Links:
Absolutely, I believe that a small group of committed people can change the world. Margaret Mead's quote is one of my favorites.
Every historic shift of conscience that I can recall began as one person taking a stand-- think Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Nancy Goodman Brinker (Susan G. Komen Foundation)-- and then taking that message out to the world. Now, by embracing the power of social media technology, we can reach out faster and more efficiently than ever.
As a non-profit board member, and the daughter of what I describe as a "professional volunteer" of the 60's-70's-80's, I can't imagine doing anything other than reaching out to support my non-profits of choice in all of the ways you mention, and more.
I am proud to consider myself a social entrepreneur and I am believe that I will see significant social change in my lifetime because of the power of this blossoming consciousness shift and our increasing ability to leverage connections with like-minded individuals and groups.
For more on my thoughts, please visit
http://wisewellwomen.com/blog/2008/11/05/yes-we-can/
In the spirit of wisdom, wellness and prosperity-
Nanette
I believe I'd be willing to do either or all of the three listed. If you are truly committed to a cause or organization, that level of "giving" seems fairly common, or so I think!
Recent financial history has shown that a small group of committed people can change the world, too bad they weren't committed to improving it! Thank goodness there are other folks who are intersted in changing the world for the better but no good deed goes unpunished. While Mead's words inspire positivity, the truth of her words include the yin to this yang.
PS the quote is "...change the world, INDEED it is the only thing..."
Yes to all.
I think there's a disconnect between the Mead quote and your choices. If a non-profit I support asked for my help, I would hope that they were asking for more than (1) more money, (2) more money, (3) essentially meaningless actions (join a cause page? visit a website? sign a petition? Really?)
If we want to see real change in the world, and want our supporters to help make that change happen, we need to think of them as something more than wallets we can tap into. We need their energy, wisdom, actions. We need to allow our supporters opportunities to make a meaningful difference in furthering the cause -- doing things, not just funding things or signing their names that they agree with our mission.
If it's for a child-serving cause, allow me to serve children. Or let me serve those who serve children -- front-line worker burnout is high, and our volunteers can do a great deal to show appreciation and support. If it's for an environmental cause, get me out there removing trash from the river. Engage me actively in making something real and tangible happen. Make my experience meaningful and I will naturally invite others along.
Everyone asks me for money. Very few organizations know how to value how much more their supporters are willing to give.
