Lesson 7
EVALUATE: Fundraising
About this Lesson:
This lesson explores various aspects of fundraising, including
identification and acquisition of necessary resources to meet
your goals. For more information about the topics addressed in
this lesson, please refer to Chapter 6 of the RYP/National Youth
Service Day Tool Kit. The Appendix also provides Curriculum Connections
for this lesson.
Learning Objective:
Students will identify the materials and resources necessary
to carry out their NYSD project. Students will determine the best
possible sources for obtaining needed resources. If necessary,
students will identify ways to generate funds for the project.
In addition, students will finalize their project plan.
Related Books - A Kids guide to Social Action by Barbara
Lewis
Curricular Connection:
- English/Language Arts: reading, writing, communication,
critical thinking skills
- Social Studies: understanding of culture, analyze
conditions to develop understanding, understand mechanisms to
meet needs of citizens; manage conflict
- Visual Arts: understand and apply art media
- Health: Supporting those and reassuring them of a safe
environment.
"If you have built castles
in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should
be. Now put the foundation under them."
-Henry David Thoreau, Author/Philosopher
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In Bethesda, Maryland, Hillary Critchley-Plioplys and Elizabeth
Schroth, both 18 years old, founded People for Peace. This
organization mobilizes volunteers to participate in service
and raise funds for local and global issues. Last year,
People for Peace raised over $15,000 for children in Kosovo.
The girls explain, "We raised money by having awareness
raising announcements at our school and other local schools
and by holding a benefit concert. We also had posters around
many schools and sent letters to family members. School
announcements were the most successful fundraising techniques
plus we were able to have guest speakers talk about service
opportunities to help Kosovo."
Other People for Peace efforts included raising money for
local and international youth programs, hosting a community
volunteer fair and holding a city-wide recognition ceremony
for young volunteers. "A fund drive with a free dress-down
day at school was a great success because we go to a private
school with a dress code," they added.
Hillary and Elizabeth agree that fundraising can be challenging.
"It was difficult at first going through our school administration
and faculty, but it became much easier as time went on."
They offer this advice to other youth: "Make sure if you
are interested in fundraising that you find a cause that
you believe in and are willing to dedicate your time toward
developing. Also, invite local speakers that can teach you,
your friends and family more about the cause you plan to
help. The most important thing is not to be afraid to ask
others for help!"
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"RESOURCE/SOURCE"
Materials Needed:
- The "Path to Change" poster (s) with the "Resource/Source"
table drawn on the back (see the example from Lesson 3)
- Large sheets of poster board or construction paper
- Markers, pens, or crayons
Facilitating the Lesson:
Today’s lesson focuses on understanding
the importance of finding resources and thinking about and practicing
fund raising skills. The recap sections are ideal for youth-facilitation.
Directions:
- Look at the Path to Change planning poster and finalize any
part of the project plan that is necessary which will include
publicizing the event, project preparation (having students
learn necessary skills, etc.), timeline for implementation,
and identifying adult helpers.
- Looking at the project plan on the poster, have students answer
the following questions:
- What things, materials, and resources do we need?
- Where will we get the things we need?
- Who might give us these resources, and why?
(Older students should complete the Resource Table by themselves
in their original small groups.)
- In student groups, starting with the left column (What Do
We Need?), have the group(s) brainstorm things they will need
to complete each step of the project(s). Some of their ideas
may come directly from the "Task" section of the "Path to Change."
- Now, have each group complete the next column, "Who can we
ask" for their part of the project. (for example, if you need
art supplies, perhaps a local business will donate it.) Use
list from Lesson 4.
- Finally, have the groups complete the final column, "How will
we get it" - remembering that there will be a need for transportation
and possibly storing the materials.
- Bring the class back together and ask each group to report
out on their needs. Record their responses on the poster board.
Reflection
To accommodate multiple learning styles, select several of the
following suggested reflection activities.
WRITING
- Go to www.ReachYourPeak.org
and fill out your fundraising plan on for your project with
Project Plan-It! Print out the fundraising letter or proposal
the the tool helps you create.
- Respond to some of the following questions in a journal:
- How might we approach community members to ask for the
resources we need?
- Other than money, what resources might help our project?
- How important is fundraising for service-learning projects?
- Write a project wish-list.
- Write a business letter requesting a product donation for
your project.
READING
- Read announcements for local fundraising events.
- Read the local newspaper to identify businesses who might
be bale to help with your project.
TELLING
- Turn to a partner and practice pitching your plea for resources.
- Talk to a local business owner about your fundraising efforts.
DOING
- Role-play parts in a telethon to raise funds for your project.
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