Fundraising and Idea 1.

"Fundraising?" You ask. Yep. Fundraising. It's a real thing, not just for the political TV adds and telemarketing. It's also surprisingly easy. Honestly, the thought of fundraising always makes me nervous. (I hate asking people for money. I'm fine mooching food and books but, money? Nope.) Buuut I'm always amazed, and I'm sure you would be too at how many people want to give it. This isn't "Conning Your Next-door Neighbor 101," by the way. It is one way to get yourself to the convention. The other way is being independently wealthy. (If that's the case for you, yea! Then you have no excuse not to come ; )

Fundraising is simply drawing on the love. Friends at church, work and school love you. I'm sure even your family likes you at times.

Idea 1.

Sooo...what you do is throw them a party. Make some food, have a pool, a movie, door prizes, games, music, laughter, etc. You know, all the good party stuff. And while you're at it call Luis or Jonathan in the State OD (organization and development) department and ask them to send you pamphlets, *petitions, bumper stickers, and anything else they can think of, for free. Set up a table in your living room to spread them out on for your guests to peruse at their leisure. Odds are, they'll be very interested; and, if they don't know anything about it...well, you've just opened up an educational conversation : )

You should probably let them know that it is a fundraising party before they get there so they won't be thrown off by the Big Cash Jar next to the food asking for a donation.

Be gracious, hospitable, open to discussion (arguments dampen the party mood), and have fun!

Party Checklist:

Food (make sure you have a decent guesstimate of how many friends will be attending so you'll have enough. Maybe even make it a potluck? Keep in mind that some businesses are willing to give discounts for the sake of a good cause.)

Games (board, card, video, etc. Just what you think your friends would enjoy.)

A Pool (not necessary but, having one to center the party around can be helpful. If you don't have one maybe one of your friends would be willing to lend you theirs?)

Thank You Notes (highly necessary. Be prepared with them before the party so you won't forget. Always send thank you notes after a fundraiser. I'll be writing a separate post on this so stay tuned.)

Music (make up a playlist on your computer or have a stack of CDs ready so you're not caught off guard by a silent non-party-like room. Music makes people happy. Happy people are more likely to give you money.)

Door Prizes/Raffle (these were a big hit at the last fundraiser my friends and I threw mainly because my grandmother is amazing and donated a hand made quilt. Do you have an amazing grandmother? Maybe you make something your friends wish they had. A special dessert? A scarf? A freshly cut lawn? Sell the tickets at a low price and even people who can't make it to the party may want a chance at winning.)

A Movie (something family friendly, something you enjoy. There are some good ones out there with a pro-life message if you'd like to keep within the theme.)

Decorations (not necessary but, can't hurt. You could make streamers and blow up balloons. Lively colours would help set a good mood.)

Advertising (advertise advertise advertise. If you want a big turnout don't stop with the invitation. Follow up with phone calls, texts, facebook messages. Not being obnoxious but, enthusiastic at the thought of their company. I'll be writing more specifically on this topic as well.)

This should give you a good idea of what you'll need for a fun (and lucrative) pro-life party.



*Petitions are pieces of paper with spaces to sign your name, fill in your mailing address and email if you agree with what it says. Petitions are how non-profit groups build their base of friends and possible donors. You can find an example of an NRLC petition here.