Only 2 members showed up for the 1st conference call. One person didn’t know anything about Skype and wasn’t prepared to participate. Two of us were caught in traffic and didn’t have access to a computer. It was a disaster!

We eventually recovered, but it didn’t have to be that difficult. All of us could have participated if we chose to use the lower-tech telephone conference capability.

A charity walk I am involved in started using an online scheduling service to support planning activities. It was my idea. Many of the members have said it is a tremendous help. However, yesterday I talked with a member of the team and discovered she has not been seeing any of the meeting reminders being sent out via email from this service. I don’t know yet if they were ignored because the sender of the email is a service or if the emails are being trapped by a spam filter. Regardless, it was another reminder that careful consideration needs to be used when selecting and implementing technology in support of charity walks.

Technology can be extremely useful in support of things like charity walk planning, walker registration, and fundraising. However, before implementing a new technology solution consider the following:

• Assess the user friendliness
  of the technology. This includes not just how easy it is to use, but also how accessible it is to your team.
• Is adequate training & support available? If not, guess who will be providing it?
• Provide a low-tech/no-tech option in addition to the more tech savy one. This can help prevent alienating some members of your team (and some potential members). It will alo provide a backup when problems come up.

When you are ready to select technology solutions for volunteer management and registration/online fundraising for your charity walks, go to the charity walk resource page at http://www.CharityWalksBlog.com/walk-resource.

Thanks,

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

Charity Walk Technology: Treasure or Tragedy?

Technorati Tags: charity walk, charity walks, Conference Call, Implementing Technology, New Technology, Scheduling Service, Skype, Spam Filter, Technology Solution, Technology Support, Telephone Conference, User Friendliness

No related posts.

The article “How to give when the giving gets tough” describes 13 ways we can support charities that do not require significant amounts of money. It is an informative article and you can read the online version at http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/30/pf/charitable_giving.moneymag/.

Thank you George Mannes, Money Magazine senior writer, for recognizing the value of walkathons and including them in your article.

p.s. If you are planning to start a walkathon, be sure to get your copy of The Walkathon Guide at http://TheWalkathonGuide.com.

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

Charity Walks Blog in Money Magazine

Technorati Tags: Charities, charity walks, Cnn, George Mannes, Money Cnn, Money Magazine, Walkathons

Related posts:

1. Stress Relief Through Charity

Try charity as a form of stress relief

One of the best ways to relieve yourself from the stresses in life is by giving to others. When you help others it takes the focus off of you and your problems and shifts the focus to the needs of others.

Helping others brings about change in the community and a peace to you and someone in need. Below are 10 ways to volunteer and give the gift of yourself to others:

1. Walkathons

Walkathons are charity walks. The only thing required is desire, determination and some good walking shoes. To participate contact the charity of your choice who is hosting the walk to register. Once you register you will be asked to get sponsors to donate money on behalf of you walking. Sponsors can be anyone- your family members, co-workers, church members, local businesses etc. Donations can be anywhere from $1.00 to as much as your sponsor is willing to donate.

2. Local Nursing Home

Many residents of nursing homes don’t have anyone to visit them and would love a visit from a warm and friendly person. It would only require an hour or two of your time a week and it would really make a difference to an elderly resident who does not have family or someone to look after them. Check with you local nursing home to find out how to volunteer at their center.

3. Boys and Girls Club

Many of the youth today are in need of activities to keep them out of trouble and someone to guide them so that they stay grounded and out of harms way. Your local boys and girls club does just that by providing sports and fun activities for children in the area. The club is always in need of responsible, patient adults who are willing to help. Check your local yellow pages to find the center near you and give them a call to find out how to volunteer.

4. Local Church Ministries

The church is a place where people can go to find help in a variety of areas. Put your spiritual gifts to good use at your local church by joining a church ministry. There are many areas that you can be of help in- youth ministry, usher board ministry, missions ministry, prison ministry, music ministry, just to name a few. Check with your local church to see where you can be of the most help.

5. Local Food Bank

This is a wonderful charity where you can help those in your community get the food they need. All it takes is a phone call to your local food bank to get started.

6. Homeless Shelter

Help those who need shelter to get the food and shelter they need. Think of the difference you will make to those in your community by devoting a couple of hours a week of your time to this charity.

7. Girls and Boy Scouts of America

What a fun charity. Responsible and patient volunteers are always appreciated. It requires only a few hours of your time a week meeting with the children. You would play games, participate in badge earning activities, go on local outings and more. Check with your local Boys Scouts or Girls Scouts office to find out about the volunteer opportunities in your area.

8. Domestic Violence Centers

There is a great need in our country to protect those suffering from physical abuse. Volunteer opportunities are available in the shelters and to answer domestic violence hotlines. Contact your local shelter today to find out how you can help.

9. Rape Crisis Center

Rape is a serious crime and rape victims need all the help and support that they can get to recover from this form of abuse. Volunteers are needed to work in local crisis centers and on crisis hotlines. There may be special training that is needed for this type of charity due to the circumstances of the service. Check with your local rape crisis center to find out how you can help.

10. Pet Shelters

Pets need love too! There are many pet shelters that are in need of volunteers to care for sick and homeless pets and to help them to find good homes. If you love pets and enjoy working with them this is a great charity for you.

The opportunities to volunteer in your community are endless. Still not sure where you can volunteer? Visit www.volunteermatch.org to match your skills with one of the many charities in your area. Giving of yourself to others in such a positive way is one of the bests gifts you can give to yourself and others.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/stress-management-articles/stress-relief-through-charity-270806.html

About the Author:

Erica Brooks operates http://www.richlyscentedsoycandles.com and http://www.gourmetsoycandlefundraiser.com which helps groups and organizations to raise money for special causes.

Photo by Alex Bramwell

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

Stress Relief Through Charity

Technorati Tags: Boys And Girls Club, Charity, charity walks, Fundraiser, Fundraising, Helping Others, Stress Management, Stress Relief, Stresses, Volunteer, Walkathons

No related posts.

Maps are important to most charity walks. Unless the route is on something like a race track, maps will be required. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an online tool that could help map out your charity walks?

The benefits would include:

• Automatically calculation of  the distance of the charity walk
• Printed map with an accurate route description would be available for route approvals
• Committee knows the route in advance for planning (signs, water stations, etc.)
• Safety crews know the route in advance for planning (radios, etc.)
• Walkers know the route in advance
• The map could be used to help promote the charity walk

Online mapping programs have been primarily developed and used for street maps. But there are a few available that create maps to support walking tours and training for runners. Why not use these online tools for charity walks?

Check out the following websites to map out your next charity walk:

• Gmaps Pedometer (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com)
• bluewalks (http://www.bluewalks.com)
• CommunityWalk (http://www.communitywalk.com)
• MapMyWalk (http://www.mapmywalk.com)

Be sure to leave a comment if you know of other online mapping programs that could support charity walks or to add your personal experience from using any of these tools.

Thanks,

p.s. Be sure to get your copy of The Walkathon Guide at http://TheWalkathonGuide.com for an inexpensive ebook with additional charity walk tips and resources.

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

Create a Charity Walk Map

Technorati Tags: charity walk, charity walks, Create Map, Create Maps, Distance Map, Mapping Programs, Online Mapping, Route Description, walk map, Walkers

No related posts.

Michael Gibbons, Founder of Buttons of Hope

Michael Gibbons, from Buttons of Hope, will be my next guest on the Charity Event Success radio show. The interview will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 2 p.m. Eastern. We will be discussing the 3 Simple Keys to Fundraising Success.

There are several ways to listen to the conversation:

• Call (347) 850-8340 to listen to the show live
• Listen to the streamed show from the host webpage at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/charity-event-success
• Listen to an archive of the interview will be available immediately following the show at same host webpage

I am excited about the interview and I hope you are too.

Thanks,

p.s. Be sure to leave a comment on the show page when you visit.

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

3 Simple Keys to Fundraising Success

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, Fundraising, Fundraising Success, Michael Gibbons, Radio Show

Related posts:

1. Interview with Author of Walkathon Guide on Charity Event Success Radio Show

One alternative to the traditional charity walk is a treadmill charity walk

Almost anyone can participate in a charity walk. That is one of the characteristics that is so appealing for this type of charity event. However, not everyone will be able to participate in your charity walk.

There are some people who aren’t physically able to walk the course you have planned. There are others who won’t be able to attend because it is not convenient.

Putting a twist on your charity walks by adding options can help include some of those who are unable to participate in your basic charity event.

Consider some of these add-on options to increase participation, awareness and fundraising:

Virtual Participation

The name virtual charity walk typically refers to a charity walk event being conducted in a virtual world via computer.  Second Life is one of the online virtual worlds where this is becoming popular. That is not the type of virtual participation I am referring to.

For some potential walkers, the location or the date/time of your charity walk will not allow them to participate.  Why not allow them to do their walk at a convenient location or date/time of their own choosing? Although they would not be a participant at the main event, they would fundraise and walk with the same passion and spirit. Each of these virtual participants would receive the great feeling that comes from supporting a great cause and the nonprofit organization would reap the benefits of reaping additional active volunteers and money to further the cause.

Treadmill Walk

Some participants are physically unable to participate in a traditional charity walk.  Westchester Square Physical Therapy (WSPT) of the Bronx is holding a Treadmill Walk-a-Thon as an alternative. Physical therapy patients and others in the community will be timed as they walk on treadmills.  WSPT’s treadmills to be used includes a therapy pool treadmill.

Aquatic Walk

An arthritis aquatics class conducts an aquatic walk each year in support of a charity walk in my local area. The aquatic walk is performed by participants “walking” laps around the pool.  Although it would be extremely difficult or impossible for them to participate in the traditional charity walk, the aquatic walk allows them to participate in a charity walk with a group of friends while benefiting the nonprofit organization.

Consider augmenting your charity walks with options that allow additional walkers  to participate. It can help those who have felt excluded from being able to participate in the past. It also can mean additional support and funding for your nonprofit organization.

Thanks,

p.s. Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and take advantage of the free signup at the Charity Walks Network. Learn additional ways to make your next charity walk event more successful.

photo credit: Mr. T in DC

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

A Twist on Charity Walks to Increase Participation

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity walks, Fundraising, Nonprofit Organization, Physical Therapy Patients, Second Life, Treadmill, Treadmills, Walk A Thon, Walkers, Westchester Square, Wspt

Related posts:

1. Charity Walks – 7 Easy Ways to Thank Your Volunteers
2. What Makes a Great Location for Charity Walks?
3. Charity Walks – Use Incentives to Hook Sponsors

Family participating in the 2009 Richmond Jingle Bell Run/Walk

It was a beautiful day on Saturday. It was the morning of the 2009 Richmond Jingle Bell Run/Walk.

Everyone was having a fun time. There was music. There was food. There was a crowd of people. Several of the participants dressed up in holiday-themed costumes, including many dogs.

One thing that I noticed at this charity event was that there were people of all ages participating. There were many runners and walkers over the age of 60. There were several youngsters making the trek with family members via stroller.

One exciting thing about charity walks is that almost anyone can participate. It is a low-impact sports event. Walkers aren’t racing against a clock. Participants can walk and talk with family and friends throughout the event.

Make sure your charity walks appeal to all ages.

Thanks,

p.s. Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and take advantage of the free signup at the Charity Walks Network. Learn ways to make your next charity walk event more successful.

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

Charity Walks Are For All Ages

Technorati Tags: Charity Event, charity walks, Family And Friends, Jingle Bell Run, Low Impact, Participants, Richmond, Runners, Sports Event, Walkers

Related posts:

1. A Twist on Charity Walks to Increase Participation
2. How to Find Volunteers for Charity Walks
3. Charity Walks – Use Incentives to Hook Sponsors

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

2009 Richmond Jingle Bell Run/Walk Photos

Technorati Tags: arthritis foundation, Jingle Bell Run, Richmond, Richmond Virginia, walk events

Related posts:

1. 2009 Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk
2. Arthritis Foundation, Virginia Chapter Hosts Training
3. 4th Annual Boston Area Lung Cancer 5K Walk 2009

At the Charity Walks Network there is a forum to ask and answer questions.  There is a blog where each member can post personal thoughts and experiences.  There is even a section to promote charity walk events.

“Now walkathon leaders have a place to go to connect with each other, share ideas, and benefit from the accumulated wisdom of the crowd,” said Lee Garverick, author of www.walkathonguide.com. “This will be a wonderful asset for everyone.”

Those who are passionate about charity walks can include:

• Committee members
• Nonprofit staff
• Company sponsors
• Volunteers
• Walkers/fundraisers
• Donors
• Consultants
• Product/service providers

What are you waiting for? Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and get your free membership now. Start using the network to build friendships, find new ways to improve your charity walks, and help others.

Thanks,

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

Charity Walks Network Is For You

Technorati Tags: charity events, charity walks, charity walks network, Committee Members, Company Sponsors, Donors, Free Membership, Fundraisers, Nonprofit Staff, Service Providers, Share Ideas, Social Networking Site, Volunteers, Walkers

Related posts:

1. Charity Walks – Use Incentives to Hook Sponsors
2. How to Find Volunteers for Charity Walks
3. Charity Walks – 7 Easy Ways to Thank Your Volunteers

Be creative when considering a theme for your walk. The theme should instill excitement in your community. The theme should support contests (like costume contests) and entertainment.

Most charity walks don’t have a theme beyond the cause they are supporting. However, there are some that do. Themes focused around holidays are popular. Here are examples of walks using a holiday theme:

• Halloween – Richmond Zombie Walk
• Winter Holidays – Jingle Bell Run/Walk
• St. Patricks Day – Shamrock Run & Walk

There are many possibilities for a theme. Have the charity walk planning committee brainstorm some ideas. Use the following list of potential themes to get you started:

Can you think of other themes that could be used for charity walks? What themes have you used for charity walks in the past that have been successful? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Thanks,

Post from: Charity Walks Blog

Does Your Charity Walk Have a Theme?

Technorati Tags: charity events, charity fund raising, charity fundraising, charity walk, Walkathon

No related posts.