Posts Tagged ‘helping’

Tips for a Successful Fundraiser

May 2nd, 2010 Jennifer

In 5 Great Fundraising Ideas written here on Reed What Matters just a few weeks ago we discussed different ideas to start a fundraiser no matter your cause but today we will be discussing further non profit fundraiser ideas and PTO fundraisers and how to reach your goals in fundraising. My mama and I were discussing fundraising ideas for a non profit organization that she works with a few days ago and most of my ideas came from FastTrack in discussing different option with her and in looking into tools that will help the best.

A great way to get started with a fundraiser is mapping out how much you need to raise and how long this goal will take versus the time you have to raise this amount. Let’s say you need to raise $10,000 with a fundraiser and you aren’t sure where to start or how long it will take to earn that amount. FastTrack’s Fundraiser Finder shows you what you need to meet your goal. Choose how many will be helping with the fundraiser, how much money you need to raise and your set. If I need $10,000 and 5 people will be working on this goal with me this tool tells me each group member needs to sell at least 233 discount cards to reach my goal. This tool spells out other fundraising options as well, but these discount cards were only used as an example for you. This tool can be used for both non profit fundraiser ideas and PTO fundraisers. However, one fundraising idea may work better for one  cause then the other. 

Now, what is equally important is knowing how 5 of you will reach 233 people to purchase these discount cards we are using as an example. The best way to reach others quickly and in large masses is through a social marketing campaign. You name it; Twitter, Facebook, Myspace… the list goes on and on. Use these tools and use them well to reach vast numbers of people. There are many articles out there that can help and there are lots of quality social media experts (I like to think I’m one) that will help you for a price, however, you may find someone who will donate their services for free dependant on their time and what your cause is. Sky is the limit when it comes to networking and working for the better of a charity or for your children’s school.

Remember, plan well, set your goals, know what your working with and against, and network! Using these tips should help you get started in a road to success with great fundraising. Have fun and go get it my friends.

Brought to your by your friends at FastTrackFundraising.com
Fundraising Made Easy!

Popularity: 7%

Posted in Time & Money Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Thursday’s Thought: Giving Back!

November 12th, 2009 Jennifer

This week I’ve been sifting through my belongings, packing and such! I find that many things my family considers junk another can use! Of course, it’s time to give back. Then I think about those in need that need more then what I have sitting in my home. What can I do more to give back?

Think of the little things I buy throughout the month, a Pepsi here, a bag of chip there… I probably spend a few dollars a day on much of nothing for the kids and me. I set to do something more for another and a bit less for myself! As I think of this my daughter speaks to me about wanting to blog about a report she is doing for abused children in Africa. What better way to tie in my wanting to give more to another in need. Maybe she would like to help those she is researching.

After all this thought I was contacted by globalgiving.com (a million little earth-changing ideas)! Sky is the limit. Just about any cause you can think of from homelessness, to climate change, to children in need they have a cause listed in which we could help. You name it; there is a way to help out through their website.

I’m sitting my children down to tell them to pick a cause dear to them. When they want that little bag of chips from the corner store, I will ask them, “Chips or your Cause?” They can decide where that dollar goes. I’ll allow them to earn extra money for their cause as well. I’m excited and will keep you posted on which child of mine picked which cause and how much they were able to donate.

Sinya is thinking of helping Kenya families have clean water and Jamarae is thinking of helping Afghan boys trade guns for books. We will see what they chose and how much they earn. I’m very excited.

Check them Global Giving: Donate To Your Favorite Cause at GlobalGiving.com and Change The World Today !

Popularity: 4%

Posted in Reed Educates, Taking a Stand Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments »

FREE Kid Workshops at Home Depot

October 9th, 2009 Jennifer

Main3What a great idea? Home depot offers FREE a lesson to children ages 5-12 in building, creating, and learning.

When: First Saturday of each month from 9AM – Noon

Where: All Home Depot stores

Includes: Kids receive kid-sized orange apron, and an achievement pin

Last session they built a Firehouse bank, next lesson will be a Tile Trivet. Each month something new is created by your children at Home Depot.

According to Home Depot’s website, the “workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.”

This is a great idea. To find out more about these workshops click here! Maybe I’ll see you there!

Popularity: 2%

Posted in Entertainment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments »

Recognizing Burnout

October 1st, 2009 Jennifer

Burnout Tired FatigueOur self awareness series, day 4, entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for October 1st, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy quotes:

“Recognizing Burnout Before You’re Charred”

“My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night   - Edna St. Vincent Millay                                  

According to Breathnach, burnout comes from being unbalanced. What is burnout? Many responsibilities, not enough time, over long periods of time equals burnout! Running on fumes, superwoman mentality (or superman) can take you to burnout mode. It’s imperative to take care of yourself with rest, and by pacing yourself. Years of exhaustion can bring illness, or complete tiredness. You go to bed tired, and wake up tired, sleep no longer helping. Burnout means loss of will and passion to do daily things and making your dreams come true. Burnout builds a feeling of being unmoved!

 My Experience

I’ve talked briefly about my burnout moment in “A Time for Everything”. I’m going to let you in on more. I was working full time as a technician for Verizon Wireless. I took care of troubleshooting data and voice issues. This position required more multi tasking then the usual. At the time I was also taking online courses acquiring a degree in business management, taking care of a new baby along with five other kids. On top of all that great responsibility I was trying to find a home business I could do on the side. I was moving fast, and wasn’t tired at all. My mind was always ticking. I never sat still. Even in relaxed mode watching TV, something was stirring in my head or I was busy tapping the keys of my mobile phone.

I have some issues with my health, this hit me February 2008. They were worse when I had my “burnout” moment. I could hardly get things done without fail. At work I could barely walk without steadily watching my footwork as I sweep across the floor, everything was a blur, and my mind wasn’t on track. A normal five minute task took me 15 minutes to an hour. I took a week of vacation every month for the next few months. When that was gone, it was best I stayed home so I had to work that out with my employer. For months, I was home walking into things, burning things on the stove or forgetting to turn the stove on. It got to the point I could only focus on cooking one dish at a time. After rest, I got back up to speed, but I still have issues now and again today!

To this day, this passage speaks to me. Even though Im home and well rested, I still do too much. I need to pace myself. I work very hard on this website. I put in full time work on this website, it’s my passion and I fear if I don’t make a business out of it Ill be forced to go to work again knowing seeing specialist or having my spells of dizziness I couldn’t be a great employee to any company. Being a writer or owning a blog means I could write like crazy and take a few days off if needed. I can’t hold a “real” job doing that! I’m only making pennies today, but I started only in May! I will make this work with time and patience.

A commitment to myself: I will do my best to work smart so that I could work less.

Question

What can you do to avoid burnout or to deliver you from the burnout you are in? Please share by commenting. Thank you!

Note:

Popularity: 6%

Posted in Reed Educates, Self Awareness Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Odd Behavior in the Home

September 27th, 2009 Jennifer

6c116387b843e6feSome very strange things have been going on in the Reed home these last few days! A few of the children cleaned up without being told, and not just once!

It all started Friday night, I told the boys to unload the dishwasher. Robyn asked “Can I just do them?” Umm SURE! She not only unloaded, but proceeded to load the dishwasher as well.

The next morning, I hear dishes’ clanking about, to my surprise, Robyn is doing dishes yet again! Hmmm… I dont dare call her on it, she might stop!

Then earlier today, Yissie had the nerve to write on the walls with red crayon! I was not pleased one bit. Dad was just about to walk in and see red crayon on the wall. Not that it matters if he sees that, it’s just that he was on his way home from a long day at work. Who wants to see red crayon on the wall when they walk in the door?

Low and behold Sinya wants to wash the walls! Great, get to washing missy! After washing the crayon off, Sinya wanted to wash more walls. Okay?! Then I look over, Renae is helping her, and then stops to pick up a broom! What is Renae doing with the broom, of all things she is sweeping! Not only did Renae sweep, but her and Sinya proceeded by mopping, cleaning the microwave, and even helped me cook! Oh no!

What’s a mom to do? Are kids supposed to behave in this manner? They left me scared.

Have you ever seen something of this nature?

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Popularity: 4%

Posted in Reed Tidbits Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments »

Lending A Helping Hand

September 5th, 2009 Jennifer
Helping Hand

Help by alasis via Flickr

Handful after handful, I watch my two year old grab gobs of frosted flakes, transferring it to my eight year old’s cereal bowl. I know, her hands may not be clean… The good deed of being helpful was more important to me then the germs she may be spreading. I let her continue to make her older sister a bowl of cereal, mess and all.

Believing whole hearted that we all should do more for the next person or for people, as in more then one person, I wanted to reach out to you and see what extra steps you can do to make a difference in someones day. I’m even talking to those who breathe, eat, and sleep helping others! There has to be something you can sacrifice to do that one extra thing that has been in your heart to do.

Please share with us by commenting what you are doing to make a difference or what is in your heart to do for another.

Popularity: 2%

Posted in Taking a Stand Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments »

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