Since HelpAttack! is primarily a fundraising tool, we rarely get to talk about volunteers.  To be honest, I never really considered how volunteers could be helpful in fundraising until I spoke with the lovely Barbara Talisman from WFP-USA at this year’s AFP in Vancouver.  She explained that they work with many volunteer 3^rd party fundraisers, and wanted to include HelpAttack! in their arsenal fundraising ideas provide to them.  What a great idea!!  Next time a group of people active on social media (college students, perhaps?) come to WFP-USA wanting to raise money, why not tell them about HelpAttack!?

In addition to simply suggesting a social media campaign to your 3^rd party fundraisers, it’s prudent to supply them with an easy kit of emails, blog posts, logos and other goodies to help them get the word out.  Here are some we have made, feel free to use them!

Barbara also told me about another great online fundraising campaign the WFP-USA offers their volunteer 3^rd party fundraisers.  It has its roots in the well-known Coins for Kids Campaign. The twist is that WFP also offers a virtual red cup to fill!  I think it is a fantastic idea to take an offline fundraiser and also make it available online.  It solves the problem of trying to reach the people more comfortable with traditional forms of giving AND those who are more comfortable transacting donations online.

As you can probably tell by now, I have a nonprofit crush on the WFP-USA and I admire Barbara- mostly because of her dynamic personality and wisdom in fundraising, but also for her impeccable taste in nail polish.  I digress.  Let’s get back to a volunteer’s place in fundraising.

Next time you’re planning a fundraising campaign, especially if there is an innovative or especially neat-o element to it, ask your volunteers to help spread the word!  If your volunteers are blogging, making videos, or uploading photos pertinent to your cause ask if you can include them on your Facebook, Twitter, or website to help drive donations.

There are arguments out there that Tweeting and sharing on Facebook about your cause is micro-volunteering. Lots of volunteers also donate and lots of donors volunteer.  You should look at people as supporters, not just donors or just volunteers.

Whatever your philosophy on volunteers, be sure to show them some appreciation this month.  They deserve it!  HOORAY FOR VOLUNTEERS!

Please leave a comment below or Tweet at me: @vswesnik

Tags: micro-volunteering, third party fundraising, volunteers, World Food Program

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