1. Stop Fantasizing

Determined to start the greatest advocacy movement in your city? That’s great! But make sure your plans aren’t entirely in your head. Make sure to get them down on paper and keep a realistic idea of an outcome.

2. Start committing

Remember, fundraisers don’t run themselves.  They require a good deal of time and energy to carry out. If you don’t think you can do it on your own, get others involved.

3. Start talking

Be active. Talk to members of the community. People only give to causes they know about. Inform the local media of your plans.

4. Visualize the process, not the outcome

Fundraisers take a lot of planning and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Take it step by step. As you get closer to the end, let the overall goal give you the motivation to push through.

5. Avoid the slip-up effect

Everyone makes mistakes or slip ups. When something doesn’t go as planned, don’t give up. Take a break, reevaluate the situation and return to it when you’re ready.

6. Avoid procrastination

Be proactive. Don’t quit before you even begin. Make sure to set self-deadlines to avoid becoming tired and overwhelmed.

7. Shift your focus when needed

If the big picture causes feelings of dread and panic, calm down. Focus on the small steps and take it one task at a time. If you are trying to raise funds, shift the focus from the amount of money needed from donors. Instead, highlight the items and services that will be provided through donations.

8. Be yourself

Don’t become so wrapped up in your cause that you forget yourself and run on auto-pilot, constantly spitting out facts and numbers. Let others see your passion.

9. Keep the end goal in mind

You plan to raise $3,000 for an orphan in South America, but you’re becoming stressed on the minor points, like reserving a booth, finding tablecloths, baking cupcakes, etc. Take a breath and remember your reason for all the madness – to make a little girl happy.

10. Know when to stop

Have a solid plan to get people involved, but it falls short once you’re in public? Know when to take a break. Return to the drawing board. Trying to persuade a certain individual to give, but they have an argument for every fact? Take some time and come back later to discuss your cause from another viewpoint.

11. Have contingency plans

It is important to know the different possible outcomes of your fundraiser/awareness campaign. You could raise way more than you ever hoped to or you can raise $10. Be prepared. Have backup plans set in place and remember to practice responses for a variety of situations to avoid surprises.

– Jasmine D. Smith

Sources: Psy Blog, Poverty Living