iAbolish - Donate - Fundraising Guide: Choosing the Right Event

Fundraising Guide: Choosing the Right Event

Things to consider

The size and magnitude of event you want to hold
Who do you want to attend and participate in the event? Just your group, your school or faith-community or the wider community?
How much time do you have until the event takes place?
How much money do you have available to cover costs before the event?

Remember, a large event is not necessarily a better event. Good planning, organization, advertising, and enthusiasm determine an event's success, not the size of the event. Every event is worthwhile, no matter the size.

Consider your goals and select your fundraiser accordingly. If you have only a little time to devote and are organizing on your own, set a feasible goal and attain it through reasonable means, such as taking up a collection at your faith-based group's weekly gathering for the abolishment of modern-day slavery.

Speaking Event

Hosting a speaking event is not only a way of raising money for the fight against slavery, but also a way of educating and inspiring the community. A speaker can provide the key note address for a larger event such as a walk-a-thon. Alternately, a speaker can be an event in itself. Available speakers through the American Anti-Slavery group include survivors of the Sudan genocide — including escaped slaves and survivors of militia raids in Darfur — as well as leading civil rights and human rights activists.

Candlelight Vigil

Grassroots activism is a key to raising awareness of modern-day slavery and ensuring that it will end. Leaders need to see the American public taking to the streets, signing petitions, and loudly demanding action now.

A simple and moving event you can organize is a candlelight vigil. At a vigil, people of diverse backgrounds gather together, hold candles, listen to speakers reflect on one particular concern such as the genocide in Sudan. Together they stand in solidarity with the victims. By coming together, the crowd sends a message to leaders and creates a spirit of vigilance in the face of injustice.

Athletic Event

An athletic event is a fun, energetic, and effective way to raise awareness of modern day slavery and support anti-slavery work. An event could be a swim-a-thon, bike-ride, baseball tournament, bowl-a-thon, or a charity run. Athletic events raise awareness by gathering groups of concerned individuals, while generating media and community attention. Additionally, athletic events are up-lifting and empowering. They demonstrate how each person has the power and to make a difference even while doing something they already love to do. By coming together, the crowd sends a message and creates a spirit of solidarity and compassion in the face of injustice.

Raffle, Sale, or Auction Event

Holding a sale or auction where the proceeds are donated to a worthy cause is a common and effective way to simultaneously educate about modern-day slavery, support anti-slavery work, and let your creativity shine. A few successful examples include: bake sales, sale of hand-made bracelets, lottery drawing for coupons and gift certificates donated by local businesses, and an auction of donated goods. A raffle, sale, or auction can be as simple as you want it to be and yet, is a very effective way of demonstrating support for anti-slavery work and spreading the message that slavery still exists today.

Concert, Dance, Poetry Reading, Talent Show or Other Art Event

Most everyone likes to go to a concert, a dance performance or appreciate the arts in one way or another. So why not do it for a cause? Holding a concert, poetry reading, dance performance or other art event is a way to do many things at once: appreciate the arts, educate about the realities of modern-day slavery, support anti-slavery work, and have a good time. Additionally, the event creates a community of concerned citizens who stand in solidarity in the face of injustice.

Canvassing, Spare Change Drive, Collection

Simply asking for monetary support is a direct and simple way to simultaneously educate and solicit support for anti-slavery work. Canvassing, a spare-change drive, or a collection can happen independently or in conjunction with another event. For instance a faith-group's collection on a particular day could be designated a collection for anti-slavery work. Alternately, a spare change drive, collection, or canvassing could be part of a slavery-awareness week or speaking event. These methods of support are flexible and lend themselves to creativity. For example, students could make and decorate their own anti-slavery collection boxes or a class could hold a spare change or bottle drive. Regardless of the form the event takes, this is a simple and effective way to raise awareness and demonstrate support for anti-slavery work.

More Event Ideas

Comedy night
Pub quiz
Car wash
Treasure hunt
Craft fair
Football tournament
Garden party
Coffee morning
Movie night
Bingo
Birthday donations
Wedding donations
Photography sale or auction
Pizza sale
Yard-work
Animal wash
Table at a fair or festival

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