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Sherri
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
We're back!
YEA! We're finally back from the 12 Days Trip in Cambodia! It's a wonderful experience for each and every of us!
Stay Tuned for the further update!
Sherri
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Pre-Departure Update!
Currently, all of us are busily preparing for our pre-departure matters! Placing importance on english teaching rehearsals, science exhibitions and administrative matters! Before that, we had 17 meetings!
Pre-departure Day 1 (1/12):
- presenting the pre-departure tentative schedule
- english teaching demonstration
- english teaching rehearsal
- briefing on science exhibition exhibits
- ensure everyone have their vaccination jabs
Pre-departure Day 2 (2/12):
- hygiene teaching demostration
- science exhibition demostration and rehearsal 2
- english teaching rehearsal
Pre-departure Day 3 (3/12):
- english teaching rehearsal
- finalising logistics list
- distributing old clothes & bags to be brought over
- distributing science exhibitions exhibits to ICs
Pre-departure Day 4 (4/12):
- finalising administrative stuffs - things to bring & not to bring, giving out insurance travel card & nametags
- finalising trip itinerary
- finalising logistics list
- final english teaching
- hygiene teaching rehearsal
- giving out trip shirt and school shirts
- distributing old clothes & bags to be brought over
The pictures below will prove our hardwork!
Teaching Rehearsal
Hygiene Talk Rehearsal
Sorting & Packing of Old Clothes & Bags
Pre-Departure Briefing at Prof Chui's houseRead Prof Edmund's post here!
Sherri
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Updated Project LOVE 2008 Fund
Activities | Amount | |
1 | CNY dinner donation | $137.20 |
2 | Adidas Sun Down Marathon | $210.00 |
3 | Éclair Selling | $891.30 |
4 | Flea Market Selling | $150.00 |
Total till date: | $1388.50 |
Chong Chin
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Fund-Raising: Flea Market
On a early Sunday morning, a group of us went to raise funds by selling 2nd branded clothings! The kind souls included me (Sherri), Kiran, Di Ming, Chong Chin, Roy and Xinxin! Instead of giving our brains more rest/sleep, we dug ourselves up from our cozy beds to do something very meaningful!
We set up out stall like our 20+ competitors! There's something that make us different from them and that is...Raising funds out of our entrepreneur spirits! I think this is our 1st time selling stuffs outside NTU?
Initially, each of us though it was easier for us since we are selling mostly branded stuffs; the customers'll naturally turn up at our stall. Then, we noticed...The display of the items was not comparable to other stalls. The location of the stall was rather hidden. Thus, not many customers noticed us... The heartlander culture of flea market is 'jabalang' sale (junk sale). Other stalls' sales were good as they brought almost anything that are not of a need to them! Their unwanted stuffs turned up to popular among the HDB residents. We could see old clothes of all ages, soft toys, storybooks, shoes, furniture, vcds, dvds, electronic stuffs...etc! Our varieties are limited to bags, shoes and clothes.
Nevertheless, we tried our best and managed to earn $92 at the end! We really learn a lot from this sale especially on the display of items and the 'heartlander selling techniques' or simply customer service skills. The sale still carried on after the flea market~~~ And finally, we raised a total amount of $150! *Applause*
Sherri
We set up out stall like our 20+ competitors! There's something that make us different from them and that is...Raising funds out of our entrepreneur spirits! I think this is our 1st time selling stuffs outside NTU?
Initially, each of us though it was easier for us since we are selling mostly branded stuffs; the customers'll naturally turn up at our stall. Then, we noticed...The display of the items was not comparable to other stalls. The location of the stall was rather hidden. Thus, not many customers noticed us... The heartlander culture of flea market is 'jabalang' sale (junk sale). Other stalls' sales were good as they brought almost anything that are not of a need to them! Their unwanted stuffs turned up to popular among the HDB residents. We could see old clothes of all ages, soft toys, storybooks, shoes, furniture, vcds, dvds, electronic stuffs...etc! Our varieties are limited to bags, shoes and clothes.
Nevertheless, we tried our best and managed to earn $92 at the end! We really learn a lot from this sale especially on the display of items and the 'heartlander selling techniques' or simply customer service skills. The sale still carried on after the flea market~~~ And finally, we raised a total amount of $150! *Applause*
Sherri
Project L.O.V.E 2008 Information Board
2nd Hand Branded Sale! (in English)
In Chinese & Malay Language
"Every cent from the sale will go to helping the Needy Cambodians!"
Available in Chinese, Malay (think it's called Bahasa Singapura?) and Bahasa Indonesia.
*Translation by Rudy Herianto (Malay), Me (Chinese) & Susan (Bahasa Indonesia)
Sideview of our stall
*Stall no. 26 owner didn't turn up so we took up that space too!
The Bags!
The clothes!
Did you spot the shoes?
A grp pic of us!
Again!
Roy is missing from the grp pic as he went off early!
Here the proof he's there!
We indeed have a great time there! Look forward to the next fund-raising project!
Sherri
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Project L.O.V.E Inbox & Outbox
Know about the Inbox & Outbox for Project L.O.V.E? It's used to store materials for Project L.O.V.E! Seek for that with this picture provided below!
Sherri
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Eclairs Selling Account
S. No | Item | Amount |
1 | Total sales | $1,717.90 |
2 | Cost of Éclairs | ($808.30) |
3 | Cost of packaging box | ($13.50) |
4 | Cost of publicity | ($4.80) |
Amount Collected: | $891.30 |
Prepared by, Chong Chin
LDP Project L.O.V.E 2008 fund
Activities | Amount | |
1 | CNY dinner donation | $137.20 |
2 | Adidas Sun Down Marathon | $210.00 |
3 | Éclair Selling | $891.30 |
Total till date: | $1238.50 |
Prepared by Chong Chin
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Project L.O.V.E Fund Raising Event, Eclairs Sale!
Dear all LDPians,
After a long long preparation, Project L.O.V.E 2008 Fund-Raising event, Eclair Sale is finally here!
We are setting a booth in collaboration with the MAE week:
Date: 18th Aug to 20th Aug (Mon to Wed)
Time: 9am to 5pm daily
Venue: Outside LT 1
Dont miss out the delicious elcair. Come and grab it before it run out. See you guys there supporting our event and grab some eclairs.
Eclairs eclairs go go go!!!
Adrian
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Information About Project LOVE Cambodia
Here is the information that we get from Prof Chui regarding what we can do in Cambodia. Much of the activities require funds to let the ball rolling. So please check on this list and try to get some information on how can we reduce our cost and come out with better idea.
Projects with estimated cost.
- Fill up potholes in village road – depending how long the stretch of road, estimate USD 5 per lorry load, 20 lorries, (USD 100).
- Build pavement for wells – about USD 80 per well if 2 wells (USD 160)
- Repair roof for elderly people house – USD 50 per roof (attap roof), about USD 200 (zinc). Depend on size of house if 5 houses (USD 250)
- Painting classrooms – 3 classrooms will use about 6 tins of paint at USD 33. About (USD 240) plus accessories
- Cleanliness campaign for school, dig trench – if possible provide dustbin for classrooms about USD 20 per aluminum dustbin if 10 classrooms (USD 200)
- Give out food ration for elderly people – USD 6 per pack (consists of sarong, 5 kg rice, a packet of salt, a packet of MSG). 100 people = USD 600
- Home visits with old clothes to give away to students – bring old clothes about 10 pcs of mixed (either men/women/children clothes)
- Teach English at night to community student – presents for them could be the old bags
- Teach hygiene talk to school, play games and teach English in school setting. If possible, give them hygiene pack consist of face towel, nail clipper, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap cost USD 2 per pack. A primary school might have 400 to 500 students (USD 800 – 1000)
- Demostrate Science experiments to High School. This is important to show and teach students (poor Cambodian students have no science lab)
Prices subject to changes as price increases.
Others:
- Possible date of recce – mid july 2008. New school is only ready after 8th aug
- Duration of stay: 5 -7 days
- No. of persons that can accommodate: 50
- USD 20 for accommodation + 3 meals + 1 event (donkey ride, palm tree visit, boat making tour)
- Translator – USD 10 per day
- Contact person: Esther Ding – 855 12635718 – khmervillagehomestay@yahoo.com
Adrian
Monday, May 26, 2008
R & R Experience
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The rest and recreation starts just after we finish our teaching and exhibition.
Early in the morning, we travelled to Cheng Du with a bus prepared by the NeiJiang Youth Organization. That was a 3 hours journey. It’s already noon when we reach Cheng Du. We left our main luggage in the hotel, and headed towards Emei city. We had our lunch there. It was already 3pm while we start to go up Mount Emei. The bus driver wasn’t very friendly. However we enjoyed ourselves in the journey to “Lei Dong Pin”, where we take cable car to get to the very top of Mount Emei. The scene along the road was awesome! We experienced the beauty of the nature. Halfway along the journey, we start to see snow beside the road. The feeling of excitement just rush up to our mind. Yes! Its snow!!! The bus driver stopped the bus to chain up the wheels, while everyone of just alight to enjoy the snow. Later we continued our journey and finally we reach “Lei Dong Pin” at around 4pm. The bus driver suggested us to stay a night at the hotel before going up to the very top of Mount Emei, “Jin Ding”. The reason was it will be very cold up there and probably foreigners like us won’t stand the coldness.
We took his advice, and after check in, we went for a walk around the hotel. Every one of us felt so excited when we realize that we could have an hour free skiing at the skiing station beside. We went to the skiing station, but it was closed. We then took lots of pictures there, and played a snow fight there. It was so fun! That night we had our dinner in the hotel, and just went asleep.
The next day, the hotel worker woke us up at 6am telling us that we might have a chance to see sunrise at the cable car station. Some of us quickly dressed up and went up to the cable car station. We waited and waited, but sunrise never happen, probably the fog was too thick, until we couldn’t enjoy that very precious moment. With disappointment, we went back to the hotel and wake up the others. Then together, we went skiing. That was the very first time experience for most of our team members, but everyone enjoyed themselves. Who knows? Maybe this is the only time we ski in our lifetime!
After an hour, everyone went back to the hotel and checked out. Then, we head towards the cable car station. There was a long queue In the station, but eventually we reached the top also. There were lesser fog at the top, and the scene there is even more attractive. We finally saw that very big statue of Buddha. We were stunned by that statue. How could human even possible to build such big statue when the only way to come up here is by cable car or by climbing? We visited the three temples up there, which is known to be built using bronze, silver and gold respectively. That gold temple is known as “Jin Ding”. It really looks like some kind of building in palace. Of course, we took numerous photos up there.
After an hour, we gather and went down to Emei City. By the time we reach Emei City, it was already 6pm. Quickly we find ourselves a hotel, check in, settle down, and we go for food! There was a street selling lots of variety of nice food. We walk around the city, and visited some street stalls, to get some cheap, nice stuff, until when we feel tired, we went back to our hotel, and go asleep.
The next day, we took 2 vans and head to Le Shan. We climb up all the way to see the big LeShan Buddha. Along the road, we visited a temple nearby. There were 500 hundred of “LoHan” statue inside. We also visited a village along the road, called “Yu Cun”. They sell lots of food and beautiful souvenirs there. However due to time constrain, we had to go along and miss the nice food. After a while, we finally see the big LeShan Buddha. We listened to the tour guide there and learn some history of this Buddha statue.
After we took enough photos, we went down and head towards Cheng Du, where we will spend our very last night there. We reach Cheng Du at around 4pm. After settling down, we hunt for food again! (Why always food?) Everyone of us went for a walk around in the big city. We bought quite a lot of souvenirs.
That very last night, we all gathered in one room, and had a party. We fool around as the world ends tomorrow. In the end everyone felt so tired and start to fall asleep. But that was already late at night. Or perhaps I should say, early in the next morning.
That morning we went to “Zhu Ge Liang”’s temple. It was built to remember one great general in the China during the war of 3 kingdoms. We learnt a lot of history there. Later we went to a famous street beside the temple, which is named “Jing Li”. Its famous for tradition food, and games. We really enjoyed our time there. Eventually we had to leave at noon. We rush our very last minute to get our last souvenirs in Cheng Du, and headed to the airport on 4pm. We know, we will miss this place, we will miss this trip.
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Experience with Science Exhibition
Everyday, we taught in different school. After lunch, we carried out a science exhibition in the respective primary school. We displayed 6 different exhibitions, such as Milk, Volcano, Circuit, Illusions, Static, and Rocket.
Initially, the school will gather all students at the assembly yard. Each I.C. from every exhibition came up to the stage to describe about their exhibition in cartoon form. This is to attract attention of the primary students, for example, the milk exhibition. Wei Soung showed a paper with a few roll of cows. He explained that there are many bonding between molecules in the milk just like the few cows holding hands. As with the different dyes that are to drip onto the milk, it is like wearing the cows with different kinds of colors. In order to carry out the exhibition, ear bud with soap is dipped into the milk, soap break the bonding between the molecules, and this caused the color on the milk expanded. This incident can be explained as the evil soap monster bitten the cow hands, the cows have to release their hands and run to escape from the evil monster. Using this way, children can understand the scientific reaction in an easier manner.
After presentation from all I.C., we went back to the assigned booth and set up the exhibits. Students were to visit all the exhibits group by group. At each exhibit, students carried out the experiment by themselves. This can help them understand it better. They read the detailed explanation displayed, and asked us questions to clear the doubts in mind. At the same time, there were teachers walking controlling the crowd, some teachers also asked us for the explanation so they also understand and helped us to explain to more students.
While all exhibitions were going on, there was a most popular exhibition going on its own periodic. That is the Rocket Launcher. It is a gas pump rocket. Water filled inside the rocket. Rocket was always launched in the direction away from the crowd. We kept clear the place where the rocket might land. Keng Fei pumped gas into the rocket to increase the gas pressure in it. When release d it, the rocket can fly vertically upward and landed on the 5th floor building roof. This exhibition created a gigantic “WOW” effect. Students were so shocked seeing the rocket flied so high. It got full attention from students to see the every rocket launching. They even screamed to help us countdown for the launching. When counting down, students kept getting excited and stand at the dangerous position. We took all safety factors to ensure the students’ safety.
Volcano explained about the reaction between acid and base, which we used brown vinegar and soda powder. This reaction produced a lot of brown color bubbly liquid which represent its lava. Circuit exhibition used the alarm theory. Students were to use the handle with a circular head to pass through a set of bent wire. The circular should not touch the wire, or else the alarm will sound. Static is also a fun experiment. We used a balloon to rub onto the student’s hair. Then, we used the charged balloon to pull the drinking can. Students were also given chances to try rubbing the balloon themselves on their head to carry out this experiment. About the Illusions, we have members explaining all things that students can see from the pictures. Students got excited when they failed to see everything from the pictures.
After the science exhibition, students will rush to us for signature. They were so excited to see us. They respect us very much. So, we gave them our signature and words of encouragement hoping it will help they will put more effort in studies.
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Initially, the school will gather all students at the assembly yard. Each I.C. from every exhibition came up to the stage to describe about their exhibition in cartoon form. This is to attract attention of the primary students, for example, the milk exhibition. Wei Soung showed a paper with a few roll of cows. He explained that there are many bonding between molecules in the milk just like the few cows holding hands. As with the different dyes that are to drip onto the milk, it is like wearing the cows with different kinds of colors. In order to carry out the exhibition, ear bud with soap is dipped into the milk, soap break the bonding between the molecules, and this caused the color on the milk expanded. This incident can be explained as the evil soap monster bitten the cow hands, the cows have to release their hands and run to escape from the evil monster. Using this way, children can understand the scientific reaction in an easier manner.
After presentation from all I.C., we went back to the assigned booth and set up the exhibits. Students were to visit all the exhibits group by group. At each exhibit, students carried out the experiment by themselves. This can help them understand it better. They read the detailed explanation displayed, and asked us questions to clear the doubts in mind. At the same time, there were teachers walking controlling the crowd, some teachers also asked us for the explanation so they also understand and helped us to explain to more students.
While all exhibitions were going on, there was a most popular exhibition going on its own periodic. That is the Rocket Launcher. It is a gas pump rocket. Water filled inside the rocket. Rocket was always launched in the direction away from the crowd. We kept clear the place where the rocket might land. Keng Fei pumped gas into the rocket to increase the gas pressure in it. When release d it, the rocket can fly vertically upward and landed on the 5th floor building roof. This exhibition created a gigantic “WOW” effect. Students were so shocked seeing the rocket flied so high. It got full attention from students to see the every rocket launching. They even screamed to help us countdown for the launching. When counting down, students kept getting excited and stand at the dangerous position. We took all safety factors to ensure the students’ safety.
Volcano explained about the reaction between acid and base, which we used brown vinegar and soda powder. This reaction produced a lot of brown color bubbly liquid which represent its lava. Circuit exhibition used the alarm theory. Students were to use the handle with a circular head to pass through a set of bent wire. The circular should not touch the wire, or else the alarm will sound. Static is also a fun experiment. We used a balloon to rub onto the student’s hair. Then, we used the charged balloon to pull the drinking can. Students were also given chances to try rubbing the balloon themselves on their head to carry out this experiment. About the Illusions, we have members explaining all things that students can see from the pictures. Students got excited when they failed to see everything from the pictures.
After the science exhibition, students will rush to us for signature. They were so excited to see us. They respect us very much. So, we gave them our signature and words of encouragement hoping it will help they will put more effort in studies.
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Our Final Night in Nei Jiang
Our final night in Nei Jiang began after a delightful and extremely satisfying meal.
We were then led to one of the school’s main assembly areas. When we had left that same assembly area prior to dinner it was pretty much plain looking and nothing out of the ordinary. However upon returning for the second time, there was a remarkable change. There were streams of colourful and shiny papers linked up from one end of the area to the other. There was also a mini-stage set up surrounded by chairs. A PA system was also set up and the main highlight; there was a roaring bonfire right in the middle of the assembly area, spreading warmth and a certain cheerful glow to all present.
The night’s events started with an impromptu sing-a-long session. A group of teachers started the ball rolling and lobbed a challenge across, asking the other side to continue singing another song starting with the one word they had ended on. Back and forth this volley went, with each side trying to out-guess the other group.
This was then followed by several performances by the teachers and students of the various schools. A performance worth mentioning was one where a group of teachers performed a Tibetan cultural dance complete with the traditional costumes and make up to boot. The team from NTU also sang several songs and taught those present a ‘Friendship Dance’.
However it was not all fun and games throughout the Farewell Night. There was a session where each of the members from NTU were attached to students from a not too well off group. The students exchanged some gifts and left us their addresses. The concept was that each of one of NTU students would ‘adopt’ one of the local students and in the future donate money for their education.
What followed was definitely the highlight of the night. All those present gathered around the bonfire and started to dance around the fire. It was explained that it was sort of a traditional dance and we went around and around the fire, dancing to a quickening beat and tune. We were also taught the ‘Rabbit Dance’, a hopping dance that a rabbit seems to do to escape from its hunters. Round and round we went around the fire, only stopping in the end due to sheer exhaustion.
We ended the night of by exchanging contact details with the teachers and students of Nei Jiang. We also took many photos of the night, which in my opinion were a poor cousin to the real experience.
It was definitely a great experience being immersed in such a colourful and welcoming culture. Memories of the farewell night and as well as of the previous 5 days in Nei Jiang would definitely be in a special part of their hearts for all the team members from NTU.
We were then led to one of the school’s main assembly areas. When we had left that same assembly area prior to dinner it was pretty much plain looking and nothing out of the ordinary. However upon returning for the second time, there was a remarkable change. There were streams of colourful and shiny papers linked up from one end of the area to the other. There was also a mini-stage set up surrounded by chairs. A PA system was also set up and the main highlight; there was a roaring bonfire right in the middle of the assembly area, spreading warmth and a certain cheerful glow to all present.
The night’s events started with an impromptu sing-a-long session. A group of teachers started the ball rolling and lobbed a challenge across, asking the other side to continue singing another song starting with the one word they had ended on. Back and forth this volley went, with each side trying to out-guess the other group.
This was then followed by several performances by the teachers and students of the various schools. A performance worth mentioning was one where a group of teachers performed a Tibetan cultural dance complete with the traditional costumes and make up to boot. The team from NTU also sang several songs and taught those present a ‘Friendship Dance’.
However it was not all fun and games throughout the Farewell Night. There was a session where each of the members from NTU were attached to students from a not too well off group. The students exchanged some gifts and left us their addresses. The concept was that each of one of NTU students would ‘adopt’ one of the local students and in the future donate money for their education.
What followed was definitely the highlight of the night. All those present gathered around the bonfire and started to dance around the fire. It was explained that it was sort of a traditional dance and we went around and around the fire, dancing to a quickening beat and tune. We were also taught the ‘Rabbit Dance’, a hopping dance that a rabbit seems to do to escape from its hunters. Round and round we went around the fire, only stopping in the end due to sheer exhaustion.
We ended the night of by exchanging contact details with the teachers and students of Nei Jiang. We also took many photos of the night, which in my opinion were a poor cousin to the real experience.
It was definitely a great experience being immersed in such a colourful and welcoming culture. Memories of the farewell night and as well as of the previous 5 days in Nei Jiang would definitely be in a special part of their hearts for all the team members from NTU.
Teaching Experience in Secondary Schools
During our 10 days in China, we have thought in 4 secondary schools and high schools. The purpose of our teaching is to make English language interesting to students and also introduce the teacher different way of teaching. Our team has been divided into two teams which half of it will be teaching secondary and high schools and the other team will be teaching primary school. The 4 secondary and high schools we went are:
1. Nei Jiang City No. 8 Secondary School (内江市第八初中)
2. Nei Jiang City No. 9 High School (内江市第九中学)
3. Nei Jiang City No. 10 High School (内江市第十中学)
4. Nei Jiang City Xiang Long High School (内江市翔龙中学)
For the first day, everyone was nervous as we will start our first lesson and the classes assign to us have a huge number of students. Before the class start, we attended the English teacher lesson and after the class it will be our turn to give lesson. The lesson started well and the students interested in our teaching and very fascinated by our present. They never have the chance for outsider from other country to give them lesson. As one of our team members is a Singaporean Indian, the students are most excited and wanted to know more about him. They have surrounded him, hold his hand, grabbing him, taking photos with him and even hug him.
The teaching have went well and as the day goes by we are gaining more experience and also improve on our public speaking skills. Some of our team members are also inspired to become a teacher although we are all from engineering course. We have introduced the teacher technique on using games, music and hand on activities for the lessons. This will make the lesson more interesting and fun too. They students can also learn faster and able to absorb more. After every teaching, we will have discussion with the English teacher on ways to improve the teaching and also feedback on our teaching. Besides that, we also exchange our experience on what we have experience during our younger days as students in primary and secondary school.
During the teaching, we not only teach English but we also promote Singapore and also our alma mater NTU. We have gained some poster from the Singapore Tourism Board. It have give the students there inspiration and also dream to further their studies in Singapore as it provide good education and have many interesting sight.
Overall the teaching have achieve our objective for our trip and it have benefited us and also the students there.
1. Nei Jiang City No. 8 Secondary School (内江市第八初中)
2. Nei Jiang City No. 9 High School (内江市第九中学)
3. Nei Jiang City No. 10 High School (内江市第十中学)
4. Nei Jiang City Xiang Long High School (内江市翔龙中学)
For the first day, everyone was nervous as we will start our first lesson and the classes assign to us have a huge number of students. Before the class start, we attended the English teacher lesson and after the class it will be our turn to give lesson. The lesson started well and the students interested in our teaching and very fascinated by our present. They never have the chance for outsider from other country to give them lesson. As one of our team members is a Singaporean Indian, the students are most excited and wanted to know more about him. They have surrounded him, hold his hand, grabbing him, taking photos with him and even hug him.
The teaching have went well and as the day goes by we are gaining more experience and also improve on our public speaking skills. Some of our team members are also inspired to become a teacher although we are all from engineering course. We have introduced the teacher technique on using games, music and hand on activities for the lessons. This will make the lesson more interesting and fun too. They students can also learn faster and able to absorb more. After every teaching, we will have discussion with the English teacher on ways to improve the teaching and also feedback on our teaching. Besides that, we also exchange our experience on what we have experience during our younger days as students in primary and secondary school.
During the teaching, we not only teach English but we also promote Singapore and also our alma mater NTU. We have gained some poster from the Singapore Tourism Board. It have give the students there inspiration and also dream to further their studies in Singapore as it provide good education and have many interesting sight.
Overall the teaching have achieve our objective for our trip and it have benefited us and also the students there.
相交的平行线
-------- 记与内江师范学院志愿者的交流活动
2007年12月9日，内江师范学院迎来了15位着装相同但肤色各异的外国朋友，虽说有语言障碍，交流稍显不畅，但洋溢的笑容里同时装满了主人的热情与客人的欣喜。
我们一行15人就座后，交流会正式开始。主人安排得井井有条，从一开始的个人介绍，到他们自己大学生志愿活动视频短片的播放，到具体志愿活动的介绍，无不显得整齐划一，有板有眼。
他们的志愿者活动规模通常很大，基本都是由大学学生会亲自组织，动辄便能召集几十上百人。每次活动的安排很细致，从头到尾的细节都有专人负责。他们的志愿者活动强调无私奉献，回报社会，所做的活动都是对目前中国国内问题极富针对性的，例如对贫困学生提供的义务家教，对留守学生提供的一对一心理交流和对城市街道的集体大扫除等等，非常切合目前中国的关于教育，卫生方面的需求。活动的介绍短片里一幕幕感人的场景显示出的当地志愿者的热忱让我们的队员们为之敬佩。
轮到我们介绍我们活动的时候，整个会场气氛为之一变，欢快的旋律和个性鲜明的图片主导了整个短片。尽管我们的代表在有现场翻译员的情况下用英语来介绍我们本次活动，但是他的生动讲解和机智幽默让即使听不太懂英文的人都能略懂一二。我们主要介绍了我们志愿者活动的目的除了为服务社会，其实还在于充实自己的生活，锻炼自己的能力。他们对此感到很新奇，但是非常赞同我们的观念。
仿佛受到了我们情绪的感染，之后的会场气氛很活跃。双方成员相互发问，你来我往，彼此都对对方的课外活动和校园生活充满了好奇。在此过程中，尽管很多朋友的英文水平不是很高，但是为了表示对我们的尊重，抑或是为了借此机会提升自己口语水平，他们都坚持用英语与我们交流，我们相当欣赏他们的勤奋上进。交流会结束之后我们互赠礼品，他们赠送的国画和我们回赠的南大纪念牌，都寄托着我们对这份来自远方的友谊的祝福。
交流会的时间有限，最后大家都依依不舍。于是之后主人们又热情地带我们参观他们的校园。虽说不像南大里这样花开四季和绿草芳菲，冬日的内江师院里面又是一分景象：常青的松柏依旧傲然挺立，纷飞的梧桐叶铺成一地金黄，80年代修筑的木结构的红砖楼安静的伫立在校园一角。是时恰逢三位美术系的同学举办个人画展，在主人们的带领下，我们得以目睹一下未来艺术家杰作。虽然来自不同的语言环境，有着不同的文化背景，一路上当地大学生却跟我们谈得十分投机。可能是少了交流会时的拘谨，其实发现生活中的彼此都是很有意思的年轻人。
另外可能因为我们队员大多是男生，他们的志愿者刚好大多是女生，所以对彼此的兴趣就更大了。交谈中也显示出一些文化差异，比如当地学生说话比较直接，但是相对思想保守一些，当我们的男生直接称赞她们女生的相貌时她们会不好意思。我们私下也谈到了一些对于彼此的看法，比如他们很欣赏我们的对工作的乐观态度，认为当我们很享受自己的工作时，也就会有更多的动力坚持下去。反之我们则很看重他们地无私奉献精神，他们对待工作的严肃认真的态度，很值得我们借鉴。主人们待客很周到，还私下给我们赠送小礼品，我运气不错，收到三份礼品，一个中国结，一个福娃和一只小猴子毛绒玩具，只是苦于没有什么像样的东西回赠，倍感惭愧。
最后大家都借此机会互传联系方式，希望这份来自千里之外的友情能够继续保持。虽然我们有着截然不同的特色，但是这种志愿者之间这共同的理想和目标将我们紧紧地连在一起，让我们从彼此那里取长补短，求同存异。
~ Ding Chao
2007年12月9日，内江师范学院迎来了15位着装相同但肤色各异的外国朋友，虽说有语言障碍，交流稍显不畅，但洋溢的笑容里同时装满了主人的热情与客人的欣喜。
我们一行15人就座后，交流会正式开始。主人安排得井井有条，从一开始的个人介绍，到他们自己大学生志愿活动视频短片的播放，到具体志愿活动的介绍，无不显得整齐划一，有板有眼。
他们的志愿者活动规模通常很大，基本都是由大学学生会亲自组织，动辄便能召集几十上百人。每次活动的安排很细致，从头到尾的细节都有专人负责。他们的志愿者活动强调无私奉献，回报社会，所做的活动都是对目前中国国内问题极富针对性的，例如对贫困学生提供的义务家教，对留守学生提供的一对一心理交流和对城市街道的集体大扫除等等，非常切合目前中国的关于教育，卫生方面的需求。活动的介绍短片里一幕幕感人的场景显示出的当地志愿者的热忱让我们的队员们为之敬佩。
轮到我们介绍我们活动的时候，整个会场气氛为之一变，欢快的旋律和个性鲜明的图片主导了整个短片。尽管我们的代表在有现场翻译员的情况下用英语来介绍我们本次活动，但是他的生动讲解和机智幽默让即使听不太懂英文的人都能略懂一二。我们主要介绍了我们志愿者活动的目的除了为服务社会，其实还在于充实自己的生活，锻炼自己的能力。他们对此感到很新奇，但是非常赞同我们的观念。
仿佛受到了我们情绪的感染，之后的会场气氛很活跃。双方成员相互发问，你来我往，彼此都对对方的课外活动和校园生活充满了好奇。在此过程中，尽管很多朋友的英文水平不是很高，但是为了表示对我们的尊重，抑或是为了借此机会提升自己口语水平，他们都坚持用英语与我们交流，我们相当欣赏他们的勤奋上进。交流会结束之后我们互赠礼品，他们赠送的国画和我们回赠的南大纪念牌，都寄托着我们对这份来自远方的友谊的祝福。
交流会的时间有限，最后大家都依依不舍。于是之后主人们又热情地带我们参观他们的校园。虽说不像南大里这样花开四季和绿草芳菲，冬日的内江师院里面又是一分景象：常青的松柏依旧傲然挺立，纷飞的梧桐叶铺成一地金黄，80年代修筑的木结构的红砖楼安静的伫立在校园一角。是时恰逢三位美术系的同学举办个人画展，在主人们的带领下，我们得以目睹一下未来艺术家杰作。虽然来自不同的语言环境，有着不同的文化背景，一路上当地大学生却跟我们谈得十分投机。可能是少了交流会时的拘谨，其实发现生活中的彼此都是很有意思的年轻人。
另外可能因为我们队员大多是男生，他们的志愿者刚好大多是女生，所以对彼此的兴趣就更大了。交谈中也显示出一些文化差异，比如当地学生说话比较直接，但是相对思想保守一些，当我们的男生直接称赞她们女生的相貌时她们会不好意思。我们私下也谈到了一些对于彼此的看法，比如他们很欣赏我们的对工作的乐观态度，认为当我们很享受自己的工作时，也就会有更多的动力坚持下去。反之我们则很看重他们地无私奉献精神，他们对待工作的严肃认真的态度，很值得我们借鉴。主人们待客很周到，还私下给我们赠送小礼品，我运气不错，收到三份礼品，一个中国结，一个福娃和一只小猴子毛绒玩具，只是苦于没有什么像样的东西回赠，倍感惭愧。
最后大家都借此机会互传联系方式，希望这份来自千里之外的友情能够继续保持。虽然我们有着截然不同的特色，但是这种志愿者之间这共同的理想和目标将我们紧紧地连在一起，让我们从彼此那里取长补短，求同存异。
~ Ding Chao
Project L.O.V.E 报道
2007年12月8日至18日，南洋理工大学（NTU）机械与航空学院（MAE）的15名学生在中国四川省内江市开展了一次献爱心支教活动。本次活动涉及当地4所中学和4所小学。在当地师生的配合下，活动圆满成功。通过此次活动，我们增加了自身经验，同时，也激发了当地学生对学习英语的 兴趣。
在小学，我们共准备了三个话题——北京2008，颜色与形状以及我的教室——来教一些简单的英语。每节课，我们都会先向学生介绍新加坡的基本情况，学生对此很有兴趣。同时三个班级展开三个不同的话题。学生在课堂上积极参与，对我们的提问都踊跃回答。教授单词语句过程中，学生跟随我们大声的朗读，并及时做好笔记。动手环节中，我们准备了粘土，折纸，绘图等活动让学生通过亲自动手，更加形象的对单词进行理解并记忆。在整个过程中，我们对学生的发音也进行了纠正。
课程结束后，我们带去了科技展。用形象生动的描述引起学生兴趣，然后在展台前让学生一一动手感受。每个展台前都围满了学生观看，尝试。
科技展结束后，我们和学生一起合影，签名留念。
五天中，4所学校的老师和学生给了我们鼎立支持，保证了我们这次活动的成功。活动圆满结束后，大家表示，此次活动很有意义，以后有机会还要参加类似活动。
~ Yuli
在小学，我们共准备了三个话题——北京2008，颜色与形状以及我的教室——来教一些简单的英语。每节课，我们都会先向学生介绍新加坡的基本情况，学生对此很有兴趣。同时三个班级展开三个不同的话题。学生在课堂上积极参与，对我们的提问都踊跃回答。教授单词语句过程中，学生跟随我们大声的朗读，并及时做好笔记。动手环节中，我们准备了粘土，折纸，绘图等活动让学生通过亲自动手，更加形象的对单词进行理解并记忆。在整个过程中，我们对学生的发音也进行了纠正。
课程结束后，我们带去了科技展。用形象生动的描述引起学生兴趣，然后在展台前让学生一一动手感受。每个展台前都围满了学生观看，尝试。
科技展结束后，我们和学生一起合影，签名留念。
五天中，4所学校的老师和学生给了我们鼎立支持，保证了我们这次活动的成功。活动圆满结束后，大家表示，此次活动很有意义，以后有机会还要参加类似活动。
~ Yuli
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Project LOVE (Cambodia)
Hi guys,
Exam is over now and we have to get to business for our project LOVE. I have receive reply from Prof Chui and she said there is alot of things we can do there. Here are some details:
-set up solar panel
-set up lightning conductor
-set up a small mushroom farm, to start growing mushroom as one of the -income generating project,
-to dig a small pond to rear fish
-to did trench in school compound to teach students about burying the rubbish.
-painting of classrooms
-put cement flooring for classrooms
-repair homes for the elderly
-give out food ration to elderly
Besides that her husband will check out a play in baray and see whethter there is any project that can cater to us. Here the link:
Exam is over now and we have to get to business for our project LOVE. I have receive reply from Prof Chui and she said there is alot of things we can do there. Here are some details:
-set up solar panel
-set up lightning conductor
-set up a small mushroom farm, to start growing mushroom as one of the -income generating project,
-to dig a small pond to rear fish
-to did trench in school compound to teach students about burying the rubbish.
-painting of classrooms
-put cement flooring for classrooms
-repair homes for the elderly
-give out food ration to elderly
Besides that her husband will check out a play in baray and see whethter there is any project that can cater to us. Here the link:
Prof Chui said if better if some one can follow her husband to recce the place in July to know more about the condition there. So if anyone interested to go pls inform me so i can inform Prof Chui.
We can also add our suggestion on what we can do there. I guess Cambodia will be a better place in terms of contact, flight and etc.
Hope to get comment from you all soon.
With a smile for everyone,
Adrian
With a smile for everyone,
Adrian
Friday, April 4, 2008
Fundraising Tips
The cardinal rule of fundraising is that if you don't ask, you won't get anything. Who do you know? Ask anyone and everyone you know and don't know to contribute to your cause. One of the best ways is to actually go through the formal process of listing everyone you know.
1. Demonstrate the immediate impact of your donor's dollars: Explain how the donation will make an impact.
2. Keep it Short and Simple (KISS): Although you want to educate your donors about the type of work you will be doing, try not to tell them too much. If your information is too complicated they will get bogged down in details. Many of your donors will know nothing about third world development; they are more interested in contributing to a good cause (poverty, housing, environment, children, etc.). Too much information could alienate a potentially good donor. Keep your letters to one page.
3. Identify your support system: Some people will be extremely supportive and share your enthusiasm and excitement. Others will not understand why you or anyone else would want to work in a developing country. Still there are those who think that Westerners should stop trying to help disadvantaged people in other countries and concentrate their efforts on improving the quality of life at home. Talking to people serves as an informal polling process which allows you to investigate your potential funding sources. The various reactions you receive allow you to measure the level of interest and support your friends and family members have in your future endeavor.
4. Ask for specific amount of money: When you say "contribution" some people are thinking $5 while others are thinking $5,000. Make it easy for them. Tell people how much you want. Your more established professional friends or parents' friends can contribute more money than those who are still students or perhaps work in the nonprofit sector. Don't be afraid to ask your established friends for $100, $200, or even $500.
5. Treat your potential donor as a purchaser or investor: Let potential donors know what they are "buying." Tell them that a $100 contribution will cover your housing costs for three weeks, or that $100 will cover your transportation expenses for the trip and allow you to travel to the work site where you are needed. Someone may want to pay for your plane ticket, medical insurance or vaccinations. Remember though, that by giving you money, your donors are essentially investing in you.
6. Convey a sense of urgency and immediacy: They must act now! "People are struggling every day in Bolivia where I will be a volunteer." This limits their time to forget about giving you a contribution. Instill a sense of urgency.
7. Make it convenient for them to give you money: "If you don't have the money now why don't you post date a check?" The more flexible you are, the more money you can make. Whatever you do, get a commitment for payment rather than a promise. Ask them to fill out a sponsorship form and then get back to them at a designated time. If they tell you "I'll send you the check when I get paid," chances are, you will never see that money.
8. Give incentives or premiums: Even when you are fundraising for a good cause, it can be beneficial to you to offer creative incentives in return. For most people contributing money, it often is recognition and praise they want. Host a small open house before you leave to publicly recognize and thank your supporters. Write a thank you letter which includes a printed list of your supporters' names. This makes them feel appreciated and more likely to support you in the future.
9. Promise an educational presentation: Promising to speak to groups of show slides when you return can be a great way to secure funding from religious organizations, civic groups, alumni associations and educational institutions. For example, as an incentive, one volunteer promised to send all her supporters a "newsletter" from overseas. Tangible evidence of your actions abroad helps people "see" where their dollars have gone. Other visuals, such as pictures of you in your respective country can be good reminders of how they have helped. Remember, often the prime motivation for giving is how it makes the giver feel, not how it makes the receiver feel. Hopefully, your supporters will feel good each time they look at your picture or receive an update from you.
10. Expand your base & build your network: The more contributions the better! Your fund raising resource pool is limited only to the number of people you contact. To increase the volume of your contributions it is necessary to expand beyond your inner circle of close friends and immediate family members.
11. Always follow up: You have to get on the phone with the small businesses, the civic and religious groups, even with your friends and relatives, to let them know that you really do need their support, and that you were not sending that letter just to keep the post office in business. One follow up call can make the difference between them sending a check and pushing it to the back burner and never getting to it.
Fundraising Activities
Letter Writing
One of the most effective ways of fundraising is to do a letter campaign to as many relatives, friends, former teachers and professors, former co-workers, etc. as possible. Sending a detailed letter to over 100 friends and relatives explaining the program and what you hope to accomplish while you're on it will help you reach your goal.
Ask for a specific amount of money - $50 is a nice round figure, but for older, more established relatives and friends $100 is not too much to ask; for peers and fellow students, perhaps $25 to $35. You may want to break your potential supporters into two, three or more groups, sending a custom letter to each group based on your relationship with them or the amount of money you are requesting.
If you send out 100 letters asking for $50 on average, and one-half respond, you have raised $2,500. Often a few people will be very inspired by what you are doing, and may give much more.
"Buy - A - Something" Campaign
Another to way to request for general donations is to tie it into a campaign such as "Buy-A-Brick to Help Build a School in Bolivia" or "Buy-A-Seed to Help Plant Trees in Chicago." Make sure you have some literature to give people as well as a registration form that includes name, address, and how many bricks the person purchased. This is important to keep a record of who gave, because they might give again the following year. This is part of the institutionalizing the fundraising.
One key element to this type of fundraising is making your donation request appropriately affordable. By doing a Buy-A-Brick campaign, you should set the value of the unit, in this case a brick, low enough that your friends, relatives, classmates, or professional associates would be willing to buy one or two. People, especially students, will be more apt to buy a $3 brick than a $10 brick.
For your acquaintances who may have a little bit more disposable income, you want to make sure that they know whether or not their donation to your cause is tax deductible. This is a very important legal issue. You need to make sure you check with both your school and the collaborating organization(s).
University Funds
If you are a student, one major source of funding is your own college or university. Many school clubs are allocated a certain amount of funds through student activities. See if your club is eligible. Many departments also have discretionary funds for projects and programs. If your trip can be integrated into an academic or service learning course, there may also be some course funds that could be used for the trip.
One of the best resources on campus may be your University's development office. Their sole purpose is to raise money for the university and university programs. The alumni office may also be able to help especially in identifying potential alumni volunteers.
Grants
One of the most common ways to raise money is through grant proposals. Though a grant proposal is very simple to write, getting it accepted is extremely difficult. The Ford Foundation receives over 1,000 proposals a day requesting money. Also, grants are often time sensitive in that foundations have deadlines and funding cycles.
If you are going to go apply for grants, it is best to follow the "Who Do You Know" principle. One of the most comprehensive books on foundations is the Foundation Directory which is available at most libraries. In the Foundation Directory, it lists the board members of all of the foundations. See if someone you know is on the board of a foundation that might give to your cause. (The Foundation Directory also lists what types of projects foundations fund). Local businesses are far more likely to support you than large corporations. The key is to make a linkage between the owner of the business and you or someone close to you. You may want to approach the businesses with a letter first, enclosing all relevant material and a pledge form, the follow up with a phone call. Asking for $100 or more is not unusual. If you are a student, make sure you have the approval of the university when writing grants on behalf of your university program. Contact your school's development office for policies and procedures.
Service Clubs/Places of Worship
Service clubs such Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists, fraternal organizations such as Elk and Moose clubs, as well as churches and temples are excellent sources for fundraising. Most service clubs donate money. Follow the "Who Do You Know" principle. Is someone you know a member or know of a member?
The best course of action is to contact as many clubs in your area as possible and ask to give a presentation to their club. Many clubs have breakfast, lunch, or dinner meetings which may last anywhere from 1 – 2 hours. If you get accepted to speak at a club, be prepared to speak for 15 - 20 minutes. If you're fundraising with a group, we suggest sending two speakers (preferably 1 male and 1 female), but no more than three. This is your chance to sell your program. Visual aids such as slides and videos help tremendously. Remember, you are not asking for money for your vacation, you are asking for a donation to a charity and to make a difference in the world. Also, let them know that you would be willing to come back and show them slides or a video of the program.
How much should you ask for? Many of these organizations get inundated for requests for money. If you try to ask for $2,000-$4,000, the chances of them donating it to you are very slim. It is our suggestion to ask for $200-$400 which is much more reasonable. After the meeting, write a follow up letter thanking them for letting you speak and reiterating your request for money. Be specific on how much money you are requesting and how it will be used. Instead of directly asking for money, you may want to ask if they will help you in a joint fundraising event. 2-3 weeks after the meeting, if you have not heard from them, give them a call. Be persistent, but not pushy.
When you give a post-program presentation make sure that you explain how their money helped achieve something worthwhile. Also, if you are fundraising as a group, ask for them to consider making an annual gift to your club next year. This is part of the institutionalizing of your fundraising. Hopefully, every year your club can count on a donation from that organization - the only cost to your club will be sending speakers twice a year. (Plus, the speakers will get a free meal and meet some very nice people).
Events
When designing an event, make sure that the expected amount of income from an event is worth the amount of time and money put into the event. If you spend 80 hours and $500 to raise $1,000, is it worth it? Simplicity and efficiency should be your guiding rules.
Sales -- One of the traditional ways to raise money is through bake sales, candy sales, garage sales, etc. Some sales such as candy sales cost money (i.e. you buy the candy for $.25 a bar and sell it for $1.00). One warning with sales (especially candy) is to be careful not to eat your profits. Often sales can be associated with holidays - pumpkins for Halloween or flowers for Valentines Day. One of the easiest and most profitable sales is setting up a table outside a very busy intersection on campus and selling coffee and soda. Another easy sale which has little overhead is to have a rummage sale. As with any sale, make sure that you have the university's approval.
Raffles -- Often groups can get items donated to them from local stores and restaurants which they can use to raffle off - usually at a larger event such as a dance. Use the "Who Do You Know" principle. If there are no larger items to raffle, sometimes groups buy something like a television as a "grabber" to get people interested. This is fine as long as the raffle brings in well over the amount of the item(s) purchased.
Parties, Dances, Music -- These can range from gala black tie affairs to simple pizza parties. Again, I suggest simplicity. Use the "Who Do You Know" principle. Do you have a friend in a band? Do know the owner of a bar or restaurant? Some simple events include having a band play at a club, and your group gets the cover charge or a percentage of the drink sales.
Chances are a restaurant or bar won't be willing to just give you food and drink, but if you can make it worth their while, they would be happy to accommodate you. For example, offering an all you can eat buffet at a restaurant for $15 where you get $7.50 and the restaurant gets $7.50.
These types of events can be very labor intensive or not at all. Be careful on how you structure it, and be clear on your expectations.
Concessions -- This is in a different category than sales because it refers to your club to be an agent for another organization. There are many types of concessions that your club can participate in such as selling soda at a sporting or music event to cleaning up the stadium after the event. Instead of asking a company to pay you for your labor, they donate a portion of the profits (i.e. 10-15%) of that event to your cause.
Unusual Events -- There are some companies that rent out items such as rock-climbing walls, sumo-wrestler body suits, Velcro suits and walls, as well as a myriad of strange other items that can be used for special events and fund-raising.
Media -- Do not overlook media outlets as a potential fundraising source. A good article in a local paper or an appearance on a local radio show can go a long way in generating support. Just produce a simple press release and send it to every newspaper, magazine, radio and TV station in your local area. Be sure to follow up a few days later.
Conclusion
Though we've provided just a few suggestions, it is important to remember why you are raising the money. Remember to be persistent. You will probably get a lot of doors slammed in your face and pretty discouraged at times, but there will also be a lot of people who you will find that support you and will help you. Most of all remember to have fun.
1. Demonstrate the immediate impact of your donor's dollars: Explain how the donation will make an impact.
2. Keep it Short and Simple (KISS): Although you want to educate your donors about the type of work you will be doing, try not to tell them too much. If your information is too complicated they will get bogged down in details. Many of your donors will know nothing about third world development; they are more interested in contributing to a good cause (poverty, housing, environment, children, etc.). Too much information could alienate a potentially good donor. Keep your letters to one page.
3. Identify your support system: Some people will be extremely supportive and share your enthusiasm and excitement. Others will not understand why you or anyone else would want to work in a developing country. Still there are those who think that Westerners should stop trying to help disadvantaged people in other countries and concentrate their efforts on improving the quality of life at home. Talking to people serves as an informal polling process which allows you to investigate your potential funding sources. The various reactions you receive allow you to measure the level of interest and support your friends and family members have in your future endeavor.
4. Ask for specific amount of money: When you say "contribution" some people are thinking $5 while others are thinking $5,000. Make it easy for them. Tell people how much you want. Your more established professional friends or parents' friends can contribute more money than those who are still students or perhaps work in the nonprofit sector. Don't be afraid to ask your established friends for $100, $200, or even $500.
5. Treat your potential donor as a purchaser or investor: Let potential donors know what they are "buying." Tell them that a $100 contribution will cover your housing costs for three weeks, or that $100 will cover your transportation expenses for the trip and allow you to travel to the work site where you are needed. Someone may want to pay for your plane ticket, medical insurance or vaccinations. Remember though, that by giving you money, your donors are essentially investing in you.
6. Convey a sense of urgency and immediacy: They must act now! "People are struggling every day in Bolivia where I will be a volunteer." This limits their time to forget about giving you a contribution. Instill a sense of urgency.
7. Make it convenient for them to give you money: "If you don't have the money now why don't you post date a check?" The more flexible you are, the more money you can make. Whatever you do, get a commitment for payment rather than a promise. Ask them to fill out a sponsorship form and then get back to them at a designated time. If they tell you "I'll send you the check when I get paid," chances are, you will never see that money.
8. Give incentives or premiums: Even when you are fundraising for a good cause, it can be beneficial to you to offer creative incentives in return. For most people contributing money, it often is recognition and praise they want. Host a small open house before you leave to publicly recognize and thank your supporters. Write a thank you letter which includes a printed list of your supporters' names. This makes them feel appreciated and more likely to support you in the future.
9. Promise an educational presentation: Promising to speak to groups of show slides when you return can be a great way to secure funding from religious organizations, civic groups, alumni associations and educational institutions. For example, as an incentive, one volunteer promised to send all her supporters a "newsletter" from overseas. Tangible evidence of your actions abroad helps people "see" where their dollars have gone. Other visuals, such as pictures of you in your respective country can be good reminders of how they have helped. Remember, often the prime motivation for giving is how it makes the giver feel, not how it makes the receiver feel. Hopefully, your supporters will feel good each time they look at your picture or receive an update from you.
10. Expand your base & build your network: The more contributions the better! Your fund raising resource pool is limited only to the number of people you contact. To increase the volume of your contributions it is necessary to expand beyond your inner circle of close friends and immediate family members.
11. Always follow up: You have to get on the phone with the small businesses, the civic and religious groups, even with your friends and relatives, to let them know that you really do need their support, and that you were not sending that letter just to keep the post office in business. One follow up call can make the difference between them sending a check and pushing it to the back burner and never getting to it.
Fundraising Activities
Letter Writing
One of the most effective ways of fundraising is to do a letter campaign to as many relatives, friends, former teachers and professors, former co-workers, etc. as possible. Sending a detailed letter to over 100 friends and relatives explaining the program and what you hope to accomplish while you're on it will help you reach your goal.
Ask for a specific amount of money - $50 is a nice round figure, but for older, more established relatives and friends $100 is not too much to ask; for peers and fellow students, perhaps $25 to $35. You may want to break your potential supporters into two, three or more groups, sending a custom letter to each group based on your relationship with them or the amount of money you are requesting.
If you send out 100 letters asking for $50 on average, and one-half respond, you have raised $2,500. Often a few people will be very inspired by what you are doing, and may give much more.
"Buy - A - Something" Campaign
Another to way to request for general donations is to tie it into a campaign such as "Buy-A-Brick to Help Build a School in Bolivia" or "Buy-A-Seed to Help Plant Trees in Chicago." Make sure you have some literature to give people as well as a registration form that includes name, address, and how many bricks the person purchased. This is important to keep a record of who gave, because they might give again the following year. This is part of the institutionalizing the fundraising.
One key element to this type of fundraising is making your donation request appropriately affordable. By doing a Buy-A-Brick campaign, you should set the value of the unit, in this case a brick, low enough that your friends, relatives, classmates, or professional associates would be willing to buy one or two. People, especially students, will be more apt to buy a $3 brick than a $10 brick.
For your acquaintances who may have a little bit more disposable income, you want to make sure that they know whether or not their donation to your cause is tax deductible. This is a very important legal issue. You need to make sure you check with both your school and the collaborating organization(s).
University Funds
If you are a student, one major source of funding is your own college or university. Many school clubs are allocated a certain amount of funds through student activities. See if your club is eligible. Many departments also have discretionary funds for projects and programs. If your trip can be integrated into an academic or service learning course, there may also be some course funds that could be used for the trip.
One of the best resources on campus may be your University's development office. Their sole purpose is to raise money for the university and university programs. The alumni office may also be able to help especially in identifying potential alumni volunteers.
Grants
One of the most common ways to raise money is through grant proposals. Though a grant proposal is very simple to write, getting it accepted is extremely difficult. The Ford Foundation receives over 1,000 proposals a day requesting money. Also, grants are often time sensitive in that foundations have deadlines and funding cycles.
If you are going to go apply for grants, it is best to follow the "Who Do You Know" principle. One of the most comprehensive books on foundations is the Foundation Directory which is available at most libraries. In the Foundation Directory, it lists the board members of all of the foundations. See if someone you know is on the board of a foundation that might give to your cause. (The Foundation Directory also lists what types of projects foundations fund). Local businesses are far more likely to support you than large corporations. The key is to make a linkage between the owner of the business and you or someone close to you. You may want to approach the businesses with a letter first, enclosing all relevant material and a pledge form, the follow up with a phone call. Asking for $100 or more is not unusual. If you are a student, make sure you have the approval of the university when writing grants on behalf of your university program. Contact your school's development office for policies and procedures.
Service Clubs/Places of Worship
Service clubs such Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists, fraternal organizations such as Elk and Moose clubs, as well as churches and temples are excellent sources for fundraising. Most service clubs donate money. Follow the "Who Do You Know" principle. Is someone you know a member or know of a member?
The best course of action is to contact as many clubs in your area as possible and ask to give a presentation to their club. Many clubs have breakfast, lunch, or dinner meetings which may last anywhere from 1 – 2 hours. If you get accepted to speak at a club, be prepared to speak for 15 - 20 minutes. If you're fundraising with a group, we suggest sending two speakers (preferably 1 male and 1 female), but no more than three. This is your chance to sell your program. Visual aids such as slides and videos help tremendously. Remember, you are not asking for money for your vacation, you are asking for a donation to a charity and to make a difference in the world. Also, let them know that you would be willing to come back and show them slides or a video of the program.
How much should you ask for? Many of these organizations get inundated for requests for money. If you try to ask for $2,000-$4,000, the chances of them donating it to you are very slim. It is our suggestion to ask for $200-$400 which is much more reasonable. After the meeting, write a follow up letter thanking them for letting you speak and reiterating your request for money. Be specific on how much money you are requesting and how it will be used. Instead of directly asking for money, you may want to ask if they will help you in a joint fundraising event. 2-3 weeks after the meeting, if you have not heard from them, give them a call. Be persistent, but not pushy.
When you give a post-program presentation make sure that you explain how their money helped achieve something worthwhile. Also, if you are fundraising as a group, ask for them to consider making an annual gift to your club next year. This is part of the institutionalizing of your fundraising. Hopefully, every year your club can count on a donation from that organization - the only cost to your club will be sending speakers twice a year. (Plus, the speakers will get a free meal and meet some very nice people).
Events
When designing an event, make sure that the expected amount of income from an event is worth the amount of time and money put into the event. If you spend 80 hours and $500 to raise $1,000, is it worth it? Simplicity and efficiency should be your guiding rules.
Sales -- One of the traditional ways to raise money is through bake sales, candy sales, garage sales, etc. Some sales such as candy sales cost money (i.e. you buy the candy for $.25 a bar and sell it for $1.00). One warning with sales (especially candy) is to be careful not to eat your profits. Often sales can be associated with holidays - pumpkins for Halloween or flowers for Valentines Day. One of the easiest and most profitable sales is setting up a table outside a very busy intersection on campus and selling coffee and soda. Another easy sale which has little overhead is to have a rummage sale. As with any sale, make sure that you have the university's approval.
Raffles -- Often groups can get items donated to them from local stores and restaurants which they can use to raffle off - usually at a larger event such as a dance. Use the "Who Do You Know" principle. If there are no larger items to raffle, sometimes groups buy something like a television as a "grabber" to get people interested. This is fine as long as the raffle brings in well over the amount of the item(s) purchased.
Parties, Dances, Music -- These can range from gala black tie affairs to simple pizza parties. Again, I suggest simplicity. Use the "Who Do You Know" principle. Do you have a friend in a band? Do know the owner of a bar or restaurant? Some simple events include having a band play at a club, and your group gets the cover charge or a percentage of the drink sales.
Chances are a restaurant or bar won't be willing to just give you food and drink, but if you can make it worth their while, they would be happy to accommodate you. For example, offering an all you can eat buffet at a restaurant for $15 where you get $7.50 and the restaurant gets $7.50.
These types of events can be very labor intensive or not at all. Be careful on how you structure it, and be clear on your expectations.
Concessions -- This is in a different category than sales because it refers to your club to be an agent for another organization. There are many types of concessions that your club can participate in such as selling soda at a sporting or music event to cleaning up the stadium after the event. Instead of asking a company to pay you for your labor, they donate a portion of the profits (i.e. 10-15%) of that event to your cause.
Unusual Events -- There are some companies that rent out items such as rock-climbing walls, sumo-wrestler body suits, Velcro suits and walls, as well as a myriad of strange other items that can be used for special events and fund-raising.
Media -- Do not overlook media outlets as a potential fundraising source. A good article in a local paper or an appearance on a local radio show can go a long way in generating support. Just produce a simple press release and send it to every newspaper, magazine, radio and TV station in your local area. Be sure to follow up a few days later.
Conclusion
Though we've provided just a few suggestions, it is important to remember why you are raising the money. Remember to be persistent. You will probably get a lot of doors slammed in your face and pretty discouraged at times, but there will also be a lot of people who you will find that support you and will help you. Most of all remember to have fun.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Project L.O.V.E 2008 - Canvassing event - ADIDAS SUNDOWN MARATHON 2008 VOUNTEERING
Dearest LDPians,
Project L.O.V.E 2008 is having our very 1ST canvassing event for ADIDAS SUNDOWN MARATHON 2008 as Race Day Helpers. Tasks will be notified asap.
The details are as follows:
Date: 31st May 2008 to 1st June 2008
Time: from 2100 hrs to following day 1200 hrs
Benefits per volunteer:
- Transportation to nearest MRT station (pending)
- 1 Adidas volunteer t-shirt
- Goodie bag
- Meals provided
- Allowance of $20 (might increase to $30)*
*Half of the allowance will go into L.O.V.E Foundation.
This serves to forge good bonds among LDPians and experience the thrill of the race of endurance.
Join us! Send your enquires/particulars to ldp.project.love@gmail.com BY this friday, 4th April 2008 as the format stated below:
Full Name:
Gender:
NRIC no. (Singaporean):
FIN no. & Passport I/C (Foreigner):
Email address:
HP no:
Shirt Size (S/M/L): (*girls are advised to take S size)
Home Address:
Warmest Regards,
Adrian Leong
Team Leader
Project L.O.V.E 2008
Leadership Development Program (LDP)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Cambodia Trip
Hi guys, I get the information from Prof Chui last saturday regarding her school in Cambodia. Need some feedback from you all.
She said basically if we go there we are not under any organisation and subsequently the cost will be much lower.
Next is what we can do here and there.
1) Collect school bags for the children there because they dont have proper school bags. Maybe we can have a bags donation drive to collect all the bags for them.
2) Solving the electricity problem in the school. Because the villagers and schools cannot afford to buy the kerosine for generators, we can come out with an idea of effective way to generate electricity for them? Solar power? Dunno. It is all depend on us and it is a challanging one.
3) Teaching villagers to do handicraft for them to sell it to earn income. For this we need the help from those that have creative mind.
4) Paint and decorate the school. This is labour job.
5) Free eye checking for the villagers.
As the Vision for project LOVE is Make a Difference, we should do something that they can't do and not the thing that they can do themselves. For the transfer of school bags and other essential things from here to there, dont worry Prof Chui have a contact that can fly those thing for us by using air cargo FREE.
For accomodation, actually they are doing homestay there which is developed by the contact person there as a source of income for the villagers. So we will probably stay there but don't expect to have aircon and hot shower. Do expect to have some bugs at night. We will really to have kampung life there.
Adrian will try to ask the contact from prof Chui regarding the contact person there and see whether she got any other projects interesting for us.
by ChongChin
She said basically if we go there we are not under any organisation and subsequently the cost will be much lower.
Next is what we can do here and there.
1) Collect school bags for the children there because they dont have proper school bags. Maybe we can have a bags donation drive to collect all the bags for them.
2) Solving the electricity problem in the school. Because the villagers and schools cannot afford to buy the kerosine for generators, we can come out with an idea of effective way to generate electricity for them? Solar power? Dunno. It is all depend on us and it is a challanging one.
3) Teaching villagers to do handicraft for them to sell it to earn income. For this we need the help from those that have creative mind.
4) Paint and decorate the school. This is labour job.
5) Free eye checking for the villagers.
As the Vision for project LOVE is Make a Difference, we should do something that they can't do and not the thing that they can do themselves. For the transfer of school bags and other essential things from here to there, dont worry Prof Chui have a contact that can fly those thing for us by using air cargo FREE.
For accomodation, actually they are doing homestay there which is developed by the contact person there as a source of income for the villagers. So we will probably stay there but don't expect to have aircon and hot shower. Do expect to have some bugs at night. We will really to have kampung life there.
Adrian will try to ask the contact from prof Chui regarding the contact person there and see whether she got any other projects interesting for us.
by ChongChin
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Reaching on the 1st day!
After all the tedious preparation, we were finally ready to set off to our destination, Nei Jiang, China! The team reported at 6.30am at Changi Airport for the 8.20am flight. Upon the arrival of all members, the assistant team leader, Yuli helped us to check in at the designated counter. Before we entered the security gate, a photo session was held to mark down our departure from Singapore. “Goodbye, I’m leaving!” was what everyone said to their loved ones who came to send them off.
We then proceeded to the departure hall, here we waited to board the airbus! For some of us, it was our first time boarding a plane. It was exciting yet at the same time, apprehensive as we do not know how it felt like to be flying on a plane. Soon, the plane took off from the Singapore soil and off to Chengdu’s airport!
We were welcomed by the chilly weather (roughly at 8 deg) when we alighted from the plane as well as the local officers who liaised with us for Project L.O.V.E. We were treated to a nian yu meal for lunch. We had a shock! 8 big plates of sliced fish were served in front of us. Although stuffed, we tried our very best to finish the food as an act of courtesy. With the completion of a hearty meal, we continued with our journey to Nei Jiang.
We were sent to the hostel (they called it – 招待所) where we spent our next exciting 1 week! After settling down, the assistant team leader, Yuli took us to have a delicious Sichuan steamboat dinner with the officers and his parents. During our stay in Nei Jiang, Yuli’s parents took care of us as well as the officers. Being a native of Nei Jiang, Yuli naturally became the native guide to us.
We were also treated the Sichuan spicy steamboat. I must say that the Sichuan spicy steamboat we had was very different from the ones we have in Singapore. To start, the raw food items were first thrown into the hot boiling soup. Once the food items were cooked, we dipped them in the sesame oil. This way, it brought down the hotness and the spiciness of the cooked food which was then suitable to be sent into our mouths. There were two pots containing two different soup flavours – spicy and non-spicy. The non-spicy pot was surrounded by the spicy pot.
The steamboat food items varied from Singapore; we usually have the common food like sausages, crabmeat, fishballs… Over at China, they prefer the internal organs like Pig’s intestines and different types of fish. They usually serve rice after main course and followed by desserts.
Finishing our dinner, Yuli brought us around the Nei Jiang City to admire the night sceneries. To our surprise, the locals were doing exercises in the late night at the Nei Jiang Square (广场)!
~ Sherri
We then proceeded to the departure hall, here we waited to board the airbus! For some of us, it was our first time boarding a plane. It was exciting yet at the same time, apprehensive as we do not know how it felt like to be flying on a plane. Soon, the plane took off from the Singapore soil and off to Chengdu’s airport!
We were welcomed by the chilly weather (roughly at 8 deg) when we alighted from the plane as well as the local officers who liaised with us for Project L.O.V.E. We were treated to a nian yu meal for lunch. We had a shock! 8 big plates of sliced fish were served in front of us. Although stuffed, we tried our very best to finish the food as an act of courtesy. With the completion of a hearty meal, we continued with our journey to Nei Jiang.
We were sent to the hostel (they called it – 招待所) where we spent our next exciting 1 week! After settling down, the assistant team leader, Yuli took us to have a delicious Sichuan steamboat dinner with the officers and his parents. During our stay in Nei Jiang, Yuli’s parents took care of us as well as the officers. Being a native of Nei Jiang, Yuli naturally became the native guide to us.
We were also treated the Sichuan spicy steamboat. I must say that the Sichuan spicy steamboat we had was very different from the ones we have in Singapore. To start, the raw food items were first thrown into the hot boiling soup. Once the food items were cooked, we dipped them in the sesame oil. This way, it brought down the hotness and the spiciness of the cooked food which was then suitable to be sent into our mouths. There were two pots containing two different soup flavours – spicy and non-spicy. The non-spicy pot was surrounded by the spicy pot.
The steamboat food items varied from Singapore; we usually have the common food like sausages, crabmeat, fishballs… Over at China, they prefer the internal organs like Pig’s intestines and different types of fish. They usually serve rice after main course and followed by desserts.
Finishing our dinner, Yuli brought us around the Nei Jiang City to admire the night sceneries. To our surprise, the locals were doing exercises in the late night at the Nei Jiang Square (广场)!
~ Sherri
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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