Thursday, July 26, 2012

Getting Creative with Awareness


Sometimes in philanthropy or awareness campaigns you have to think outside of the box (or in this case, outside of the t-shirt).  Teens spent a whole day hanging t-shirts on a clothesline in front of a local business in their town to bring awareness to deaths caused by smoking.  Talk about visual impact!  

Wouldn't it be cool to do something like this in your community?

  • Pick an issue you're passionate about in order to harness your creative energy.
  • Simple is the way to go.  Make sure you can explain your cause in two sentences or less.
  • Don't do anything alone! Get your friends/family AND your community involved.
  • Work within your financial limits (if you can't afford something, as for donations OR think of another way to spread your message.
  • Get creative with everyday objects.  Place old toys in front of community buildings to bring awareness to child abuse; tape empty water bottles to a store window (with the store's permission, of course) to encourage people to recycle.  
  • Create a tagline to explain your cause. For example: Beside a store window taped with many water bottles, post a sign that says “Imagine if you had to carry all the bottles you threw away with you while you were shopping.  Recycle!” 


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Summertime Philanthropy (contd)


Thirsty for more ideas on how to serve your community this summer?  No worries.  Like your favorite sunscreen, we’ve got you covered.  Here’s a list of simple ways to give back (and rack up community service hours while you're at it):

- Find a community garden near you and offer to de-weed or plant new seeds (be sure to take a floppy hat to protect your face and head from the sun!)
- Round up a few of your fellow YAC members to distribute fans to those at ballgames
- Gather small bottles of soap, shampoo and other personal hygiene products to donate to local jails or homeless shelters
- Volunteer at your local food bank by restocking shelves or delivering nonperishable items
- Write “thinking of you” letters to a nursing home (make sure you call to get a headcount of all the residents so you have enough cards)