Charity Walks Blog

There have been several articles and blog posts written lately suggesting that there are too many charity runs and walks. One of these posts is at http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2010/05/running-toward-an-awareness-overload.html.

I decided to examine the online community calendar of my local newspaper in Fredericksburg, Virginia. For today, the events listed include:

• 17 music events
• 4 art exhibits
• 3 theater events
• 2 book signings

Is it likely that people will complain about the promotion of too many music events? Art exhibits? I doubt it.

It is recognized that people have different tastes in types of music and art so multiple events on a given day are expected. So why isn’t it recognized that people have different passions regarding causes? Why isn’t it recognized that these charity events help provide nonprofit organizations with money, volunteers, public awareness, advocacy and partnerships with community businesses that are needed to make a difference?

What isn’t discussed is how many people are participating in these events. What isn’t discussed is how successful they are.

If there was true awareness overload, participation would dwindle, donations would evaporate, and sponsors would disappear. But that isn’t the case for most of these events. These events require hard work by many nonprofit staff and volunteers. They would be canceled if there wasn’t a good return on investment.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

Thanks,

Photo credit: ramzi hashisho

Technorati Tags: Advocacy, charity events, charity walks, Community Calendar, Fredericksburg Virginia, Music Events, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Staff, Partnerships, Passions, Public Awareness, Return On Investment, Volunteers

The Charity Walks Network launched today.  It is a free social networking site for people who are  passionate about charity walks. I am excited about the impact this network of do-gooders can have on the world of charity walks.

At the Charity Walks Network there is a forum to ask and answer questions.  There is a blog where each member can post personal thoughts and experiences.  There is even a section to promote charity walk events.

“Now walkathon leaders have a place to go to connect with each other, share ideas, and benefit from the accumulated wisdom of the crowd,” said Lee Garverick, author of www.walkathonguide.com. “This will be a wonderful asset for everyone.”

Those who are passionate about charity walks can include:

• Committee members
• Nonprofit staff
• Company sponsors
• Volunteers
• Walkers/fundraisers
• Donors
• Consultants
• Product/service providers

What are you waiting for? Go to http://CharityWalks.ning.com and get your free membership now. Start using the network to build friendships, find new ways to improve your charity walks, and help others.

Thanks,

Technorati Tags: charity events, charity walks, charity walks network, Committee Members, Company Sponsors, Donors, Free Membership, Fundraisers, Nonprofit Staff, Service Providers, Share Ideas, Social Networking Site, Volunteers, Walkers