4 Ways to Build Better Community Relationships
What is the importance of building better community relationships, and how can building these relationships help promote your fundraising cause?
In this post we share worthwhile tips that will help you fundraise through the power of building better community relationships. Afterall, We want to help you find the support you came to MicroGiving for!
- Build a Better Community through Relationships in the MicroGiving Forum – Remember that you are the best volunteer in your fundraising campaign! Improve your chance of successfully fundraising by taking action and by getting involved! MicroGiving’s forum is a great place to start. Volunteer a little of your time each day to meet and network with other members in our community forum. If you claim to be the ‘giving -type’, then show us! Give verbal encouragement and support to other members in our forum! When we see your involvement in the forum- it shows your commitment and dedication to making a difference in the little ways that you can. Members who don’t make much community effort are rarely successful in raising donations.
- Build Better Community Relationships through our Blog - One of the best ways to draw donor interest is by getting involved right here on our blog! Volunteer some time each day in engaging other members in the comment section. Ask questions and give answers! We have learned a lot about you through your feedback and involvement on our blog. Your tips, stories, and support have inspired us tremendously! When you share your feedback with us you become more human and you make a difference by providing insight that help out other recipients which conveys to donor’s that you care!
- Build a Better Community through Relationships on other Profiles – Another great way to promote yourself is by supporting other Recipient members on their profiles. Leaving kind, caring, and supportive comments speaks loudly of your sincerity and they improve the community here on MicroGiving. Building a consistent relationship with other Recipients (not just Donors!) shows the human, sympathetic side of you. Donors won’t donate to you just because you have a desperate need and because you drop by their page everyday to say hi. You need to show care, support, and interest in other Recipients. How do you expect for Donors to have sympathy for you, if you neglect to show sympathy and support to others who are in the same boat as you?
- Build Better Community Relationships outside of MicroGiving – Get involved in your local public community is a FANTASTIC way of reaching out and networking with other like-minded volunteers who share a “giving heart”. Don’t know how to get involved? Check out, Tips To Help You Get Started Volunteering. Once you find your niche, tell them about the MicroGiving community and the many opportunities to make a difference here in our online community! Establish a ‘Network for Good’ in your local town and neighborhood! There are oodles of online resources that will help you locate places in your community where you can volunteer and network with other like-minded “do-gooders”:
- www.volunteermatch.org
- www.servenet.org
- www.idealist.org
The more you get out there and build a better community through relationships within the MicroGiving and outside networks for good, the more you essentially “promote” yourself. Building community relationships strengthens your credibility as a sincere and compassionate being, who is equally worthy of a little support and compassion!
Give us your thoughts…
- What are some ways that you build a better community & get involved here on the MicroGiving site?
- What are you doing to make a difference outside of MicroGiving?
*Like this post? Share this link on your Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter profile so that others can benefit from it too!
Tags: network for good
14. March 2009 at 12:58 am :
If everyone would take time out for someone per day, what a better place this world would be.It makes you feel better,too. Here in Florida, they have what they call a share package for thirteen dollars of food. It’s a fifty dollar package of food. All you have to do is pay your money and voluteer one hour somewhere. Isn’t this a neat idea.
14. March 2009 at 2:02 am :
Just last night I went out aroud 11 PM to meet up with someone on the other side of my county and stayed till 4:30 AM fixing his computer because he was unable to do his own volunteer work without his computer. He fed us some rice and hot dogs and all the coffee we wanted. Today he is able to do the things he wanted to do on his computer to help others. Yes….volunteering your time, effort and skill goes a long way.
If you are need on MicroGiving I do really suggest not only promoting your own profile and request, but how about promoting for those you wish you could donate to…but just don’t have the money? If you promote on other networks for your MG community neighbors, they in turn will promote on their networks for you.
Also, if you are in need it really is a good idea to show what GOOD you do for others. People really do prefer to give to people who will give back to their community. Brag loudly and show proof of all the giving things you do locally and online to enrich the lives of other people (or animals).
14. March 2009 at 2:15 am :
Reply to:
Wow! I don’t think I could state it any better than that. Whoever wrote this post you did a great job!
I am pretty proud to say I do give back to the MG community as a donor. It’s not much, but my goals are to give back all I have received then match it then hopefully go beyond that. It’s going to take me a very long time but I’ll do it. I believe very strongly in helping others even if you are in need. We can’t always do that with cash, but I can’t really find any excuse for not giving some time to comment on these blog posts, comment on other profiles, check out the forum and leave a few comments for someone else having a rough time in life or promote other profiles off from the MG site using networks, forums, egroups etc we all probably belong to.
14. March 2009 at 2:28 am :
Pay It forward…..There really is lots you can do to help people besides donations.
1. Offer a mother some free time, by offering her a baby sitter.
2. Help someone spring clean their home.
3. Lend an ear for listening , when they need one.
4. recyle your old cleans…because what is old to you is new to someone else.
I could go on and on and on and on….well you get the picture…
Keep smiling…………
14. March 2009 at 6:02 am :
I’m so glad that I learned to Tweet and Facebook Microgiving! I feel this is one of the most important ways to get the word out about MG and it’s mission.
With all my heart, I believe that our forums can make a difference for other members of our community. My mission is to get the word out about MG, but also to introduce our new members to the BLOG and to our forums, there is
alot of great resources listed in both places.
I’m so hooked on this blog! LOL
14. March 2009 at 6:05 am :
RAOK’S are awesome, I forgot to share what our Joe did a few times this past winter.
We live behind a a Retirement Mobil Home Park, and he made coupons, that said
This coupon entitles you to a day of snow removal. I will shovel your side walks for you!
Just wanted to share that with you all. He did 6 trailors and he made 2 bucks in tips and he was so excite.
15. March 2009 at 6:03 am :
Lovely comments everyone!
Sherri- thanks for your commitment and support . We are lucky to have members like yourself.
Keep up the great work everyone!
All my best,
Michelle
15. March 2009 at 11:43 pm :
After work on Tuesdays I teach a GED class at my church. And I try to a least once a month help at the soup kitchen, Trust me I work and go to school and still have time to help and it really makes a difference. Especially today when people are placed in circumstances that they never imagined. People are really grateful and it makes me feel good. Not in a donation way but in a way that I could effect someone’s life and they have effected mine.
16. March 2009 at 2:53 am :
Thanks for your comment Shaunty! You’re absolutely right, people really are grateful these days when one gives of his or her time! It seems like ‘time’ is becoming more precious than money these days. Kudos to you for your active community involvement! ! !
16. March 2009 at 7:23 am :
There are so many benefits to our forums,I try to encourage each new member, to take the time to get to know others and to read and participate in the forums.
In my opinon, there seems to me more and more coming in. I think tha is great!
It’s also great to see more coming to the blog too.
16. March 2009 at 7:25 am :
Shaunty,
That is wonderful! Well said!
16. March 2009 at 4:49 pm :
Those are some excellent suggestions! #3 is great!! Lending an ear for listening is one of the most beautiful things you can do for someone in need. Great tips, thank you for your feedback HS Mom!
16. March 2009 at 4:55 pm :
Christy, thats a really cool program! We’ll have to pass the news around the MG quarters!
17. March 2009 at 2:11 am :
I have always been really big on giving to those that stand on a street corner. It wouldnt be much…gosh I didnt have much TO give…and one day someone asked me why do you do that… they are just going to goo use it for the wrong purpose. But I pretty much already knew that.I knew alsos that its not about what they do with it .. its about that I gave it. Its about what was in my heart, not theirs. That I had done my part of offering help.
In hopes that others would help as well,…and this person on the corner would see they are cared about and enough to care back about the givers…which the givers would love to see them use that money in a positive way.
But they may not ever do so if people just pass them by and give them the”look.”
Not all people on streets are asking for money to use for not so good reasons…but we can never know their story unless we ask… but we should take that chance to reach out to them b/c its not about them . but about the one giving.
17. March 2009 at 5:33 pm :
“I have always been really big on giving to those that stand on a street corner.”
There are many corners around the world and too many of them are full of drugs, theft, violence, and beggars. All of which are people. Some of those willing to make a change, others not. Some have stories to tell, some do not. All of which need help, but only God knows what type.
This brought three experiences to mind:
1. I was in Manhattan coming out of a Walgreens with some snacks for the walk ahead when I was approached by a “corner” man. “Can you give me some change?” He said. I replied, I don’t have any change, but would you like some of my food? He hesitated, then returned with, “Sure.” I gladly handed him half my food and carried on about my business. Moments later I turned around and he threw it at my feet in disgust. My immediate reaction was infuriated because I was poor and I knew I worked hard for that food that he not only wasted, but spat on. In time I had to believe that just that gesture was enough to establish a memory in his life that he could always reflect upon whenever it was he decided in his heart to make a change. Believing I made at least a memory of an impact in his life, I had to look within myself to make sure I did not let that initial reaction detour me from doing something like that again because next time it might be the right person!~
2. I was volunteering to cleanup a highly hazardous area under the Bay Bridge in San Francisco. Many homeless lived there, but because the crime had began to climb in that particular area, something had to be done. We suited up and while the police escorted the people out, we picked up the trash, the needles, the condoms, et cetera. (I apologize to those who feel the comments are graphic.) I am really not sure why they passed out suits because they would not protect any needle stick so we still had to be careful. As we were removing the debris and belongings left from the homeless men and women, I noticed a man standing on the curb where the freeway off-ramps merge together. That time of day traffic was inevitable for hours. He stood there collecting from givers until the traffic had run out. Quietly, when all cars had passed, he walked less than a block away, pulled out a shiny watch, repositioned on his wrist, opened the door to his lexus, and drove away. I, again, was infuriated but in a disappointed manner that this man could just sit there and beg for money as if it were his job duty. Later, as I reflected, I could only make myself believe there was a reason. I have to believe that he was more like a church, doing more good with that money than bad. Taking from the subconscious of city businessman and women to do with their money that they were not doing. I will never know, but I have to believe that to stay strong in my belief of giving. In believing that, I then have to believe that he was rewarded for the good doings that were inevitable in his life by the fancy watch and car and whatever else he had to his name. Perhaps this “manager of goods” is a microgiver~
3. Again, in San Francisco, I was volunteering for a local church while they were handing out food to gather people for a message of hope and love. Not being required to stay in order to receive the foods, we gathered all those in need. We delivered thousands of paper bowls filled with soups and chili, thousands of watermelons (that was me), and some other food types that I can’t remember at this time. Being in the heart of the city, we saw thousands of reactions to the giving. Some negative (when we ran out), but mostly positive. The experience was overall enlightening. I felt the power of giving overcome me and wished that state of nirvana could continue forever. I felt surrounded by my kind in comparison to the alienated feeling of everyday living and I only hope my children will know that feeling sometime in their life if they do not know it already~
17. March 2009 at 5:37 pm :
“Building a consistent relationship with other Recipients (not just Donors!) shows the human, sympathetic side of you. Donors won’t donate to you just because you have a desperate need and because you drop by their page everyday to say hi. You need to show care, support, and interest in other Recipients. How do you expect for Donors to have sympathy for you, if you neglect to show sympathy and support to others who are in the same boat as you?”
I never thought of it like that. I would have felt like I was begging or bothering in some way. I would not have wanted to disturb or interfere with the connections they already had~
17. March 2009 at 5:49 pm :
Taking advice from Becky… “Brag loudly and show proof of all the giving things you do locally and online to enrich the lives of other people (or animals).”
…I now volunteer all my free time to the grounds of my new home church and of course the MG blog.
After my 2nd visit there, I volunteered my time replacing hard to reach bulbs, repairing and cleaning the vacuums, pulling unwanted bushes that overtook the landscaping (from which I’ve received many thanks for, letting me know it was the most undesirable job to do). I did admit, I chopped 3 different drip lines because no one warned me about them. lol
Last Thursday my daughter and I visited the ground after I picked her up from school. We picked up leaves, pulled weeds coming from the curbs and had fun in the sun (so to speak). It was good volunteer time, though it was limited to 1 hour that day.
IS that enough bragging?~
17. March 2009 at 7:46 pm :
Thanks Sheri! What a remarkable outlook!!
17. March 2009 at 7:52 pm :
It’s great to see people like you, JT, who are active in the community! We’re continually impressed by how charitable our Recipient members are!!
17. March 2009 at 7:55 pm :
Thanks JT – Getting your little girl involved in volunteer work with you is very commendable! Wish more parents would spend time with their children in volunteer activities!
18. March 2009 at 1:57 am :
Oh JT I would have stood there with my mouth wide open and my eyes popping out if I had saw someone begging and then they walked off and got into a lexus with a nice shining watch…oh my gosh…
But I like what you said in the other one about ..not to let it stop you because the next person you give to could be the right person.
Its so true one can never know if your giving to the right person when they are standing on the street…its just the chance we take … and its whats in your heart as the giver… you will be the one truly blessed for the goodness and they will be the one having to be accountable in the end…
Here where I live there is a lot of elderly walking around during the day through town. It breaks my heart…to see them pushing grocery carts or walking with all their stuff in a bag.
One lady..I would see her everyday and then she was just gone. Then my daughter told me she had heard that another lady would come out of her house and start walking with her and talking to her etc. Come to find out that lady ended up taking her in and gave her a home. What a divine meeting that was!
So you just never know..whats in the plan when you do open your heart and just pray that the ones that do end up on the streets will realize that the compassion of others could actually take them far if they will allow it for themselves.. no matter what the story is… b/c its showing them people do care and they give with the “hope’ it helps them in a” need” and not a “want.”
Your outlook is awesome though!
(Sorry about the drip lines!!)
18. March 2009 at 2:07 pm :
You guys are so ON KEY! Thank you Sheri, Thank you JT! Thanks Everybody for sharing your thoughts on this post!
Something JT and Sheri touched on thats worth highlighting:
When you show kindness towards someone and they neglect to show appreciation back, don’t allow a negative reciprocation to deter you from showing further kindness to others, “because the next person you give to could be the right person”.
20. March 2009 at 12:40 pm :
Sorry to say i can’t brag with anything, i am new in this town and all my neighbors are almost absent, i see only greed around me and mean people, maybe is just my country but i rarely see anyone helping out. I help all my friends with my knowledge in IT, i fix PC’s and i give advices that is all i can do for the moment.
Maybe the self conservation is to active here.
20. March 2009 at 2:20 pm :
David – offering your service and knowledge to help others is such a wonderful way to give your charity!! As the old adage goes: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”! When times are tough we should try to exchange our services and helpful knowledge with one another as much as possible! Thanks for your feedback…=)
20. March 2009 at 7:55 pm :
I love that quote!
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.
I have been living the past 6 years with that quote in mind. Teaching my children how to do things themselves and for others has made a huge contribution to not only our lives (a stress reliever for parents), but the lives of others.
Thank you, it is exciting to hear it quoted all the time because of how powerful I believe it truly is~
30. March 2009 at 11:47 am :
I have found one thing true in life. No matter how down and out you may be there is always something you have to share with someone else. A smile, a little change, talking to someone when they are down. We have so much within us to give. I pray that somehow in my life that I have shown that what I have is from my heart and that I truly care. I wish each of you a remarkable day and remember to look for the sunshine after the storm. It is there and it is beautiful!
~Blessings~
1. April 2009 at 1:09 pm :
I think the biggest thing that I can give on here and the community is just making people smile. I was gone for a while and when I got back the people I work around at the Flea Market just made me feel so welcomed because I was missed. I try to make everyone smile and work extra hard at those who seem to be having a bad day. I found out that if my day is going bad all I have to do is spread a little friendship and my day is better. To take the extra step and be nice to those who are not nice is a challenge but, it pays back at the end.
Hoping everyone is having a good day!!!
11. April 2009 at 3:28 pm :
One of the best things to do for your community is to buy ” local ” . This is probably the hardest thing to do when there is a Wal Mart down the street . Small communities are literally being starved for customers. I am trying to get my employer to have local artisans in our shop. Instead of : Made in China. Buying gas in your town, food, prescriptions, clothing, even using the local Post Office instead of the larger fancier one in the next town. I live in a farming community. This morning I got stuck with my truck. My neighbor used his tractor to get me out. He refused to take the money I offered. He saved me a towing fee!!
15. April 2009 at 9:10 pm :
I wish my community was that way. They look at you bad at you if you tell people you are in need. People drive by if you have a flat tire or in the ditch. I am trying to change people’s thinking. I am so glad for this site it is so supportive and people care for one another. Keep up the great work everyone and thank you for the great ideas.
16. April 2009 at 11:48 pm :
Oh my gosh no they wont
( if you have a flat tire–and no one will stop and help) I actually broke down today…. on a major HWY… and no one would stop and help me 
Finally I was able to get it to drive in 3rd gear and got to an exit,,, no Drive and Reverse…
I just couldnt believe no one would stop
Hi everyone! I have been MIA b/c my computer crashed …again….. .this is just not my month!!!
Much hope and support to all!!
Sheridan
( and if you break down.. I WILL stop and help you lol)
17. April 2009 at 5:03 am :
I don’t think I have ever NOT stopped for a stalled car but I have been to cities and town where they do indeed just drive on by. Where I live people stop, that is just normal in our community. It’s either community spirit or well maybe you are just blocking the road..LOL..I can’t really be sure on that one but if you travel into the city….nobody stops.
Mimi, I agree completely with buying local but I guess in some areas like where Michelle (Admin) is from local vegetable merchants charge far more than the chain grocers and for a lower income family that would not be beneficial.
I’m in a rural area too so I know what you are saying. For rural townsfolk it is certainly healthier and economical to shop local produce stands and it is a great support to your neighbor who is earning an income to feed his own family.
22. April 2009 at 12:42 pm :
I cannot buy local I have to go into the city to a Walmart of Meijers. The only thing they have out our way is once in a while the Amish are set up selling there corn. One time I thought I would be nice and buy from them and they said it was sweet corn well,,,, I got it home and found out it was field corn. You could say that didn’t taste as well. So now if I buy from them I will get tomatoes.. Atleast a tomato is a tomato.
You all have great ideas! Thank you~
22. April 2009 at 9:50 pm :
We had talked aboutt his before about wether to give to those people that stand on street corners etc..and I always have…because I felt its about why i was givin and not what they would do with it… but the strangest thing happened a few weeks ago. There is this elderly lady that is always walking around town every day and all day… she wears the same clothes everyday. She just walks and walks and one day I was driving by and there she was lookin and picking at the ground.Picking up change I guess. So I just couldnt drive by…. so I pulled into a parking lot and she was walking towards it.I didnt have much but I wanted to still give…As she got close to me I spoke to her, and went to hand her a dollar… andOh my gosh she took off running! Not to me but away from me!
My oldest daughter was in the car with me and said Momma youve done scared her to death.
I couldnt figure out what I had done wrong….I felt so bad she had taken off running ..I sure didnt mean to scare her..I even looked in the mirror to make sure I wasnt THAT scarey looking.
…but I realized it was just the way it was… and next time I see her I know to keep my distance..and bless her heart…it just breaks my heart to see people looking on the ground for change…
But she kept on running and looking back like I was after her
I had even thought about going through my clothes and putting them in bag and leave them for her…on the side walk or something…. I dont know…