I have joined a community project to try to change my life for the better....see details?

Question

I joined a committee to raise money for the new YMCA that will be built in my town. The thing is, I have never done anything like this before. I don't even know that many people in my own community. I want to change that, and that's my reason for joining. I went to my first meeting tonight and it went o.k. but they want us to go door to door or have a neighborhood meeting to discuss donations w/our neighbors. I don't even know where to begin. How should I approach people? What should I wear? I'm nervous about it.

Answer 1

Always approach people with caution and with respect for their time and their privacy. You should not be forceful with them, nor should you just give up at the first sign of refusal. These people are your neighbors. Whether or not you want to form any kind of relationship with them is up to you. However, keep in mind that you do live near them, and you want to keep at least a vaguely friendly relationship with all of them.

I know that I do not like door-to-door solicitations. You indicate that your ulterior motive is to meet people. So, instead of going door to door, why not put together a Saturday block party (I hate that term, but what else do you call it?). I know! Throw a Barbecue Lunch where people are invited to come and bring their families. Have some music playing that will appeal to the majority of the people there. Have plenty to eat and drink (you may need to get some people to help out by bringing drinks or food). If you have lots of young kids in your neighborhood, you might check into getting a water slide, or some such, to keep them out of your hair.

This way, you get to meet people, hopefully, they will have a nice time, and while you mingle with everyone, you can casually tell them about your volunteer work and gently see if any of them would like to help your cause. Try not to corner anyone, and try to be aware if anyone starts to appear uncomfortable - you do not want to run them off. A soft sell usually works much better.

Get them to relax and have fun, and they will be MUCH more willing to help you out, than if you just go door to door, or plan what most of them will consider a boring meeting.

Answer 2

get a web designer to donate a website so u could put up a small website that explains in detail who is rasing the money, why, the benefits, the backing of the YMCA and contact info for them to contact you.

*link the National YMCA site to your site for credibility () u may need permission from National Headquaters to do this()

*make the purpose of the site a *grass roots donation* tool

*use paypal to provide users a secure method of donating (this allows them to donate even if they don't contact you personally)


get a printer to donate the printing and and print up 10,000 or so Donation Info Cards (business cards with condensed info from the website). include the website address on the card so they can research more at their convienince.

hand these cards out to EVEYONE. just go up to them and say:

"hi, have you heard about the new YMCA coming to town"

hand them a card and say: "here is some info. there is a website address on the card and my contact info if you have any other questions" .. "call me anytime!" btw my name is *****

don't tell them ur name first: sales people do that and people have learned to freeze up when they hear: hi, my name is....

(or they finish your sentnce with "SlIM SHADY" :)

if the situation presents itself, always try to conclude with a handshake (with men this is a bonding ritual) and they like shaking a womens hand.

with women it's best just to be zealous, friendly and non-evasive. try not to "crowd" a female, that makes them defenseive and it should. if there is a connection that's cool.

then just say:

"the YMCA really appreciates your support...thanks"

in approcahing people with these tools and in this manner, you should be more confident and get more confident in yourself as well as learn to be more prepared to converse about your mission and your passion. use the biz card to stay on track if the person really wants to know more then and there.

hope this helps..good luck

Answer 3

Door to door is not a good idea. Send them letters or call.

Answer 4

if you consider people as your friend you can treat successfully
in social behavior ,it is enough to be optimistic about the other people,so you can approach every one with just