From now until December, we are asking you to raise money for the men, women, and children still affected by LRA violence in East and central Africa. We know it’s a tall order, so we’re addressing 10 things that might be preventing you from diving headfirst into fundraising. Prepare to have all your #zeroLRA campaign myths busted.
1) Fundraising is a lot of effort.
Not necessarily. Sure, you can spend a lot of time and effort planning big events (hello résumé), but there are countless fundraisers you can pull off with minimal effort and huge returns. Mail letters to relatives and friends (look, we already have a letter written for your use). Send out a quick Tweet or Facebook post. One of our top fundraisers, Alyssa, works as a waitress and has made a commitment to donate a portion of her tips to #zeroLRA . With a minimal effort, a little creativity, and solid dedication, you can leverage your current situation to help you raise money. And just in case you need help getting started, we have a Fundraising Toolbox and a Fundraising Pinterest board to save the day.
2) I don’t understand the purpose of the #zeroLRA campaign.
The purpose of the #zeroLRA campaign is to dismantle the LRA from within by convincing LRA fighters to peacefully surrender until ultimately there are no soldiers, no killing, and no war. At the same time that we demand the number zero, we are also celebrating every escape, every name, and every life. Hence, the campaign can be boiled to this: Stand for nothing. Celebrate everything.
3) I don’t understand why you need my money.
If our mission is to dismantle the LRA, then this is how we’re going accomplish it: by funding the programs that are proven to result in more LRA defections. Some of the programs that have proven to bring more soldiers home are our flier drops, radio broadcasts, and helicopter messages – all of which spread “escape” instructions and “come home” encouragements. These programs are already in motion, and all we need is the fuel to keep them operating effectively and efficiently. That’s where you come in: you will provide the monetary fuel to ensure that these programs can continue, because the more times we can afford to drop fliers into the jungle or blast “come home” messages from radios and helicopter speakers, the more people will escape the LRA.
4) I don’t trust that Invisible Children will use my money well.
Being honest and transparent about how Invisible Children spends its money is a huge priority to us. All fundraising donations will support our unique four-part model: media, mobilization, protection, and recovery. This integrated model enables us to address the LRA conflict in its entirety, including immediate needs and long term effects. Without one of these segments, Invisible Children would not be able to raise awareness, inspire global action and advocacy, or offer protection and recovery resources to war-affected regions. Your fundraising support will ensure that all these facets of our work will continue to succeed. Feel free to view our financials or our rating on Charity Navigator (disclaimer: they give us a four out of four star rating for financial health).
5) I don’t feel comfortable asking people for money.
It’s important to remember that asking for help is not just beneficial for those that receive it – rather, people who share their resources feel fulfilled knowing they are doing good for others, too. Tell people honestly why this cause is important to you, and remind your friends and family that your fundraising page is merely the bridge between life-saving aid and those still held captive by Kony’s army.
6) I don’t have any networks – I’m not in school or an Invisible Children club.
There are plenty of communities you can tap into even if you are no longer in school. In addition to reaching out to family and friends, many fundraisers can be adapted for offices, churches, apartment complexes, or public places like coffee shops. Hold a yard sale and donate the proceeds. Host a dinner party and apply a small cover charge. Sell cookies around the office. You are surrounded by people – all you have to do is reach out to them.
7) I don’t have any resources – I don’t have anything to sell, and I don’t have money to sink into a big fundraising event.
Broke? We get it. Thankfully, there are literally countless things you can do that just require your time and talent rather than your money. The best way to approach fundraising on a budget is to simply come up with a cost-effective idea that is tailored to your skills or talents (asking donations for yardwork? Babysitting? Musical performances?), spread the word or ask for sponsors, and go for it. Here is link for 100 fundraisers, most of which cost little to no money. Our Fundraising Toolbox will be updated throughout the campaign, so be sure to check in often.
8) It won’t make a huge difference whether or not I fundraise.
Your money goes so much further than you know. For $1, you can fund the escape flier that a solider will hold above his head as he signals his surrender. Raising even $50 or $100 affords the literacy education of someone through one of our adult education programs, or pays for LRA security alerts throughout remote villages. If amounts that small can make that big of a life-saving difference in people’s lives, you can see how important you are in this campaign. No amount is too small, and every amount will make an immeasurable impact. Learn more about the programs your money can pay under the “Another reason to fundraise” section on our #zeroLRA website.
9) The LRA have diminished considerably in size and strength – it really doesn’t require this much attention and funding.
The LRA are currently at one of their weakest points in history, which is why they deserve more resources than ever right now. With a visible light at the end of tunnel, we are in an advantageous position to finally end the LRA conflict. We know our goal of raising $3 million is a big number, but we also know that this funding has and will result in the escape of captive men, women, and children. $3 million is the collective cost that our International Programs Department and staff in central and East Africa have estimated will be required to implement our various programs and projects over the next year. It’s truly as simple as this: the more funding we put towards programs that are working, the more lives will be saved, and the sooner the LRA conflict will end.
10) I’m all for ending the LRA conflict, but I’m already busy helping other causes.
That’s amazing. There are so many important causes to support in this world, and while we do not elevate our mission above the humanitarian efforts of others, it’s important to realize how much of a difference you can make in ending the LRA conflict. This is a defining issue of our generation, and we want you to be part of one of the largest youth movements in history. Unlike many other global problems, an end to the LRA is tangibly within our grasp, and when the day comes when the war is over, we want you to feel your direct role in that.
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