Do you learn by listening? Then we have the podcast for you… words of wisdom from my friend Roger Carr and I, all about planning walkathons. Click to listen.
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Some planning thoughts… If you’ve read the Walkathon Guide book, you’ve seen this chart. This chart is a simplified view of what each committee needs from the others. Each chapter of the book gives a more detailed list of dependencies for each committee.
Look at this chart, then make your own version. Draw a weekly time line on a whiteboard or banner paper. Make note of who needs to supply what, to whom, by when, then make sure everyone knows of these dependencies.
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Map your walkathon route and site, including water stations, concessions, and even waystations that add to the fun.
Consider the following factors when you choose your walkathon site and route:
Reach agreement between your leaders and any outsider who controls the site on the date and exact location, and if necessary, obtain written permission from those responsible. Be sure you inform other groups who would normally use that site, such as sports leagues, that it would be unavailable or shared that day. If you are a community organization in a small town, consider presenting to your town council to obtain moral support and keep them informed.
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The American Heart Association's two color "Go Red" campaign - high impact.
If you are planning a walkathon for October or sooner, then it’s time to develop your artwork. You’ll use it on signs and then t shirts and also put it on your website and registration materials. If you want to put out yard signs, order them as soon as possible. Forward this post to your publicity chair person if you’ve got one!
I asked Roy of Roy Rezentes Design what a walkathon planner should think about in creating their art work, assuming
He said to choose a very simple and high impact color scheme with just one main color and one accent, then use it everywhere. The limited colors minimizes cost but can also have greater recognition than a more cluttered approach. Think Avon Breast Cancer pink with purple, American Heart Association red with white. With your two colors on flyers, yard signs, a banner or two, a website and Facebook page your words and images will really start to pop.
He also recommends you read “Ten logo design tips from the field”, from Logo Design Love blogger David Airey (click here to see it). We thought parts were a bit heavy for non-artists but still well worth a look.
For yard signs, I love Build a Sign so much I look for excuses to order yard signs (click here to visit their site). They are quick and the signs always look great. I use the online tool, sometimes exclusively and sometimes with artwork that I upload.
For t-shirts, I’ve worked with the same supplier for many years with great success. You get what you want, on schedule and at a great price. Go to the Walkathon Shop for a quote.
Filed under: advanced preparation, publicity | Tagged: advanced preparation, publicity, t shirts, walkathon supplies, websites for walkathons | Leave a comment »
Check this out from today’s ABC News:
“A young British schoolboy has raised more than 100,000 pounds ($160,000) Monday for Haiti’s relief effort by cycling round his local park.”
Two thoughts for even the smallest walkathons (or bikeathons):
Read more… UK 7-Year-Old Raises Tens of Thousands for Haiti – ABC News.
Filed under: maximizing funds, publicity, technology, Uncategorized, walkathon planning in general, walkstars | Tagged: advanced preparation, fundraising, fundraising software, online donations, planning a walkathon, publicity, walkstars | 2 Comments »
Walkathon Guide 