• So you want to plan a walkathon…

    Welcome to Walkathon Guide, all about how to plan a walkathon (aka walk-a-thon), to build your confidence and make it easier to get volunteers and make them successful.

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New to Walkathon Planning?

Posted on August 10, 2016 by walkathonguide

Walkathon Planning - Where to StartHere are some posts to read when you are just starting out.  Each of these five articles link to the next in the sequence.  Like a treasure hunt for walkathon planning.

1. Setting Walkathon Goals

2. Four Criteria for  Pinpointing Your Walkathon Cause

3. Start Now for Next Year

4. Walkathon Volunteer List

5. Tips on Recruiting Walkathon (or any) Volunteers

You can do this!

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Filed under: advanced preparation, goals, introduction, publicity, Uncategorized, volunteers, walkathon planning in general | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Walkathon Volunteer Pinch Hitter

Posted on July 1, 2010 by walkathonguide
Designate a few pinch hitters for the most hectic days of your walkathon - just before and walkathon day.

William J. Bradley, Toronto, from Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

In the final days before your walkathon, when you wish you could clone yourself because there’s too much to do, your pinch hitters become that clone and  jump in with whatever unexpected, unplanned job that arises.

Be sure to recruit one or two walkathon pinch hitters among your key volunteers.

The ideal pinch hitter either has chaired a walkathon before, or plans to do so next year.  Otherwise, get people who are generally competent, energetic, and versatile.

Set expectations that you’ll need several hours of help during the last days before and the day of your walkathon.

My pinch hitter story had to do with orange slices – several crates of them.  It was the day before our walkathon.  The oranges had fallen between the cracks, belonging neither to concessions or the course setup team, and neither were ready to take on another big job. Meanwhile, I predicted six hours of slicing needed to be done and the crates of oranges sat in my van!  There would have been no joy in …  But enter Allison and Donna.  Donna  sliced two crates herself and Allison found buddies and divvied up the remaining crates.  Home run.

 

Filed under: volunteers, walkathon planning in general | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Making Your Walkathon Doable

Posted on March 26, 2010 by walkathonguide

Today’s blog from Seth Godin is about Fear of Philanthropy.

(Photo originally uploaded by RoguePoet)

My summary won’t have the same impact on you, but the main idea is that people might just do nothing if they fear that the only way to make a difference will be too hard.

If you are a walkathon planner:

  • You don’t have to be in charge of the Avon Breast Cancer Walk to be doing something important.  A  handful of walkers earning just a little bit of money is still making a difference.  A school or club out walking is spectacular. Whether the event takes three days, 24 hours, or one hour in the school gym, it’s making a difference.

For your volunteers:

  • Should you ask for one or two hours vs the all day commitment?  What is the right level of commitment for the people on your team?

For your donors:

  • Should you put out a message that just a little is enough?  Sometimes a minimum donation can mean more donations all together.

Filed under: goals, maximizing funds, setup, walkathon planning in general | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Walkathon Volunteers

Posted on December 31, 2009 by walkathonguide

Here’s a quick tip on how to get volunteers for your biggest walkathon planner and organizer jobs.

Create a list of the walkathon jobs you need to fill. Then for each job, create a list of at least three candidates. Then just get on the phone (or email or Facebook) and start asking. The minute you get a “no”, move on to the next person in line. Tick through your lists until you get a “yes” for each job.

The key here is not to pause when someone says no but rather to immediately move on to your next candidate.

If you don’t know what you need for volunteers, use my walkathon volunteer list as a starting point.

Looking for more info?  Subscribe to my newsletter or use the Categories, Tags and Top Posts to decide what to read next.

Newsletter:  Free Ideas to Make Your Walkathon the Best Ever

Sign up here to get my free Walkathon Guide newsletter by email.  You’ll receive updates whenever I post here. You address will never be shared beyond Walkathonguide staff and you can opt-out immediately any time.

1. Type the date of your walkathon in the box below.  Approximate is OK.

2. Tell us about your walkathon (optional).

3. Click “Submit” below the box.

Filed under: volunteers, walkathon planning in general, walkstars | Tagged: , | Leave a comment »

Nominate a Top Walkathon Volunteer for Cash, Sweat and Tears Award

Posted on December 14, 2009 by walkathonguide

Cash Sweat and TearsDo you have a walkathon volunteer who stands out in deserving recognition? Check out Run Walk Ride’s “Cash, Sweat and Tears” award opportunity. It’s free to apply, and applications are due tomorrow.

Just by applying you will honor your volunteer. Every nominee will be honored with a Cash, Sweat and Tears Certificate of Merit and recognition on http://www.runwalkride.com. One outstanding nominee will be recognized at the opening dinner of the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Conference. They’ll be honored with a trophy, a $500 donation to the charity of their choice from Blackbaud and a wardrobe of athletic footwear and apparel donated by New Balance.

Filed under: publicity, thank you, volunteers, walkstars | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a comment »

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