You gotta love ideas people
Ideas are great. I don’t want to imply that ideas should be buried and we should only do the same old fundraising over and over again. We shouldn’t. But imagine this: You’re running an event for your kid’s school and someone comes to the meeting and shares an idea. The idea is good — maybe even great. You are stretched too thin to implement it, and when you suggest they run with it you hear them say: “I’m way too busy, but you should totally do this.” Are you familiar with this scenario?
Maybe you’re doing some Monday morning quarterbacking on the last fundraiser you helped with and someone you’ve never seen before shows up to say the event was lousy and if you had only done XYZ, it would have been so much better. Your first instinct might be to use some colorful language and tell them where to go, but don’t (or at least you shouldn’t)! Is this ringing a bell for you?
We need to spend more time educating and less time ranting!
If you are involved at your school, you’ve probably come across these parents before. I know I have. There isn’t a year that goes by when at least one person comes across one of these “idea people.” The problem usually comes in when they are ONLY there to share their ideas and not help make them a reality.
Ideas are good. People who can implement ideas are better.
We have to embrace these idea people. Maybe, with a little encouragement, they will take on the next holiday boutique or walkathon. Or maybe they will always be just “the idea person.” But we have to give them an opportunity to shine and be their best selves. We don’t want to put out negativity that will drive them away from volunteering forever. After all, some of the ideas they have may be amazing!
No matter where you stand in the scenario, I wish you lots of patience, positivity, luck and an over-flowing cup of great ideas to make your fundraising successful.
If you could use some help with that, I’m here and happy to help! Have you signed up for my newsletter? Do it now, and I’ll send you 5 innovative ways to make more money for your kid’s school. I hate spam, so you don’t have to worry about that!
To Your Success,
Sarah
Sarah has been fundraising for schools since 2008. She is the author of A Mom’s Guide to School Fundraising and has consulted for several schools and clubs. She has been featured on RetailMeNot.com, Scholastic: Parent & Child and The New York Times. She thinks all kids should be able to have a well-rounded education, team uniforms, instruments and support. Don’t you?