Many of us want to be able to help a good cause but sometimes, especially at the moment, finances can be tight. Understandably, not everyone can commit to the financial obligations that come with donating to a charity regularly, like sponsoring a child, but also one-off donations can sometimes be out of reach, especially when there are so many charities out there.
However, in this digital age, there are other ways to support a charity and show commitment to them which doesn’t involve financial commitment. By spreading the word and making the great work they do known to your network, you could encourage further cash donations and support down the line.
But how can you spread the word about a good cause like providing education for children in Cameroon? Here are just a few pointers to get you started:
Research the issue
Firstly, if you’d like to spread the word about a charity and raise awareness, we’d recommend doing your research so that you’re sharing informed and accurate information.
For example, we search for sponsors to help children access education and break out of the poverty cycle so that they can achieve their dreams. An understanding of the extent of poverty in Cameroon and the obstacles which prevent many children from going to school can help to fully understand the importance of our mission and the difference our work can make.
Raising awareness and spreading the word about a charity will be much more effective if you believe in the mission and your intentions seem authentic. With tonnes of information online, through the charities blogs and all over Google, there are plenty of opportunities to read up.
Share, share, share
The biggest way you can raise awareness is to share social media posts. It’s simple and can be done at the touch of a button, yet it automatically shares the charity’s post with everyone in your network - which could potentially be hundreds of people.
Whether you share a Facebook post, Instagram story, Retweet or even share on Instagram, you’ll be helping a charity reach more people and even potentially increase their social media following, which could lead to more people doing the same. Share blogs which you find interesting, you never know they may peak the interests of other people you know too and inspire them to help. The other advantage of sharing social media posts for a charity is that you’re sharing their words and experiences, so they remain factually correct.
Get social
As well as sharing charities’ posts on social media, you can also share your own. People in your networks, whether social or professional, will appreciate the authenticity of you telling people why this cause has inspired you and may be tempted to research and spread the word themselves. Although sharing the words of a charity is great, sharing your own thoughts and connections may be more inspiring to people you know.
For example, if you’re passionate about education - perhaps you’re studying to be a teacher - your network will understand why helping children access school in Cameroon is close to your heart. Personal connections always mean more and you never know, other people who are in the same position as you may resonate with the charity in the same way.
Tell your family and friends
Although in the world of social media, it seems like sharing online is the best way to raise awareness, do not underestimate the art of conversation. Telling your family and friends about a great charity you’ve discovered could lead to them doing some further research, telling their friends and continuing the chain of awareness. It may lead to some further cash donations and funding for the charity too. There will be people that you can reach through word of mouth who aren’t in your own social media network, think of your family friends, work colleagues or even in those casual conversations with strangers, the possibilities are endless. You never know who could end up finding out about a charity after you tell your friends and family.
Fundraise
While you may not be in a position to make a financial contribution to a charity yourself, you may be able to fundraise for a charity and raise awareness at the same time. From running a long distance, doing a sponsored walk, making items to sell for a charity or even a bake sale, you’ll be helping to raise money but also spreading the word. Using online fundraising platforms like Go Fund Me can allow you to explain why you’ve chosen this charity and help to spread the word amongst your network and beyond.
Volunteer
Another way to raise awareness is to volunteer. You may not have the money to make a financial commitment to a charity, but you could have the time to donate your skills instead. For example, helping with social media and digital marketing efforts can help a charity to raise awareness, but so can donate a few hours a week to volunteer at a shelter, charity shop or with a charity in person. Your volunteering efforts will naturally flow into a conversation from time to time, whether it’s your friends asking what you’re up to at the weekend or even in a job interview. Without realising you’ll be helping a charity but also spreading awareness for the work they do too.
If you’d like to volunteer at Children of Cameroon and help us to find sponsors which can change our children’s lives, take a look at our open opportunities.
If you’d like to help us raise awareness for our work, follow us on social media. We’re active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn so you’ll be able to find us on your platform of choice. You’ll find a large variety of posts to share, from charity updates to information about the current crisis in Cameroon and of course our latest blogs.
Plus, you can sign up to our newsletter to make sure you never miss an update about our work helping the children of Cameroon to achieve a better quality of life. Our volunteers work to find sponsors as well as help the children to access safety, education, nutritious food and basic health and safety.
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