Diaries of a Temp, Chapter 26: Fundraising Lessons from the Underemployed

Well I’ve done it all over the past year: quit several jobs, collected unemployment, worked as a Temp, waited tables, and officially labeled myself underemployed.

And now I’m going to Africa.

Seriously.

Yes, despite my still-uncertain career and financial status, I am taking advantage of my flexible schedule to “do my part”/”make a difference”/”love people”. So, for three weeks in September, I am going to volunteer my time and energies in the slums of Kibera (the largest slum in all of Africa).

Don’t pat me on the back or air five me just yet. Or ever.

I still have to raise the funds to do this. And the question now becomes, what are some of my best shots at fundraising at a time where people can barely put bologna on the table and gas in the  Segway?

As is my natural response to any quandry, I have developed a failsafe list for anyone else out there crazy enough to take this kind of risk right now.

So without further ado, I introduce: ‘Unethical and Unhelpful Ways to Raise Money for a Good Cause’:

• Create a giant thermometer that tracks my fundraising efforts. These are the most inspirational visual aids on the planet.
• Auction myself off as a wedding date on Craigs List. Charge $100 per wedding. Go to 25 weddings before September. Boom.
• Beg
• Get people to pledge a certain amount for every minute I’m there. “It’ll just cost you a nickel per minute! Think of THAT”
• Facebook message old coworkers and bosses and ask for loans
• Speak in terms people understand: guilt. “For the price of your daily grande no foam sugar free latte, you could be sending  me to go and help the Kenyan orphans…”
• Have a yard sale. I think my old prom dresses and coffee table will get me real far.
• CAR WASH! It works in the movies doesn’t it?
• Blog about it and include links to where they can donate.  Hehehe.

How many lives do you live?

LR

To hear more of LR’s musings, connect to the world wide web and check out her blog!