Wednesday, November 4

What?

Today we worked on last minute fundraiser stuff, as the fundraising event is at the end of the week for First Fridays. Attempting to get enough items to sell at the fundraiser. Luckily the official date and location of the Project Winterfood event have been ironed out and finalized so we can also promote the actual event we are raising funds for. It is a little early to expect people to remember an event that is a month away, but exposing people to the event is a start -- they will need to be reminded many times in the future to actually get people to come out.

We also posted more Call for Entries post and more partners joined in for support of the event. We also generated a list of information to help convince the audience the reasons to buy local produce:

• Buying local gives you freedom of choice for your family's health and nutrition.
• Buying local protects the environment.
• Locally grown food is fresh and delicious!
• Buying local supports endangered family farms and strengthens the local economy.
• Buying local protects open space and farmland.

So What?

Promotional apple cubes with the event date and time! People need something to catch their eye in order to remember it. Since people are so bombarded with so many images and information daily, it is crucial to do something that stands out, in both presentation (intriguing apple promo boxes) and in meaning (for a good cause, Project Winterfood).

It's very important to have an easily understandable list of reasons to back up your claims. The public wants to know WHY you are telling them to do something different, in specific terms (not just that it's better to do it that way or that it is "good" to do). If the points are quick, clear, concise, logical, and reasonable, you are much more likely to convince someone interested and inclined to change.

Now What?

Being able to quickly and effectively communicate ideas and concepts is a necessary skill when working on a variety of projects. Through this experience, I am able to work on honing my communication skills. Also, working to come up with ways to catch people's eyes and their attention is important! People can't hear your message if they aren't aware or not listening/paying attention, so finding a unique way to grab people's interest or pique their curiosity will open them up to learning more about your cause or project.