Fundraiser

A lot of people have been asking me how I like the stay-at-home-mom lifestyle. To be honest, I am still trying to figure it out. I am keeping pretty busy trying to adjust to be a caretaker, doing contract work and catch up on things I haven't done over the past 6 months. It's all quite a transition, really. I don't think I'll be able to answer the question for a few months. I think the trip to Florida helped me as it gave me a break and opportunity to clear my head for a moment.

As I've mentioned before, though, I am also participating in a local United Way program every week. It's a great program and it keeps me off the streets. Well, the new thing to keep me busy is that I'm trying to raise $300 for this program. I HATE fundraising. As a kid, I hated school fundraisers and usually was the kid who sold the least in magazines/jewelry/giftwrap/candy. Oooh, I also hated those events like the walkathon or jump-a-thon where you had to get people to pledge you doing something. Fundamentally, I dislike fundraising because I don't like asking people for things. I'm breaking out of my comfort zone, though, fans of About Sprout and using my new mommy skills. After all, it's been a year of breaking out of comfort zones and doing new things. That's right -- I'm trading baby care for donations to the program. Friends of About Sprout, please consider this passing on or giving. (I'll also do petsitting -- just sub "pet" anywhere it says "baby" below!) I'll update you on my progress soon.

Here is the letter that I sent to local friends and neighbors with babies:

Hi, friends & neighbors:

Do you need a babysitter for an evening out or just some down time? A mother's helper to get some housework done? Maybe a pet sitter? What could you do if you had just three free hours? Let me help while you feel good about giving to a good cause and taking a tax deduction all at the same time. Consider it practice in parental multitasking.

As most of you already know, I have been participating in a training program offered by the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. The Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP) develops and places diverse and underrepresented populations into leadership roles with local nonprofit agencies in order to create a more open and caring community. By bringing diverse individuals into leadership positions, agencies enhance their understanding of the diverse needs of their clients - and become better able to meet those needs. After 15 years, VIP will soon graduate its 1000th participant. VIP alumni give at least one year of service as a nonprofit board member in exchange for their training.

While I have spent my professional life working with nonprofits, I am learning new things about leadership, service, and nonprofit management and know the program is extremely valuable. Through 40 hours of training over 10 weeks, my VIP classmates and I are learning about the inner workings of nonprofit board leadership including board roles and responsibilities, legal and financial decision-making, strategic planning, communications and community building. Through its investment in volunteers, VIP creates sustainable social change in Atlanta.

You can now assist VIP in continuing its important work by making a financial contribution. Your tax deductible contributions will ensure that there are well trained leaders who will make sure that Atlanta nonprofits are effective in responding to Atlanta people and problems. I hate asking for money without doing anything in return, so here is my offer: I will babysit for donations! I tried to think of things to trade for donations and realized most of my friends are new parents like me -- sometimes I would pay anything for some help. Depending on what you need, I am suggesting a donation of $15 an hour. Help the United Way and your family.

My goal is to raise $300 for VIP and the United Way in the next four weeks. You do not need to use my services by November 6, but I would request you give me your donations by then -- I will provide services when you need anytime in the future. No amount is too small, no task too big, no diaper too yucky. Checks should be made payable to the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta and can be given to me. You will be given a receipt from the United Way for tax purposes. You may of course also choose to give a donation or to share this with others who might be interested.

Thanks for considering my offer!

Best,
Jamie

(To learn more about VIP and other initiatives of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, visit http://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/vip.)