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Schools to Cuba
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Student stuff
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Educators
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Planning and tips
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Cuba Resources
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Cuba for Adults
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Who we are
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Fundraising ideas for your Cuba trip |
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They come home optimistic and rejuvenated with fresh perspectives on what is possible not only personally but also socially. Money is the greatest factor preventing Cuba travel. Yet this can be overcome by asking for help. Fundraising not only helps minimize tour fees for your students but also generates enthusiasm by involving everyone in the planning process. A good place to start is to ask those who have been to Cuba before. They're likely to want you to see and learn from the Cubans as they did. Prepare for your fundraising project by learning as much about Cuba as possible. But don't get bogged down in finding answers to everything – this is why you are going to the island. Your approach to fundraising should be that you'll help others experience your journey vicariously by reporting your findings to them upon your return. This is how you "repay" the generosity of those you assist you. Fundraising is a challenging project. The key to success is a combination of hard work, careful planning, persistence and inspiration. The process, however, can be interesting and enjoyable. You'll be surprised at the warmth with which people often respond to your requests. Just keep your mind focused on your goal (see sidebar to right) and believe that you need and deserve the money, and don't be embarrassed to ask for it. The most important thing is to try!
 If you're a student, approach your school's Latin American or African American Studies department or student groups. Ask them to sponsor you for $50.00 to $100.00 in return for a report from your trip to a class or a public meeting. Your school organization or university may have funds available for students or alumni.Approach nonprofit and research groups that work around issues you'll be learning about in Cuba. Your local chapter of environmental, organic agriculture or political groups may sponsor you if you agree to help with an event or a mailing upon your return. They may also be interested in a report-back for their newsletter or photographs from your trip.If you are active in a religious group, find out if part of a collection could go to sponsor your trip. Latin American issues are often a priority.Contact research institutes, cultural centers, cafes, bookstores, and community centers that make presentations on Latin America. Work with them to set up a report-back in return for support.Rent Cuban movies at your local video store and hold a screening for a donation towards your trip. You can sell popcorn, hotdogs, pop and juice too! Call us if you need recommendations for movies!Organize a school or community-wide raffle or auction: offer artwork, ceramics, posters, and services, items and certificates donated by local merchants and restaurants.Local media may also be interested in your trip. Contact newspapers, television and radio stations and offer to write an article or send a letter from the island.Sell concessions at a school football or basketball game; organize a Valentine's Day dance (and maybe sell carnations or roses); hold a pumpkin-carving or gingerbread house-building competition.Hold a fundraising event. You can do this yourself or with friends. Organize a party, a pot-luck, a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon and ask friends for donations and pledges (You may be able to convince local businesses to match donations to show their support for local education). Try to think of what resources you and your friends have and put them to use. Do you have friends in a band who would hold a concert and split the profits? Would your friends pay $5-10 dollars to attend a barbecue? Two travelers raised over $1,000 through a pot-luck dinner by asking for $5-$10 event donation from friends. One friend cooked, others played music, and another auctioned off old political posters and buttons. People tend to spend a little extra knowing their money is going to a good cause.
Hold rummage or garage sale.Round up your friends and organize a car washSell art work or crafts you produce.Talk with a merchant about selling an organic or fair trade product like coffee to your friends or door to door in your neighborhood.Part-time jobs: Keep your eyes open and let your friends know you need Cuba travel funds. They may point you to one-time jobs that can pay $50-$100 dollars for a day's work.Baby sit for parents in need of free time. Use your time when the kids are sleeping for reading, study and planning.Tutor a youth in skills you have that they need.Yard work, trimming and mowing lawns is a sure bet. Everyone needs this service. Also think about house cleaning – it's easy, fun and appreciated.Brainstorm with friends and try anything that you think may work. Your enthusiasm and motivation will move others to help you. So keep a positive attitude and keep trying. In all of these cases, personal contact and accountability are key to the success of your fundraising efforts. Get creative, and let us know what works for you so that we can continue to expand our suggestion list to assist others.
Address of individual or organization Dear name of person, I am writing you to ask for your help so I can participate in the name of tour to Cuba. I am currently a student, part-time worker, community organizer. I am living on a low-income and in need of your assistance to participate. I am requesting you consider contributing between $XX.XX and $XX.XX. My involvement in this tour would greatly enhance my art, social and environmental justice work, other: elaborate. You can learn more about this exciting tour at URL of tour, include a print out on the tour. Over the past number of years, I have been involved in a variety of list activities. As a student at name of school I have participated in list relevant campus projects. My studies and activities have made me interested in learning about alternative models to our consumer society. Cuba is one of the few countries in the world that uses its collective wealth to provide its people with free education, housing, health care, culture and science. I am eager to study their methods objectively and when I return home to report my findings to my school and community. As part of name of tour I will be meeting with a variety of Cuban organizations and individuals from all walks of life to exchange ideas and experiences. I will be documenting my trip in journals, photos, video, audio and look forward to sharing my experiences and observations with person or organization in a formal or information presentation. I hope that you will help support me in this attempt to advance my education and/or other pursuits, list. This tour departs on date. I have to register by date. Any financial assistance you can pledge will be greatly appreciated. I am available to talk with you about any ideas, questions or concerns you may have with my request. Looking forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Your signature Your name Your address Your phone Your email
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Copyright © 2006 Zunzún Education Services | Ethical Green Travel |
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Introduction to fundraising – planning and determination
