Great Ways to Build Community and Raise Support for The Haitian Project
There are countless ways that individuals, parishes, schools and organizations can build community and raise support for The Haitian Project. See the list below for a few ideas and be sure to contact our office for more info!
Individual supporters:
1. Host a “Haitian Coffee.” Invite people to your home to enjoy some Haitian coffee and view one (or more) of our informational videos. These events are great to plan around holidays or birthdays but can also be hosted throughout the year. We’ll supply the coffee, materials and can even help with invitations!
2. Host a Community Dinner. A great way to provide in-depth information about our work in Haiti and build the strength of the local community is to gather for a meal! Working with local vendors for donations or discounts, provide a nice meal and an evening of entertainment. A dinner can be hosted at your parish or another venue. The Haitian Project videos or a photo slideshow can be used during the evening. Tickets for the dinner can be sold in advance and advertised on our website. Other activities can also take place during the evening, such as a Haitian Art Auction.
3. Invite a THP Representative to Speak. The Haitian Project staff are prepared to speak at churches, universities, schools, clubs and local organizations about Louverture Cleary School and Haiti. Please inform our Development Office before making arrangements to have a speaker at your local venue.
4. Have a Garage Sale. Our students, staff and Volunteers at Louverture Cleary School are committed to finding ways to reuse or recycle items so nothing goes to waste. Garage sales are an excellent way to recycle items in the U.S. and live in solidarity with the community at Louverture Cleary School. For nearly two decades, The Haitian Project supporters have raised funds and support through these sales!
5. Take Someone out for Dinner or Coffee. Bring a handful of materials with you and take someone who might want to learn more about The Haitian Project out for dinner or coffee. In follow up, you can ask them if they would like to receive our weekly community updates via email.
6. Host a Virtual Event. Unable to gather people in person? Go virtual! Gathering over video conferencing allows you to include people from any location in your event. The Haitian Project can provide a Zoom meeting link as well as video and photos to show during your event.
7. Raise Support in Honor of a Birthday, Christmas or Wedding. Tired of receiving gifts you don’t need? Tell friends and relatives to send a gift that will always be put to good use–a donation to The Haitian Project for the education of students at Louverture Cleary School. Likewise, instead of buying a gift, you can make a donation to The Haitian Project in honor of a loved one. If you give us their address, we will mail them a card notifying them of your gift.
8. Host a Facebook Fundraiser. If you use Facebook, consider raising support for The Haitian Project through a Facebook fundraiser. It's easy to launch a fundraiser in honor of your birthday, Giving Tuesday, or just because! Click here to learn more and get started.
9. Send Personal Letters. You might be surprised to find who in your personal network wants to help. Write to friends, family and community members to tell them about our mission and your personal experience with The Haitian Project. Your Birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are great times to write when people are looking for ways to give.
10. Share The Haitian Project Community Updates. Anyone wanting to keep in touch or learn more about The Haitian Project can receive our weekly community updates by email. This is an easy way to keep people connected at no cost!
Parishes:
1. Invite a Representative from The Haitian Project to Speak. Many churches are willing to give a second collection to The Haitian Project if a speaker gives a 5-10 minute talk about our mission after Mass or service. This helps raise support for The Haitian Project and the parish. Parishioners become inspired within their community when they understand that their parish is giving to an exciting mission that produces real solutions to those most in need.
2. Tithe. Many parishes give annual or multiple tithes to The Haitian Project, which is decided by the pastor or stewardship committee. Contact our office for material you can present to your pastor or committee.
3. Donation Table. Many parishes will welcome a booth in the back of church with materials and a display board describing The Haitian Project. Donation envelopes or a donation box can be setup alongside the materials. If a donation box is displayed, a community member from The Haitian Project must be present at all times.
Schools:
The Haitian Project has a wealth of ideas and materials for working with elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. To engage your school to become more involved, please contact our office and we will be happy to help!
To contact The Haitian Project's Office of Community Development, please call 401-351-3624 or email development@haitianproject.org.