3 LESSONS FROM FUNDRAISING
When I was in elementary school, we had a yearly fundraiser in which each student was asked to sell Entertainment Books. An Entertainment Book is basically a book full of coupons that the buyer can use at various stores. With each book sold, CCS would get a margin of the sale. As a student, that’s not what motivated me to sell books. It was all about the prizes. There were different levels of prize rewards. You reached level 1 when you sold one book. The level one prize was typically a fun looking pen or a small ball. Level 2 was set at 3 books and the prize consisted of a better prize than level 1. As you rise in levels, you not only get a better prize, but you also receive all the previous level prizes.
When I was in third grade, I scanned the prize list and my eyes got glued to an item. There in the middle of the page was a set of headphone walkie talkies. I needed to sell 36 Entertainment Books. My parents took me door to door around my neighborhood and had me talk and sell books. While they helped me come up with what to say, it was up to me to do the majority of the talking. Long story short, I sold 36 books. I was so proud to receive my walkie talkie headset (and I think I still have them today!).
Here are three things that your child can learn from fundraisers.
Manners A great deal of social skills are developed when students are required to talk and present information. I know it can be hard to be willing to take your child out after a long day of work. It’s so much more convenient to simply take the Entertainment Book to work and personally ask a few coworkers to support your child’s school. It’s fast. It’s convenient. You don’t have to go out. However, children miss out the opportunity to practice their manners. Clarity of speech, eye contact, handshakes, and respect are all things that your child can learn from fundraisers.
Getting Rejected is Okay Not every person your child talks to is going to buy something. Actually, most people won’t. It can be discouraging to hear so many people say no. Things will not always go our way or happen the way we want them to. However, learning to smile and say a quick thank you for their time can go a long way in a student’s growth and maturity.
Learning to Budget Money This isn’t a real factor during school fundraisers. However, it can be when creating a simple snack shack or selling lemonade. Differentiating terms like profit, cost, and income can help train them to be aware of their money.
Whether it’s a school fundraising event, selling Girl Scout cookies, or even garage sales, get your child involved in the fundraising process. There’s a lot of learning to be done!