Walk on the Wildside (Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge) this year was not as busy as in previous years, but our volunteers still found it a worthwhile event to attend. Approximately 150 people stopped by and 80 kids participated in crafts at our table. A few people filled-out speaker requests forms, which John Brewer will follow-up.
Day on theFarm (Soilborn Farms) was a more relaxed event this year than previous. Two
volunteers per shift were sufficient to talk to everyone who came by. We had a
good location near the entrance to the event.
We premiered
the new improved spinner at these events -- see item IX below.
II Two new
websites for volunteers
Heifer |Volunteers is a new site for Heifer volunteers. Per Jill, “the
purpose of the website is to streamline access to information for Heifer
volunteers into one place, as well as provide an electronic platform for
collecting information on the work that our community volunteers are doing… In the future, this website will merge with
Heifer's main database, and will become the main vehicle by which Heifer tracks
the information and activities of our most valued and active community
volunteers.” When Jill visits us next, we’ll
take up this topic; meanwhile, it’s worth a visit to look around.
Our group isfeatured there on Heifer's When Cows Fly. From a recent introductory email: “Have you checked out When
Cows Fly yet? It’s an online portal where Heifer donors, volunteers and
participants from around the world can share their stories. Like this fiber
artist, who is using her talents to benefit others. Or Sarah Sow, who donated a
gift to Heifer in honor of her mother, as well as her good friend Polly Pig’s
mother. (You are curious about their names, aren’t you? Click through and find
out!) Heifer Sacramento shared info about a Fun Raiser fundraiser they are
holding, and a California church’s Bike-a-Thon. You can share your story,
too."
III State & Federal Employees’ Charitable
Campaigns
We wondered whether
our efforts on the campaigns last fall paid off in increased pledges to Heifer. At this
point, we aren't sure yet. We don’t have the data corresponding to that time
period. However, the group consensus was to participate again this year starting with the kickoff events and then as requests come in, we'll refer to last year's note to decide which to attend.
IV
Heifer Project Visit to Ecuador: Expectations? Requests?
Those going
on the week-long project visit in Ecuador will be taking photos and composing daily
logs. On return these will be combined into presentations. Discussion
suggested centering presentations around themes that the participants observe on their visit. We had a brief discussion on what those not going on the trip might want to learn. Questions: What do
participants want to know about donors? What were the mechanics of establishing
the various projects? Of course many more questions – and answers – will
develop.
V Future Collaborations on Fundraisers
This past spring
we tried developing a fundraiser with the assistance of student event
planners. Reasons for discontinuing the planning effort were discussed in previous
meetings. Susan Rumberg confirmed that the relationship with the Sac State
faculty contact remains good and both parties are open to working together in
the future. Susan R. sees that it is important to document the lessons learned
from the experience and will prepare guidelines to benefit future
collaboration efforts over the summer.
VI Team Heifer Sacramento Total Update
The fortunes
of our group's fundraising effort, tallied at Team Heifer,
have taken an upward
turn.
Team Leader
|
$2,266.77
|
This includes an anonymous $1,000 donation
with a match for Heifer Ecuador. Thank you to the anonymous benefactor!!!
|
Teresa Fung
|
$50.00
|
This reflects a matching gift and goes to Heifer
Honduras.
|
Nifty Knitters
|
$40.00
|
Fantastic
needle work!
|
FunRaiser
|
$1,658.00
|
This goes to show what a talent show can accomplish!
|
Grand Total
|
$4,134.77
|
|
Huge thanks
to the many contributors who've helped us reach nearly the halfway mark to our goal of
$10,000.
Volunteers,
be sure to reach out and again thank those friends and neighbors who have
donated.
VII Wild & Scenic Film Festival Entry
Laurie
Heller is working to enter Heifer’s film Twelve
Stones into the 2014 Wild & Scenic Film Festival held in Nevada City organized by the
South Yuba River Citizens League. The 2014 festival is scheduled for Jan 10 –
12. Great idea, Laurie! We hope the effort succeeds.
VIII Taking Heifer to the Classroom
Discussion took
place on the fit between Heifer themes and the Waldorf curriculum. John Brewer has
a contact with the Waldorf system that he may pursue. The group also discussed a brochure used in
the past for elementary classroom visits. There was consensus to produce a new
edition; John and Susan Sundell will prepare copy and Cheryl will update the design.
The group will check the list of Heifer materials to see if such a new version already
exists.
IX Other Items
Volunteer
hours via Google docs – Our time reporting system seems to be working well.
John notes that a lead volunteer for any given event can input hours for
everyone who participated.
Nicholas
Kristoff, author of Half the Sky, which included a large section on Heifer’s
work in Africa, will be speaking at the Mondavi on Jan 13, 2014.
New Spinner –
The new lighter portable spinner is great and easy to transport! Cheryl prepared
graphics for each slot with numbers 1 thru 12, the cornerstones, and twelve
Heifer project animals. These graphics should make the spinner easy to use and
applicable in most circumstances. The graphics can be changed, as needed. Big thanks
to Jill for underwriting it!
Materials
Susan
Rumberg brought a box of Heifer swag, which was intended for Casino Night to add to the group's supply.
Susan
Sundell is looking for two missing items. If anyone knows their whereabouts,
please let her know:Ø The Heifer vinyl banner, last seen at a Charitable Campaign event last fall
Ø The kindergarten GERK kit