|
|
Thanks for the comments everyone! They are all great suggestions but do you have any thoughts on what I can do or how to react in the moment (other than Ann's great suggestion of showing no reaction-- as hard as it may be!)? I'll definitely bring better handouts with me in the future, all I had at the time was a letter from the organization. John's suggestion would have been perfect, I would love to have seen the manager's reaction if I had someone with me who could have responded with "You know, I was homeless once"
|
|
|
That's why speakers bureaus are so important. It makes a lasting impression when you put a face and a story together. I've been speaking for about five years, and I regulary get comments like, "I had no idea" or, " That could have been me". After a speaking is a great time to solicit for funds.
|
|
|
Rachael,
Whenever I want to make an impact I bring along some people who are in that situation (people with mental illness and who are or were recently homeless) and let them tell their stories. When a potential contributor is able to hear directly from someone and even speak with them I've found they usually walk away with a deeper personal understanding. It's one thing for me to tell someone elses story, it's another for them to tell it and you can see in their face the pain they've been through.
Good luck.
|
|
|
Thanks for the info. I have had a hard time soliciting donations lately as well. I will seriously consider the campaign idea.
Thanks
|
|
|
Rachael:
You could campaign. I would suggest a 12 week campaign. Each week deliver facts, statistics, success stories, any stigma reduction information to this person. It wouldn't hurt to attach sweet treats as well! Show your dedication and give this manager education. Always show no reaction to their stigmatization. Grit your teeth and tighten muscles and just smile.
A good handout is a list of celebrities that have been homeless. Statistics from a local shelter on how many people have transitioned out and found work is helpful. You get the idea! If after 12 weeks no response or change- then at least you did more.
I hope you find this helpful!
Wishing you well,
Ann MacNeil
Magellan Health
Phoenix, AZ
|
|
|
I'm a member of a young professionals group that does activities and fundraising around homelessness and housing issues. Last weekend I went to some local businesses to solicit donations of gift certificates for our upcoming event's raffle. When I explained the group and the issues we address one of the managers that I talked to responded with "I have my own feelings about homelessness." I know that it wasn't the time and place to launch into a lecture and quote stats to let him know that "those" people are just like him and I but I wish that I could have said/done more to get him to rethink the issue, regardless of whether it would have gotten him to donate.
Does anyone have any thoughts on how to handle situations like this without being preachy but also without doing nothing at all?
|