My Campaign

Well. . . my site campaign (Novartis) kicks off in about a week and a 1/2. Amazing what is required when you get down to crunch time, isn't it? It doesn't matter if you run a large or small campaign, there is ton of stuff to get done.

It really helps to have a campaign committee that is enthusiastic, and more than willing to "share the load". We had a committee meeting yesterday. Just running through the slate of activities is alot to do. . .making sure proper communication is in place (bulletin boards, e-mail, inter-departmental mailings), talking through a new activity -- looking for potential pitfalls, in a sense road testing the activity to make sure it goes off well . . .

Quick aside. . .who would think "Pop the Balloon for a $1 and Win a Prize" could be that complicated? Well, it is . . .and it isn't. Here is a sampling of what we talked through. . ."What are we going to use for prizes? How many are we going to make? How do we do this across three shifts? How big of a balloon are we going to use? Are we blowing up all of those balloons by hand?!??! I can blow up a balloon, but I can't tie a balloon. Can someone tie the balloons I blow up for me?". . . ah, the joys of a campaign. . .

That said. . .it isn't that difficult. . .and it is that difficult. These are things that are part of running a campaign. I know (and I know that most/all of you know) that working through the logistics is important. Even the simple requires effort.

So, if nothing else, please know that you're not alone out there, and WE KNOW that any/all activities require thought, planning. . .WORK. It's work. But it's good work. Rewarding work. And hopefully, work that pays off. . . in terms of providing funds for agency programs, that make Lincoln a better place to live. And with a little luck, we feel good about it too.

I'll be sure to let you know how "Pop the Balloon for a $1 and Win a Prize" works out. Some of the prizes are simply a note that will say, "Thanks for Supporting United Way!" But that's a prize that's already included with every dollar donated.

Good luck in the days and weeks ahead. Remember help is just a phone call/e-mail away. Thanks. And thanks for supporting United Way!

Dave