Blog | Brad and Julie Duncan

Vital Factors to Consider When Choosing A Charity To Support

October 9, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Philanthropy

Your decision to venture into philanthropy will likely be followed by a series of questions. You may start to ponder why you want to support altruism projects. It will not be surprising either if you start wondering about how to be an effective philanthropist. Another important question you want to answer is: how to choose which organization or cause to support? There are so many altruistic groups out there but sadly, not everyone is genuinely doing a noble deed. Some are bogus charities while some genuine ones lack dedication and commitment to truly make a difference. You surely do not want to see your initiatives to help go to waste so there is nothing wrong in being meticulous in deciding the charity to support. To help you sort out the best organizations from the bad ones, the following are factors you may want to consider:

Good charities are not stingy with information.

It is but natural that you want to gather as much information as you can about a group before you can assess if it will be worth the effort. Ideally, there should be many ways to read up about the background of the group you are eyeing to be affiliated to. Nowadays, you can expect them to have a social media page, an official website, or a printed brochure where their mission, goals, and projects are conveyed in detail. In case the said sources are not available, a legitimate charitable organization should at least have a contact number that you can call for inquiries. Of course, you can expect its staff to have adequate knowledge about their group. However, it is likely time to move on to your next option if a charity seem to be stingy in providing information or cannot explain their purpose clearly.

Good charities provide updates about their achievements.

Along with having a solid mission and vision, a good charity also updates their supporters about the outcomes of their projects. You will be more confident that you are working with a legitimate and reputable group if transparency is obviously not a problem. Thus, if a group conducted a fundraising event, it is but fitting to report the total number of funds collected and a breakdown of how it was utilized. This is essential to further inspire people to give.

They reflect your own values and preferences.

To further make your charitable works rewarding, you want to choose a group that supports a cause that holds a special meaning to you. It can also be a cause that coincides with your passion and interests. For example, pet lovers will be eager to work with an organization pushing to end animal cruelty. Likewise, you will be eager to work with a charity supporting medical treatments if you are close to someone battling a fatal disease, Of course, charities with causes you are unfamiliar with can still be a good option, but you may need added motivation to volunteer your time or resources in it. On the other hand, by considering your own values and interests, philanthropy will cease to feel like work or obligatory because you love what you are doing.

People who are purposely doing philanthropy understand that it comes with a responsibility. It is not a single act where you simply give money or donate items to support a cause. Instead, you continue to support a cause in an aim to see the positive changes that your actions bring. Your goal is possible if you start your philanthropic journey by wisely picking the best charity.

Three International Celebrations to Check Out this Fall

October 2, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Adventure, Travel

There is no better time to travel than fall. The cool weather makes it a perfect time to attend an outdoor celebration or festival. Fortunately, there are many attractive options to explore all around the globe. Here are three international celebrations you should check out.

1. Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Date: Ends November 23rd
Location: Orlando, Florida

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is an 87 day long celebration of global cuisine. It’s hosted by Walt Disney World and features more than 30 marketplaces that hand out dishes and beverages from places all over the world. The festival pairs food with live music during their “Eat to the Beat” concert series and also offers multiple culinary demonstrations, seminars and presentations.
(For more detailed information on planning a trip to the Epcot Festival, click here.)

2. Diwali (Festival of Lights)

Date: October 27-30, with the main celebration on October 27th
Location: India, Singapore and other southern countries of Asia

The Diwali Festival is an annual, traditional holiday that celebrates the victory of light (which symbolizes “good”) conquering darkness (or “evil”). Participants clean and decorate their homes and work spaces, and wear their finest clothes in reverence. Diyas (clay lamps) and candles are lit during nighttime, on the day of the new moon. Because this celebration takes place on the darkest day of the month, the display of lights and fireworks that illuminate the night create a breathtaking sight. The festivities sometimes include feasts (especially sweets), gift exchanges, and prayer offerings. Diwali is a cultural and spiritual festival in many faiths but is an official holiday in several countries and can be respectfully observed by those who wish to learn more.
(For more information, click here.)

3. Thai International Cultural Lantern Festival

Date: November 11-12
Location: Malin Park Chiang Mai

The Thai International Cultural Lantern Festival, also known as Loy Krathong, is the second largest in Thailand. It is celebrated by expressing optimism for the year by ushering in good luck through a special practice. The locals take boat-shaped banana leaves that are decorated with flowers, place a candle inside and send their bad luck floating away in the river. Under the light of the full moon, wearing costumes that are traditional to the region, participants have the chance to experience the beauty of this ceremonial lantern release. Malin Park also boasts; a performance stage where dancers will perform every 30 minutes, free local food, an art zone and a floating market with creative shops. To top off all the fun, Buddhist monks will be on site to lead chanting, meditation and prayer before the peaceful release of the lanterns.
For more info on tickets, maps, highlights, and the schedule, click here.

From Florida to India, there are exciting ways to enjoy the fall season all around the world. Experiencing new foods, learning about other cultures, and marveling at the bright lights are all ways to indulge in the festivities during this time of year. Start planning now so you don’t miss out!

5 Books Every Leader Should Read

September 25, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Leadership

“Learning is not a one-time event or a periodic luxury. Great leaders in great companies recognize that the ability to constantly learn, innovate, and improve is vital to their success.”
– Amy Edmondson

Leaders are charged with inspiring, educating, and encouraging others. But who do leaders turn to when they need to be refilled? Fortunately, many authors have poured years of expertise into advice books to offer insight to leaders from all walks of life. Here are five books (or audiobooks) every leader should read.

1. The 360-Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell

The 360-Degree Leader is written specifically for middle management leaders. Maxwell instructs readers to flex their influence in all 360 degrees: down to their team members, across the aisle to their coworkers, and upward to those who lead them. This book is empowering because it confirms that no matter your position, you have the ability to create change. It also offers concrete leadership techniques, tips and tricks that you can apply on the job.

2. Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t by Simon Sinek

Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last focuses on what the author calls the chemicals of leadership. He states that coaches’ emotions are what impact the change created amongst their teams. The text uses true stories from various sources to illustrate that those who are in charge should be the ones who sacrifice the most. This book inspires coaches to follow in the steps of Marine Corps Generals and other great leaders who create circles of safety to protect their teams from outside dangers.

3. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t by Jim Collins

Collins’ Good to Great drives home the point of one simple concept: discipline. Discipline in all things – people, thought and action is the key to taking a ‘good’ company and making it great. The author preaches consistency in all areas over an extended amount of time. As well as demanding excellence, even when good enough will suffice.

4. Essentialism by Greg McKeown

McKeown’s Essentialism is a guide to being more effective as a leader. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, busy, unproductive, or cluttered, this is the book for you. The author details a simple way of life organization that helps leaders to eliminate distractions and focus their attention only on what is absolutely essential. This book restores the reader’s power to control their own day-to-day choices, time and energy, thus making them more capable and balanced leaders.

5. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team has sold over two million copies because of its unique approach to providing much-needed advice, in the form of a fable. The text covers five possible dysfunctions of a team: the absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Lencioni also highlights contrasting behaviors of high performing teams to help leaders set goals to aspire to.

Leaders work hard every day to manage teams and run companies. While such dedication is noble, it’s important to carve out time to focus on yourself. Commit to setting aside a few minutes of daily personal time to read these five leadership books to help your skills thrive.

Three Adventurous Wellness Retreats You Need to Try

September 18, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Adventure

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain

Pursuing adventure has a certain way of reinvigorating our lives and putting things in perspective. It’s freeing to identify our fears, only to stare them down and challenge them. So much so, that people have built whole retreats around doing just that. These fear conquering getaways have been dubbed adventure retreats: designed to test the body, strengthen the mind and renew the soul. Here are three examples of different wellness retreats you need to try:

Run Mindful

This running retreat allows participants to push their cardio to its limits while enjoying all the beauty that nature has to offer. Organizers carefully choose both challenging and gorgeous trails that physically and mentally test your level of endurance, fitness and determination. These retreats don’t only emphasize running but focus on bettering your whole self. You’ll eat healthy foods that will nourish, support, and replenish your muscles. You’ll learn the importance of mindfulness and meditating while running. Lastly, you’ll have a chance to connect with other runners like yourself, giving you a chance to build your network of like-minded individuals.

Outdoor Survival Training & Yoga Getaway

This adventure retreat mixes outdoor theory and application with the calming nature of yoga and meditation. It was designed to be enjoyed outside in the beautiful setting of the Forest of Dean in Glouchester, UK. You will be faced with challenges on both land and in water, and will be assessed on your ability to lead and survive as a team member. Outdoor rescue training, emergency scenarios, rappelling, situational awareness, and basic survival skills are also built into the retreat. At the end of each day, you’ll have a chance to center your mind and body with yoga and stretching. After three days in the forest, the retreat moves indoors and wraps up with two days of massages, dinners, touring, classes, and socializing.

River Soul Journey

River Soul Journeys are adventure retreats along Idaho’s rivers, led by skilled rafting guides. Along the way, participants have an opportunity to fly-fish, hike, journal, and learn about local wildlife. You’ll have a chance to unplug, practice self-discovery and awareness, and tap into the healing arts yoga and meditation. River Soul Journey is about much more than the adrenaline rush that comes with rafting, it’s meant to be a deeper spiritual exploration to connect with what it means to truly be present, alive, and balanced. You can expect a health mix of journaling, yoga therapy, hiking, camping and plenty of time in the water.

Bonus: Women-Specific Adventure Retreats

Increasingly, women-only adventure retreats are gaining in popularity. Many speak to the wellness aspect, emphasizing staying in tip-top shape, but doing so by traveling to some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. Others stick to driving home the point of adventure and nothing more. The last group of women-only travel adventurists seems to highlight lifelong sisterhood. Whatever the selling point, it’s working. More and more women are jumping on board, hopping on flights (and jumping off planes), all in the name of adventure and unity. Here are a few women-only travel groups to check out:

Adventure retreats open up a completely new avenue for travel and vacations. This year, instead of taking a week for your typical trip to a resort, why not take one for your mind, body and soul? There are countless selections available, covering an array of sports and adventures, just waiting to be explored! These three options are just the beginning, so do your research and find the perfect adventure retreat for you.

Proper Ways Of Using Philanthropy To Propel Business Growth

September 11, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Philanthropy

Firms, whether big or small have all the right reasons to invest in philanthropic endeavors. The act of practicing corporate social responsibility creates a positive image that can easily lead to more revenue. Charitable works also boost the employee’s morale which can result in increased productivity. With the many benefits that altruism can bring to a business, it is no wonder that corporate philanthropy is a growing trend.

A report published by the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) shows that companies donated around $20.05 billion to charities in 2018, a figure that exceeded the amount raised in 2017 by 5.4%. However, not knowing the proper ways to practice corporate philanthropy can easily backfire and greatly damage the reputation of a business. Avoid making corporate philanthropic mistakes by taking note of the following reminders:

Walk the talk.

People value and admire good deeds but can also recognize a genuine action from a fake one. It is therefore essential to be authentic in all the charity projects you will participate in. For example, if your company is supporting environmental causes, it would not look good for people to see that your firm is not properly segregating wastes. For your philanthropic efforts to create a strong and positive impact, always remember to practice what you preach at all times.

Avoid blatant advertising.

For the purpose of transparency, a firm is free to publicly announce its altruistic projects and accomplishments. Inside an organization, a rundown of the development of certain causes (or summary of donated amounts or items) is even mandatory so everybody stays updated about the charities that the firm supports. However, using your good deeds as a way to blatantly promote a business can be a major turn-off. Flaunting your charities in all your business ads and campaign also creates an impression that your initiative to help is fueled by selfish reasons. In the ideal way of doing corporate social responsibility, firms do not make their own gains as a priority. Instead, they allow the organization or individuals they had helped to give them credit if necessary. Besides if your efforts in corporate philanthropy are really causing great developments, the testimony of others can serve as a more powerful campaign for your firm.

Aim for consistency.

Genuine philanthropists aim to see long-term solutions and not just offer temporary aid. This is because they understand that it is impossible to eradicate many issues and problems with a single act of charity. Thus, instead of just donating a certain sum to a group, a business should find ways to get more involved in the cause you are supporting. Remember that consistency is the key to truly make a difference to others. In your business, being consistent will further inspire employees and clients.

Many people dream of starting their own business for the purpose of creating profit. However, if you wish to make your journey even more fulfilling and meaningful, you may want to include altruism in your entrepreneurial goals.

Four Simple Hacks To Make Leadership A Lot Easier

September 4, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Leadership

Leadership is surely not a role for people who want things easy. More often than not, this job comes with many tasks, huge responsibilities, and high expectations. However, if your wish is to be a competent leader, you do not allow the said challenges to scare you away from the job of supervising people. Instead, you strive to develop hacks and tactics that will help you rise above the overwhelming duties that come with leadership. Current and aspiring leaders may find the tips that are briefly discussed below helpful:

Plan and organize your day.

Success and idleness rarely go together. Therefore, leaders should aim to be as productive as possible. However, it will be harder than ever to maximize your productivity if you do not know the things you want to accomplish. Planning and listing your tasks for the day may be an age-old tactic but many still avoid doing it. It is therefore wise to start your day with a plan. Another option is to list down your goals for the day the night before. Listing too many goals can backfire so you may want to narrow down your goals to the most important things you want to achieve.

Welcome feedback.

Good communication is a major factor in effective leadership. Ideally, you and your team should be on the same page when it comes to matters that involve the group. One way to ensure this is by giving feedback and welcoming feedback from your members at the same time. Making the exchange of feedback a regular habit paves the way for the group to communicate more efficiently. As a leader, you gain insights on how you can further enhance your leadership skills. For the members, it sends a message that you are genuinely concerned about the growth of your people, which can motivate and empower.

Delegate tasks.

Are your tasks piling up by the minute? You do not have to panic because the seemingly impossible situation can be solved by simply assigning some of the duties to your members. Attempting to do everything will likely lead to burnout. It can also make your team members feel bored and unappreciated. On the other hand, trusting your people with certain tasks will lighten your workload and at the same time lift he group’s morale. You also train the skills of possible future leaders in your group.

Encourage learning and innovation.

Wise leaders know the value of continuous learning. To stay ahead and relevant, it is necessary to keep up with the latest trends and invest in continuous education. You can make it easier by seeking advice and suggestions from your team. A monthly contest where members can pitch new ideas that the team can start is one example. You can also organize a weekly meeting where members report about a new trend or share something they learned to the group. Fostering a culture that encourages learning and innovation will certainly make the whole team stronger.

Needless to say, leadership is a highly stressful job. However, the best leaders know how to cope with these demands and even turn them to their advantage. Thus, when things start to feel heavy and unmanageable, take a moment to remember that many things can be solved with a simple hack.

5 Ways Traveling Can Help In Your Personal & Professional Growth

August 28, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Travel

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.
-Anonymous

People have a variety of options when it comes to fun and adventure. However, if your wish is to enjoy and learn at the same time, traveling is the way to go. Meeting new people and seeing new places open vast opportunities for lessons that can help you grow personally and professionally. You may not realize it at once but traveling changes you. As you explore unfamiliar territories, you may find your views on certain matters changing as well. In many ways, you can gain fresh perspectives and acquire new skills. The following are some ways on how travel brings about personal and professional improvements:

Personal Improvements.

Boosts self-esteem.
Even with the planning and preparation, going somewhere new can still feel like an adventure into the unknown. You are technically leaving your comfort zone so It is normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. As a traveler, you learn to cope with unexpected moments and even turn it to your advantage. The ability to deal with unavoidable travel woes increases your confidence to face any adversary that may come your way.

Increases self-awareness.
As Aristotle said, “ Knowing thyself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Self-awareness is important because it allows you to fully understand your wants, needs, and limits. This means you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses that will help you set realistic goals and avoid mistakes. Knowing oneself will require time for reflection which you can get from traveling. The new scenery can also help you see yourself in a new light making it easier to understand yourself better.

Increases general knowledge.
Traveling is like opening a treasure chest of knowledge. For people hungry for knowledge, every turn in your journey is a chance to learn something new. This is information that you cannot learn just from reading books or watching documentaries. You can learn a new language or be adept at a new skill. Bits of info and trivia you pick up during your escapades increase your general knowledge.

Professional Improvements

Improves communication and organizational skills.
You may not give much thought on the way you communicate when you are in your hometown because people generally talk the same way. On the other hand, you may find yourself paying more attention to your speaking, listening, and comprehension skills when you are in a place where people speak a different language. As you go about from place to place, you also learn to be conscious of how you organize your time and things. Poor communication and organizational skills can jeopardize your vacation so you find ways to improve it. With better communicating and organizing techniques, you will certainly increase your value as a professional.
Discover wonderful opportunities.
Companies are always looking for fresh ideas, which can sometimes be hard to come by. It is especially difficult to think creatively if you stay in the same place day in and day out. Traveling, on the other hand, can make you discover new ventures and ideas. Who knows? You may see a product or system that is not yet available in your hometown. New things you see from traveling can help you come up with ideas that can be a hit back home.

Traveling may be considered an expensive and exhausting hobby but exploring different destinations give many benefits that make it all worth it. Make the most out of your travel experiences by welcoming changes that help you become a better person.

Five Reminders For Your First-Ever Backpacking Adventure

August 21, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Adventure

Backpacking is usually defined as a great option for people who want to travel on a low budget. You do this by taking the cheapest fare to get to your desired destination. To further cut down on travel expenses, you also try to fit everything you need for your escapades in a backpack. Although it is an inexpensive way to explore new places, backpacking can also be considered as the true route for the real travelers and adventurers by heart. But like any adventure, it also comes with risks. To ensure a smooth and safe backpacking getaway, it pays to take note of the following tips especially if you are doing it for the first time.

Choose your destination well.

Since you are new at it, you do not want to go backpacking to a destination that is too far or too remote. You want to lessen the risk of getting lost or encountering unexpected mishaps so it will be wiser to choose an easy destination. It means picking a place that would not take too much time or effort to reach. It may even be a good idea to go to a place where the route is already familiar to you.

Consider a guided tour.

Many travel agencies offer backpacking options for certain destinations. Signing up for this tour is likewise a good option because you considerably minimize the preparation you need to do. As part of a group tour, you have a well-thought-out itinerary and expert guides. You will feel more safe and confident as you travel and may even make new friends along the way.

Check the weather and other safety information.

It is always a must to take note of the weather forecasts before a trip but this is especially important in a backpacking adventure. Aside from the weather, you also need to research about existing policies in places you will pass by. Some areas may prohibit certain items or may require some documents. Do your research before so as not to violate any rules and avoid hassles.

Be ready with essentials and supplies.

You don’t want your bags to feel like a burden so you are advised to pack lightly and only bring essentials. However, traveling with a backpack is no excuse to forget necessary items and supplies. Some items you need in your bag include water, toiletries, and medicines. You also want to bring easy to carry food that you can eat on the go.

Make sure you are ready for the trip.

Backpacking sounds great but it may not be suitable for everyone. Thus, carefully assess if you are physically, mentally, and emotionally up for this travel adventure. Remember that you need a strong body for the journey and a stable disposition to beat any odds you may encounter.

Backpacking can make you appreciate a place more and allows you to creatively devise ways to cope with your surroundings. Thus, with the excitement and the challenge that comes with it, you can say that backpacking is a cool adventure worth taking even just once in your life.

Three Important Roles That Mindfulness Play In Leadership

August 14, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Leadership

“The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.”
– Thích Nhất Hạnh

The ability to remain calm under pressure and stay focused in the midst of problems – these are just a few traits we expect from people of great wisdom and character. Since we usually hold leaders in high esteem, it is but natural for us to assume (or require) that the head of a group possesses the said characteristics. However, as the world continues to get increasingly competitive, staying cool amid stressful situations is definitely not easy. One thing that can help leaders overcome this challenge is through mindfulness.

What is mindfulness and how to practice it?

We are often oblivious to it but our minds tend to wander all the time. This is why in one or more instances, you probably find yourself guilty of the phrase, “physically present but mentally absent.” You want to avoid this by practicing mindfulness which is simply the process of training your mind to stay in the moment. Mindfulness can trace its origins in Buddhist teachings and has been used as a basis in designing therapy and wellness programs.

It is a process of controlling thoughts so you manage to deliver the most appropriate reaction to a certain situation. Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises are some of the techniques you can use to develop mindfulness. Since mindlessness potentially robs you of the opportunities of the present moment, everyone is bound to benefit from practicing mindfulness. It will most especially be helpful in improving leadership skills. Some of the benefits a leader can gain from it are briefly discussed below:

Promotes self-care.

Too often, leaders find themselves juggling several tasks at once as they try to fulfill the enormous responsibilities that come with their position. Sadly, this attitude often leads to burnout and stress. Mindfulness, on the other hand opens your eyes to the reality that multitasking does not always lead to productivity. It teaches you to slow down and relax, allowing you to give yourself proper care. By making self-care a priority, you also make work-life balance possible. In the end, a well-rested leader is most often a better leader.

Improves work quality.

Mindfulness encourages your mind to tackle one task at a time. This practice may seem to be a slow process compared to others who try to do several things simultaneously. However, giving one task your undivided energy and attention will likely result in an output of higher quality. With more time to polish your work, you also avoid errors and create excellent work.

Strengthens mind power.

We live in an unpredictable world but while it is almost impossible to control many circumstances, mindfulness teaches us that we can always control our reactions to it. Leaders who follow this principle learn to deal with any situation without breaking down or panicking. As they train their minds to rise above any circumstances, they can successfully avoid being distracted in a chaotic environment. They can likewise be able to make better decisions even during a crisis.

Leadership is definitely not easy but it doesn’t have to feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders all the time. More likely, a simple change in your mindset can make all the difference. With that, you may want to begin practicing mindfulness today.

Six Guidelines To Observe When Using Social Media for Philanthropy

August 7, 2019 Brad and Julie Duncan Philanthropy

Philanthropy may be an age-old practice but that doesn’t mean it has no place in the digital world. Just like other fields such as education and commerce, charitable institutions (and even private individuals with a cause to support) also need to keep up with technological advancements. Indeed, it is not unusual to see fundraising campaigns in your social media feed nowadays. Non-profit organizations are also discovering the benefits of having their own website or social media pages.

Turning to social media to promote an important campaign is undoubtedly a brilliant option. However, responsible philanthropists who wish to see their online advocacy succeed observe rules and practice discipline in their social media activities. The following are some guidelines you should remember to abide by when using social media for philanthropy:

Craft a strategy.

As a highly effective communication tool, a single post on Facebook or Instagram can possibly go viral in a matter of minutes. However, the success of your online campaign is still not guaranteed, especially if you are clueless about social media management. Increase your chances of seeing positive results by devoting time to study how to manage a social media page and create an online campaign. With adequate knowledge, you can then start planning wise strategies for your philanthropic causes.

Work on your social media page profile.

In many ways, social media is like a crowded marketplace. Many things are going on at the same moment. Therefore, you literally have to exert effort to gain people’s attention and trust. Thus, simply having a social media page or an official website is often not enough. You want to offer something that will make your post stand out from the rest and at the same establish your page as a trustworthy one. You can do that by working on your social media profile. Try to erase doubts about your cause by including content in your profile that prove your credibility.

Provide adequate information.

People who want to support you may get discouraged if you do not provide clear and adequate information about your cause. Be generous instead of stingy when it comes to information because people are naturally curious. Anticipate questions that people would have and make sure to provide answers to your post or profile. To get ideas on what people want to know, you should likewise pay attention to the comments, suggestions, and inquiries that you receive on your page.

Make it easy to help.

To ask for help without giving clear instructions and options to people who want to respond is one of the biggest mistakes you can do. Do not make things hard for people by avoiding complex or incomplete instructions. If you are in need of volunteers, you may want to include a sign-up form or list contact details of people they need to get in touch with. For requests for cash donations, it pays to have a several options where people can deposit money.

Express gratitude.

You want to encourage a habit of giving so do not forget to express how grateful you are for the help you receive. Even if you are doing things online, there are many creative ways to say thank you to the people who went out of their way to respond to your pleas. This practice will not only make people feel good about engaging in philanthropy, it can likewise encourage them to convince others to help.

Help other causes as well.

A non-profit organization should not see any group with the same advocacy as competition. Instead, nonprofits should empower and help each other. Thus, you can also use your social media page to show support to other charities. Sharing and promoting their posts even makes you a better philanthropist because you get to help more.

Today, social media is the best place for people who want to be seen and heard. It is therefore not so surprising why so many spend way too much time online. The good news is that there are many ways to turn your social media time into meaningful and productive ones. One of that is by using it to support or campaign your chosen cause or charity. Make the most of the digital technology by using social media wisely.