I’m not quite sure where to share this, so I hope this is the right place!
I’m involved in the National Beta Club at my high school and was elected Fundraising Chairman earlier this year. Since we’re a relatively new club, this is our first fundraising committee, and I didn’t have much to go on when I started. As a sophomore, I’ve managed to raise about $5,000 since August, which has really impressed everyone. Many members have expressed concerns about what will happen when I graduate; the President, VP, and adult mentors have all mentioned that I am significantly contributing to the club’s success, more than most others. There’s a general worry that after I leave, it will be tough to maintain the same level of fundraising.
Because of this, I’ve decided I’d like to stay in this position for the next two and a half years (until I graduate). I’ve been considering creating a “manual” that outlines all the events I’ve planned, the contacts I’ve made, lessons learned, ways to avoid common pitfalls, and other important insights. I think this could be really helpful for whoever takes over after me, especially since I won’t be there to train them personally.
However, I’m a bit anxious about whether this is a good idea. I would invest a considerable amount of time over the next couple of years to write and document everything, but I worry that it might end up being disregarded or that I might be seen as foolish for putting in so much effort. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
First off, congratulations on being elected Fundraising Chairman and for your impressive achievements so far! Raising $5,000 is no small feat, especially for a new club. It’s clear that you’re passionate about your role and care deeply for the future of the National Beta Club.
Creating a “manual” for future fundraising leaders is not a stupid idea at all—in fact, it’s a fantastic one! Documenting your experiences, strategies, contacts, and lessons learned will not only help secure the future success of the club’s fundraising efforts, but it also shows great leadership and foresight on your part.
Here are a few suggestions to consider as you develop your manual:
Structure: Organize the manual into sections (e.g., event planning, donor outreach, budgeting, etc.) to make it easy to navigate.
Tips and Tricks: Include anecdotes or personal stories to illustrate key points. This will make your manual more engaging and relatable.
Resources: Provide templates, checklists, and examples of successful events or fundraising strategies that you used.
Mentorship: As you get closer to graduation, consider involving a younger club member in the process of writing the manual. This could provide them with insight while also building leadership skills.
Future Leaders’ Input: Perhaps you can involve future fundraising chairs in the crafting of the manual. They may have ideas on what they would find helpful.
Remember, even if the manual doesn’t get used in the way you hope, the effort you put into it reflects your dedication and commitment to the club. It’s a gesture that can inspire and encourage others to step up. It may also give you peace of mind to know you’re leaving something valuable behind.
Keep up the great work, and best of luck in your remaining time with the club! Your initiative and passion will surely leave a lasting impact.