Pathways to Happiness
for communities where volunteerism and donating rates are low
Pathways to Happiness are ways to increase
Volunteerism
Donating
Community scores are the third
lowest overall
100= happiest
Let’s look at one aspect of community:
volunteerism and donating
On average, people donate or volunteer less than once every 6 months.
a score below 60 means we volunteer and donate less than once every six months
Courageous P
olicies
City run awareness raising campaigns
Educate through public service announcements and media
and how to make an impact through donations and other giving
Increase sensitivity and understanding of need
ranging from child & domestic abuse to sustainability; homelessness to climate change, etc.
Raise awareness through media – from radio to social media
Resources for awareness raising
http://connectivity.cqrollcall.com/50-grassroots-marketing-campaign-examples/
Examples of social media pubic awareness projects
http://www.reddeer.ca/media/reddeerca/recreation-and-culture/community-programs-and-information/Public-Awareness-Toolkit.pdf
Toolkit for city public awareness campaign
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/fund/multimedia/public-service-announcements.page
Public service example
More resources for awareness raising
http://connectivity.cqrollcall.com/50-grassroots-marketing-campaign-examples/
Examples of social media pubic awareness projects
http://www.reddeer.ca/media/reddeerca/recreation-and-culture/community-programs-and-information/Public-Awareness-Toolkit.pdf
Toolkit for city public awareness campaign
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/fund/multimedia/public-service-announcements.page
Public service example
City Sponsored Volunteer Program
choices that fit needs and life circumstances
Access to volunteer opportunities
in-kind and financial
Information about donation opportunities
Resources for volunteer program
http://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=Daly%20City%2C%20CA%2094014
Use of Volunteer Match by a city
Why people volunteer: http://www.volunteerpower.com/articles/why.asp
2 interesting pieces on volunteerism
http://www.cityofsacramento.org/HR/Volunteer-Opportunities
City volunteer program example
Volunteer management: https://www.501commons.org/resources/tools-and-best-practices/volunteer-management
Resources for youth volunteer programs
http://www.summerinthecity.com
Simple volunteer program example
http://blogs.volunteermatch.org/engagingvolunteers/2014/09/10/5-tips-for-engaging-youth-volunteers/
Tips for youth volunteers
https://www.newyorkcares.org/youth-volunteering
Youth volunteer program example
Resources for charitable giving
http://www.cambercollective.com/moneyforgood/
Whitepaper on increasing charitable giving
https://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2015/mar/23/the-science-behind-why-people-give-money-to-charity
Article on why people donate
What’s it going to take?
hygge time (danish for cozy or restorative time)
it is important to take care of yourselfregularly take time to restore before you get exhausted
giving and working for social change can be overwhelming
light some candles, read a book, go on a picnic…
Lots of stories
simple small ways to volunteer
stories that educate potential donors & volunteers about
how a gift is used
the landscape of the causei.e. history & need, other organizations, etc.
Stories come in many forms
tell stories in newsletters, on blogs and other social media
tell stories when giving speeches & talking one-on-one
written, video, pictures, comics
tell your own story, and explain why you care & act
Other policies in the Pathways to Happiness tool series
Campaign finance reformGuaranteed basic income
Media reformMassive public transportation
Local food relianceVillage living (cities and rural)
Multi-use zoningPublic spaces
Political festivalsParticipatory governance
Participatory budgetingAnti-corruption policies
Transparency in governmentCompassion training for policeCommunity-based monitoring
Sousveillance Vote holiday
Vacation lawsFamily leave laws
Sick leave lawsFlex time and job share laws
Telecommuting policiesBabies at work policiesIntergenerational care
Department of neighborhoodsVolunteer programs
Mindfulness practice in schoolsSocial justice awareness
raising Mental health –priority
counseling
We envision a world where all beings can thrive.
Can you envision it too?happycounts.org