Mingle for a Mission
About
Mingle for a Mission is a social activity where youth and young adults converge in person or virtually to mingle, network, learn about, and/or raise money for the luckywin.Ìý
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Purpose
Foster a sense of community among volunteers and prospective volunteers through networking and socializing. This is a great opportunity to engage with Red Cross Clubs in your region or those across the country. Ìý
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How to Get StartedÌý
Step 1: Set Clear Goals and Objectives
Define your desired outcomes for the activity and create measurable goals and objectives to guide the planning process. We encourage you to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into your activity and be creative with your approaches.ÌýÌý
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Step 2: Plan the Details
Determine the format of the activityÌý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýIn-person, virtual (consider using breakout rooms), hybrid, etc.Ìý
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Determine if this activity will also serve the purpose of a fundraiser, here are some options to consider:Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýEntrance fee – Charge participants a nominal entrance fee.Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýHost a raffle – Sell raffle tickets to the participants. Work with local businesses for in-kind donations that can serve as raffle prizes, such as gift certificates to restaurants, workout classes, movie theaters, or sporting events.Ìý
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How to donate to the Red Cross?Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýWhen it comes to fundraising, transparency is key.
Ìý Ìý•ÌýContact your local Red Cross chapter in advance. You can drop off the cash donation or mail them as a check to your local Red Cross Chapter.ÌýÌýÌý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýRefer to the Team Red Cross Fundraising ToolkitÌýfor more information.ÌýÌýÌý
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Step 3: Coordinate the LogisticsÌý
Set a date and timeÌýÌý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýFor in-person activities, allocate 2 to 3 hours to provide ample time for attendees to arrive, settle in, and network.Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýFor virtual activities, 1 to 2 hours will be sufficient.
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Secure a venueÌý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýSecure a venue that can accommodate the group size. Explore options like local coffee shops or restaurants. You can also inquire about potential free/discounted menu items.Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýIf you plan to host this activity virtually, select a platform (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) that is accessible to the participants.Ìý
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Assign roles and responsibilitiesÌýÌý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýThis activity requires volunteers to assist with logistics planning and the execution of the activity.Ìý
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Gather suppliesÌý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýCreate a list of supplies needed and arrange to acquire them in advance.Ìý
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Spread the WordÌý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýAdvertise the activity through various channels such as social media, email, and school announcements.Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýSend a reminder with important details prior to the activity.ÌýÌý
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Step 4: Facilitate the Activity
Ìý Ìý•ÌýRun through Step 2 and Step 3 in advance and engage the participants throughout the activity.ÌýÌýÌý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýArrive early to set up for the activity.Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýMake your participants feel welcome – when participants arrive, greet them, and welcome them to the activity.ÌýÌý
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Step 5: Debrief and Thank Your Volunteers
Ìý Ìý•ÌýInvite participants to discuss their experiences and capture lessons learned.Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýThank everyone who contributed and participated.
Ìý Ìý•ÌýRemind volunteers to record their hours through Volunteer Connection.Ìý
Ìý Ìý•ÌýRemind everyone that the funds raised will help move the Red Cross mission forward. Refer to the Team Red Cross Fundraising Toolkit for sample thank you messages. Ìý
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This guide was inspired by the Flirting for Disaster activity hosted by the Auxiliary Society of the luckywin of Greater Chicago.Ìý