5 Ways To Have A Successful and Novel Fundraising Campaign

Filed Under (Education) by Juan Franco on 19-10-2008

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by Juan Franco

The suggestions that follow may seem a bit off the wall but they they have the distinction of working almost every time they are tried. This article addresses the main reason why some schools do much better than others even when all other factors are are pretty much the same. It is to easy when planning a new fundraiser to focus on the things that don’t make any difference in the outcome of a school fundraising program. Here are five of the right things to you should focus on.

Below you will find four things that a school or group can do that will greatly affect how much money is raised with their new fundraiser:

Step #1 - Profit Percentage Does Not Lead to More Profits.

A company offering 90% profit vs a company offering 20% profit is not necessarily a better deal for a school. One thing to keep in mind is that banks do not accept deposits of percentage. Every bank I know of accepts only money. Profit percentage is the thing that many decision makers look at first and foremost when it comes time to pick what they are going to do for their new fundraiser. What I am saying here does not mean profit percentage is not important, but it should not be the school’s first and only priority when choosing their next new and unique fundraiser. It should be the school’s number one goal to raise the maximum profit possible with the least amount of hassles!

Step #2 - The Product You Sell Does Make a Difference, however, Not As Much As You Might Think! Picking the right product for your new fundraiser does make a difference, but, it does not have the importance that most think it does in having a successful fundraiser. You have probably seen this in your own town, how two schools decide to sell cookie dough and they both sell them at the same time and the same price. But the difference in their results were miles apart! Because of this, you could come to the conclusion that it is not the product which made the difference. So what is it that makes the biggest difference in fundraising results? Hint, see Step #4!

Step #3 - Start Your Fundraising as Early In the School Year as You Possibly Can

When you kickoff your fundraiser is a very important aspect of it’s success. It is an undisputed fact that the first school who’s sales brochure goes into an office or neighborhood has higher sales than the one that comes last. However, timing is not the #1 reason why schools have successful fundraisers. Hint, see Step #4!

Step #4- Program Management (How the fundraiser is run) is the Number One factor in it’s success.

Program Management is the most important element in having a successful fundraiser. You may know that “How” the school fundraiser is run is critical to it’s success, but the main problem is not many fundraising companies train the fundraising sponsors in how to properly run their sale.

Follow these key elements of Program Management to Maximize Your Sale.

A) Set High but Goals for the School

B) Have A Memorable Kick Off

C) Maintain The Enthusiasm through the Entire Sale

D) Finding Helpful Volunteers

E) Motivating the Students/Sellers

F) Motivate the Teachers and Staff members to Promote and Participate in the Sale.

To maximize the results on a new fundraiser the students/sellers must be motivated to participate in a way that they have not been before. You can provide motivation not only to the students but to the teachers as well.

The main reason why one elementary will make $8,000 while another similar school will make $15,500, is the way they did their prizes/incentives for students and for their teachers!

We at AIM have a saying “Students could sell $5 bills for $10.00 and do real well if you motivate them good enough.” The most important part of your fundraiser will be to provide incentives that truly motivate your students and teachers to participate in your sale like they have never done before! A school that typically has a 25% participation rate will more than double with only a 15% increase in participation. Increasing participation by 15% is not a hard thing to do.

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Find Out How to Be a Great Singer

Filed Under (Education) by Georgia Reader on 19-10-2008

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by Georgia Reader

We’ve all heard the old myth that you are born with or without a good singing voice, that singers can be trained but not made. It is true that a talent for singing appears naturally in some people. It is not as hard to learn to become a singer as is often perceived.

When you face possible obstacles or dilemmas while learning to be a singer-performer things can become much more difficult. Some singer have a hard time experiencing rejection or negative comments. Find a way to cope with the possible negative words, and continue to concentrate on your objectives in becoming a singer.

It is important to hone your skills before trying to enter any area of show business, especially singing. Practice teaches you how to hit certain high notes, and how to train your vocal chords to obey your every command. So sing whenever and wherever and anywhere you get the chance, including your family, friends, at the local cafe, amateur theater, or your church, for example.

If you want to perform for people, you need to find your own type of musical venue, such as blues, country or pop, for example. Well known singers blend several styles of singing, but if you want to cultivate your own special approach as a singer work on one category of singing style. As you nurture and learn more singing techniques you can advance in your own uniquely special vocal sound.

If you want to take yourself seriously as a professional, you need to get an agent. An agent can prove to be invaluable because a good agent can help with public relations and get your name out there. Probably for the best results in finding an agent, first locate an independent recording studio where you can make a demo recording, or if you are short of cash make a demo tape on your own at home.

Practice singing in front of family or friends and ask them what they think. Record and listen to your songs. All this will probably inspire you as they can also help you acquire further knowledge of the craft. Go to as many concerts and shows as you can and study each performer’s performance and their stage presence.

Have faith in yourself and set some goals, including getting a good voice teacher if you can afford it, or take a fine online singing course. If singing is important to you, then make time for it and room for it in your life. Experiment and add some fun creative movements and steps to your routine and see where it takes you.

Before you make the investment in time and money in yourself, find out if you really do have what it takes to be a singing professional. Face the music and sing for others a few times, preferably for people you don’t know. See how their reception is toward you and whether you get a good feeling about your work as a singer.

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Grants for Hispanic students going to College

Filed Under (Education) by Debt Free Hispanic Student on 16-10-2008

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by Debt Free Hispanic Student

If you are reading this you are either a Hispanic student or parent looking for ways to get an education paid for or at least partially paid for. Relax, I know how you feel, I’ve been there and I made it to graduate level and without debt so hang in there, you will accomplish this task and without loans.

It is no secret that Hispanic parents want their children to attend college but most are not in a position to pay for the full tuition so Hispanic grants are a must. Just remember to stay away from student loans no matter what your friends do; this is your last option no matter what.

Remember your goal is to attend college and never have to pay a cent out of pocket. You will go to school by receiving scholarships for Hispanics. You will also receive money in the form of Hispanic grants.

Hispanics today have an enormous amount of financial aid available to them. The secret to finding these applications is starting early. The later you start the more rushed you are going to be. You do not want to sit around hoping to receive a certain grant, go after it and go after as many as possible.

The only job that you will have during college is filling out more applications for more money. If you receive an abundance of money that goes over what you owe that money goes into your pocket.

Make sure you or your parents have your tax return from the previous year, if your parents have not paid taxes in previous years it is going to be a challenge receiving any money.

Apply yourself wherever you are because higher grades mean more money. There are some applications that require you to have a certain grade point average so make sure you do your best in school.

So remember to keep your grades up and get as many transcripts as possible from your school. You will be asked to mail these when you apply for Hispanic grants.

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7 Strategies to succeed with online education degree

Filed Under (Education) by Mary Jackson on 15-10-2008

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by Mary Jackson

Attaining an online education degree has opened opportunities for many students, especially those who find paying for traditional full-time courses outside their reach. But as much as acquiring an online education degree has many benefits over traditional learning, many factors play a role in order to make it successful for online students. Because of the differences in the way that online education is disseminated and acquired, some amendments in approaching this mode of learning need be put in place to make it a success.

1. Choosing an ideal online education degree college - One of the ways to succeed is to select the right online education degree college. There are many dubious “fake colleges” out there that are only interested in selling their diplomas without providing any quality education and support to their online students. As a result, the diplomas acquired from these fake colleges may not be recognized by prospective employers who simply term then as fake degrees. To avoid this pitfall, it’s important to do background work on the college you wish to pursue. Before you enroll, check it out with relevant accrediting agencies to ensure that it is a legitimate college.

2. Check the cost vs. benefit - Many students don’t check the cost-benefit factor before enrolling into an online education degree college. We are all aware that acquiring an education requires huge amounts of money. But a smart move is to first compare with what the future earning potential of your profession will be once you earn the degree. Once you figure this out, only then would you determine if it makes sense to acquire an online education degree.

3. How do employers view an online education degree? - There are many instances where employers were skeptical about the legitimacy of online education degrees. With so many “diploma mills” out there, it’s warranted for employers to be cautious. Although an online education degree might be legit, it would be very helpful to the employer if you provided the type of accreditation your college has beforehand to avoid any misunderstanding. By letting the employer know in advance that your institution was accredited by an institution that is recognized by CHEA and US department of Education, you will be a step ahead in qualifying for that dream job.

4. Practice discipline, intrinsic motivation, and good time management - In the beginning, students may not fully comprehend the discipline necessary to stay focused and keep pace with online classes. It takes strong intrinsic motivation to succeed without the classroom atmosphere and peers. Time management is critical. Setting up communication with other students will be most helpful on the road to success.

5. Utilize all the facilities provided by your college - Many education degree online courses provide online lectures and email access to facilitate communication among students, lecturers and administration staff. It’s important to take full advantage of these services as they keep you “connected” with your accredited online college. It helps further your motivation in your studies when you make use of these facilities to stay in touch.

6. Transfer credits - Students seeking an online education degree often have some credits from courses taken at other institutions of higher learning. Generally, online universities will accept some or all of the previous credits, so the courses do not have to be retaken. Therefore, it is incumbent on the student to obtain official transcripts, in order to receive credit transfers from their prospective accredited online college.

7. Using Educational technology is essential - The only way to facilitate an excellent online education degree is to take full advantage of all the educational technology available. Virtual libraries generally have all the information necessary to complete research projects and other assignments. The online materials have been factored into the cost of the course. The convenience is another reason for using this benefit to the fullest.

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Do Singers Have to Use the Head Voice?

Filed Under (Education) by Will Sandey on 15-10-2008

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by Georgia Reader

Most singers are able to sing in the chest voice, but need to work on the head voice. For women, it is a very high pitched sound and for a man it is also a very high pitched sound that is called falsetto. A practicing singer needs to work on the bridge between the chest voice and the head voice so that it is a smooth, a seamless flow of sound.

Again, the highest notes of a the singer’s range is named the head voice. Many times singers will experience a buzzing or vibrating sensation while trying to reach the head voice. A good way to practice reaching the head voice is to practice singing various scales starting from low to high, with the goal of a good transition.

If a singer attempts to sing with the head voice, there is a changeover point named the Passagio. This happens the pitches from the chest voice and head voice which are the central notes to the higher notes when you expand your range. The head register with the high notes can start after the middle register, after the Passagio.

Reading the mouth and throat: there are not as many folds, so the breath is easier. If the glottis is not entirely closed the head voice begins to emerge. With time and practice, many singers adjust to jumping between the head and chest voices easily.

The chest voice generally is used for the lower part of the singing range while the head voice will undoubtedly be an octave above. Those of you will know that when you sing in the chest voice if you put your hand on your chest while singing. You will feel the vibration, or you may experience a vibration in the throat as well, but if you are singing correctly in the chest voice you will always feel it in the chest.

With perseverance and patience the head voice can grow. Most singers will attempt to sing an octave higher than a pitch in the chest voice to reach the head voice. With the correct breathing method the head voice can develop successfully.

If you are being taught correctly you will feel none to very little vibration in the throat. It can sometimes be very difficult to determine any vibration when singing in the head voice. Remember you can use some imagination while you place your hand on your forehead as you can sometimes feel there is a vibration there.

If you are taking voice lessons as a beginner, you may be classified in a temporary voice category that may not really describe your voice. Some singers think that since they can’t sing the high pitches they may be an alto, for example. But in truth, they may not have studied the correct method to reach the head voice, so that after they do learn the head voice, they may be eventually classified as a soprano.

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Immersion Is the Key To Learning English

Filed Under (Education) by Amy Nutt on 15-10-2008

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by Amy Nutt

English is a challenging language to learn. Those who try to learn English find that the many grammatically rules are often broken, so the minute you think you have enough knowledge to speak the language well, you come across an exception to the rule. Add to that the fact that people rarely speak English correctly, and you are facing an incredibly tough challenge. The best way to learn English is to immerse yourself in the language. You can use the best online English school, pass every English Lesson, and know everything about English grammar, but you will not be able to speak well unless you surround yourself with the language.

Surround Yourself with Good English Speakers

Even if you are trying to learn English online, you need to surround yourself with people who not only speak English, but also speak English well. If you know people that live near you who are native English speakers, spend time with them, and ask them to speak English when you do. If this is not possible, use your online English school as a place to go to surround yourself with English speakers and text written in English. Listen to recordings of people speaking English or talk to English speakers on the phone. This will help you learn not only proper grammar, but also correct pronunciation.

Learn a Variety of Words

If you want to be a good English speaker who can speak like a native when needed, you need to learn to speak using a variety of terms and vocabulary words. The more limited your vocabulary is, the more like a foreigner you will sound when you speak. Focus on the traditional vocabulary found in your English lessons, but also learn from native speakers. Learn how to use slang terms properly, as this is a key aspect of speaking like a native speaker. Avoid using too much slang, though, as this is tacky and can make it look as though you are trying too hard.

As you learn the language, focus not only on the words and their meanings, but also the way the words come together to make phrases. For instance, the word “kick” can mean many different things depending on how it is used in a phrase. When you say, “He kicked the ball,” you are using the word as a verb that means to strike the ball with the foot. On the other hand, you could say, “I get a kick out of that T.V. show.” This means that you enjoy the T.V. show, and has nothing to do with striking something with a foot. Learning how phrases come together in English will come with continued submersion in the language.

Start Thinking in English

Thinking in a language is the only way to truly learn it. When you can start thinking in English, you will start getting a true grasp of the language. If you have to take every English phrase you hear and translate it mentally into your native tongue, or if you must take your native tongue and translate it into English in your mind before you speak, you will find it difficult to truly grasp the language’s grammar.

Devote Enough Time to Immersion

The more time you can spend immersed in English, either through spending time with native speakers, listening to recordings of English being spoken, or reading the language, the faster you will successfully Learn English. Every chance you get, interact with the language. If you are on the Internet, search English sites. If you are reading the newspaper, choose an English publication. Simply logging in to your online English school or heading to your daily English lesson is not sufficient. You must learn to think in English, and that only happens by spending quality time with the language every single day.

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