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Get Involved, Be A Friend to AU… Because We Are For You
By Robert Kalman
It is common for non-profit board members to contribute to an organization and to assist in the general fundraising effort. My contribution consists of a $35 monthly donation and direct involvement in the fundraising subcommittee. Why am I interested in raising funds?
- Our mission is important for all individuals with disabilities;
- AU introduced changes and alternatives in a traditional mental health system – including inpatient settings at CVH;
- To support the growth of the organization in education and foster a more recovery centered Mental Health System;
- To strengthen our legislative impact on the General Assembly to support rights and recovery in our state – and funding of community programs;
- To educate and encourage consumers to ask for access to a wide range of services – to help them control which medications they want and which medications they don't;
- Individuals with psychiatric and other disabilities are often rejected or mistreated. We must unite to show society that we are created equal, want to do productive work, and have meaningful relationships;
- To contribute to and educate our communities. We can stamp out disability oppression in our society.
Furthermore, the fiscal health of a non-profit depends on the extent to which advocates are willing to contribute to and support the common goals of the non-profit. AU advocates can be extremely helpful by making direct contributions, soliciting and arranging fundraising. Your involvement is one way that the funding community can assess our organization's vitality and health.
Certain gifts or donations are more useful because they can be used for purposes that are consistent with the organization's mission. These gifts are the "unrestricted gifts" (no strings attached). According to professional sources, this category is the "most valuable for a non-profit organization." This will assist us in having a financially diversified, secure and healthy non-profit organization.
For example, advocates may donate $10 to $35 per month. Some donors may contribute more. I am confined at CVH and I am contributing each month along with a number of my peers.
In 1985, the Gallup organization conducted a survey on volunteerism in the US. The results were extraordinary! Forty-eight percent of persons over the age of fourteen had done some volunteer work or donated to a nonprofit organization. Eighty percent of the volunteer hours had gone to non-profit organizations.
We are raising funds because our mission is important. We have a five year-plan and a lot of work to do. We need much more person power in our efforts around the State of Connecticut. The additional funds would build new full-time positions, more events, more education for our peers, more lobbying, more development and more grant writing. We need the financial power, manpower and full time staff to deliver more education and life into our movement.
You can also help out the Fundraising Committee. We all can help by making a donation today and regularly by sending checks or money to the AU office. Donations small or large are all accepted and they do help. For more information contact Bob Kalman at 860-346-9993 or 860-346-9514.
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Bob is an Activist and AU Advocate in confinement at CVH; he welcomes visitors. If you are interested in volunteering or assisting financially, call Bob at the above number or David M. at the AU Office, 860-667-0460.
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