February 2004
Issue

Involve the Community.

Remember that Project Graduation is community oriented. Involvement should not be limited to your chapter and college. The best way to increase the impact of your project is to involve the entire community. So how do you do this? Your chapter should mobilize the entire community to address these issues. The more people contribute, the greater the impact.

Try asking people to contribute to Project Graduation not only at commencement ceremonies, but also in the student union, the hallways of your college, at local grocery stores and bookstores, at local high schools and at places of faith. Think outside of the box and do not let graduation itself confine your efforts. The location for collection of donated items is of secondary importance. The principal idea is to capitalize on the spirit of graduation and giving by making an impact that is lasting and significant to those in need regardless of where or when donations are collected.

Aim High.

As you begin planning Project Graduation, set a goal for the number of items your chapter wishes to collect. It may be a good idea to have a conversation with literacy and hunger organizations in your community to determine the amount of donations they need. By doing so, your chapter can become directly engaged in dialogue about how to better your community with the people who are on the front lines of those efforts.

Spread the Word.

Hopefully, chapters are getting the word out to their chapter members. Encouraging chapter members to participate is often the easiest, yet most essential, part of your Project Graduation success.

Successful chapters don't stop here. Extend the reach. Get the word out on campus by hanging posters, placing project announcements in graduation packets, writing articles in the campus newspaper and appearing on the campus radio station. In the end, every single member of the faculty and staff and all your fellow students should know exactly what Project Graduation is and how they can help feed a body and feed a mind.

Keep up the Good Work.

Remember, we belong to the community. Get the word out about Project Graduation through the local media, at grocery stores, religious institutions, civic organizations, libraries, firehouses, and police stations. The list is limitless.

People want to be involved, but they have to know about the cause and how they can easily contribute. And that is key to success, making it easy for them to contribute. Have chapter members set up drop-off spots off campus and follow up by collecting the items.

Make an Impact Together.

Project Graduation is an innovative, yet practical way to make your community a better place. Chapter success is measured by how many people exposed to Project Graduation are inspired to act by bringing donation items to designated drop-off locations.

Enroll your chapter in Project Graduation 2004 at www.projectgraduation.org. After enrolling, your chapter will be mailed a Project Graduation Kit which inclues posters and a planning guide to help you promote the program. For additional information about how your chapter can participate in Project Graduation, contact Public Relations Specialist Dana Van Deman at dana.vandeman@ptk.org or 601.984.3577.