Everyone is pressed for time. You have your family, job, boards
and committees all vying for your attention, so asking people to join your Walk
Team and/or to donate to your Walk efforts sometimes falls to the bottom of
your to-do list. However, using online social networks (Facebook, Twitter,
Linked In) is a fast, free and easy way to let your family and friends know that
you are participating in the NAMI Walk.
Through status updates and tweets you can send a message to
many people in minutes. You can use the networks to encourage friends to join
your Walk Team and or to sponsor you as a walker. Posting pictures from
previous NAMI Walks and of your previous Walk Teams on your pages is a FUN way
to inspire people to participate in your Walk efforts. Like they say, “A
picture is worth a thousand words!”
Send multiple messages – the first one should state what
inspired you to walk and why NAMI’s important to you. Follow that one up with messages
about: how much FUN you had at last year’s Walk and this year’s Walk is going
to be even better, how the money you raised last year helped to support NAMI’s
mission to provide crucial programs and services for people with mental illness
living in your area, and how it’s important for everyone to get involved with
the Walk to ensure all people have the resources they need to maintain their recovery.
Remember whenever you are creating a message regarding the
Walk include a link to your Team/Walk page, so people can easily access the
information to join your team or to make a contribution. You don’t want them to
have to do a lot of research. Make it easy for them! After someone responds to
your request -- joins your team or makes you a contribution -- thank them on
your page!
Have FUN using your online social networks! You’ll be
surprised by how many people will support you!
