Looking for those first few donations to get you going... or the extra motivation to remain dry that comes from those few extra generous donations. We’ve listed below a few proven ways to ensure you stay on track and are shown the support you deserve...
- Take advantage of the pre-written email available when you are logged in to your Dry July account, under 'My Donations'. Bombard your friends and family with it to make sure they know that you are doing Dry July! Don't stop there, though. Later on in the month, follow up with your own personalised emails and get the message out.
- Also under 'My Donations' you'll find downloadable Personalised Donation Cards. These are sort of like business cards that you can hand out to absolutely everyone who crosses your path to encourage them to support you. Your name and unique profile page address is pre-printed on the cards so people know where to go to donate.
- Update your Facebook and Twitter accounts with Dry July news, stories and icons. Make sure all your friends and followers know that you are not giving up alcohol just for the fun of it – you need sponsors, and the best way to get them is exposure, exposure, exposure.
- Download the posters from the 'Freebies' page and put them around your workplace. On the door to your office, above your desk, anywhere is fine. The fact sheet posters include important information about Dry July, and it would be useful to have one of them on the wall so everyone can get a clear idea of exactly why they should be donating.
- Be a Designated Dryver™! Usually this wouldn't sound like much fun at all, but if you're already off the booze, why not? Designated Dryver™ allows a participant to choose a night in July he or she is prepared to drive friends around. Seats in your car are booked through your page at the cost of a donation. Nobody is getting a free ride!
- Get your friends (read: possible donors) to check out the videos on the dryjuly.com homepage. They might be more likely to donate if they can see the good work their money will do first hand. These videos are also available on the 'Freebies' page.
- Don't stop going to the pub with your mates (provided the temptation isn't too great). Let them see you in full Dry July action, saying no to a drink or two. This will make it a talking point, and maybe that conversation will end with, "So how do I donate?"
- Tell everyone you know! Don't be shy when it comes to telling people you are doing Dry July and that you like donations. This isn't being pushy; it is raising money for a good cause and helping to motivate you to stay dry. It is hard to ignore a sincere appeal from a friend to donate to charity.