About Participating in the Charity Talk

Please view the following Frequently Asked Questions for more information about participating in our Charity Talks.

Still have questions?  Email Katie Simons, our Senior Programs & Communications Manager, at Katie@aiarthritis.org.

What is a Charity TALK? 

In a traditional “Charity Walk”, people form teams to raise money for a cause they care about, then everyone meets up at a set location to walk a predetermined course. These events can also include informational speeches, people sharing their own stories, honoree recognition, music, food, and games. Team members often where group shirts or costumes if it is a themed event. The end goal is to create awareness and raise important funds to support the charity.

But everything we do as an organization is founded on conversations - and, for some, walking is very difficult. Therefore, we felt it more appropriate to host something with less walking and more talking. A Charity TALK, like a walk, invites supporters to form teams then raise awareness and funds that benefit a cause. The difference between a walk and a talk is a focus on communication. In our case, the Charity TALK will include creative AUTO themed activities and downloadable materials that you can share online or with family and friends. Participate as much as you want (host your own Charity TALK team), or simply follow our efforts and make a donation.

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What is all involved in hosting a Charity Talk Event? 

Pick a date, time, and location (in person* or online), gather up your community, your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone else, and let the fun begin! 

• Encourage everyone to dress up in something auto or car race themed.
• Have auto-themed food and drink.
• Download our Charity Talk awareness activities to play.  You do not have to worry about what to say, we will provide all the information you need to host your 'talk'!  Examples include the "AiArthritis Quiz", photo challenges, and a "How well do you know me?" customizable game where you can take the opportunity to teach your loved ones more about your challenges.
• Collect donations.  Your team members can donate directly to your Registered Talk Team Page or Facebook fundraising page.
• Optional:  There will be some activities that include taking photos with AUTOmobiles and posting those to social media.  If you and your teammates are up for it, this will be a great way to DRIVE awareness online!

Other ideas:

• You also may want to share your personal story and why awareness is important to you.
• Be creative - *meet up to race go karts or make it a day at a local auto race.

Ultimately, it's up to you how comfortable you are sharing which materials and activities. Make it your own!

*Please take into consideration your local COVID-19 restrictions.

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I want to participate but I don't want to host an event. What can I do?  

There are many ways you can be involved in our awareness and fundraising efforts without hosting an event. 

• Charity Talk Team Only.  Don't worry about picking an event day or time or planning any activities. Just create your Team page (and optional Facebook Fundraiser) and start inviting people to support your team by donating.  Then, send everyone who donated some auto-themed awareness information (provided by us) so they also learn a little more about why it's important to be more educated about our diseases.
• Support OUR Charity Talk Team by Donating. Support our team by donating. Then we will send YOU auto-themed awareness information at the end of the month and you can share with others. You can also find these materials on our website and social media pages (@IFAiArthritis).
• Volunteer to help manage our Charity TALK! We are now recruiting volunteers to help set up and manage TALKS.  Interested in joining our team of volunteers? Sign up today and let us know you are interested in this project.

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I created a Team page - but where do I find it so I can share?

After creating your team page, you should have received an automated email that includes a link to your page. We recommend you keep that email somewhere accessible, and bookmark the web address of your Team Page. If you deleted that email, or cannot locate it, please email katie@aiarthritis.org so she can resend you the link.

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I received an email that says “Forward this message to your family and friends! (Delete this reminder first.)” How does this work? What if I don't email people?

First, we have identified a glitch in the forwarding programming that is out of our control. Sometimes a person tries to forward and the text is jumbled or appears after a signature (not in the original body of the email). For these reasons, if you do email, you want want to copy the link to join your Team page or donate and send these out as a new email (not a forwarded email).

If you think it's working fine and you do want to use this option:

• Click Forward and then delete the top where it says "Delete this reminder first.
• The body of the email is actually completely customizable so edit however you'd like.
• Send!

If you don't email people, that's ok!  Call, message on social media - let them know you have a team and you'd like them to participate in some way (be part of a planned event, donate, etc.)

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What if I sign up to do a Charity Talk and I change my mind?

No problem!  Just email katie@aiarthritis.org to let her know and she will remove you from the team outreach list.

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How do I recruit your community?

Make a list of family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and determine how you will invite them (email, phone call, text, social media invitation).  Then start inviting them to join your official page (set up during Registration). Awareness spreads through communication, so try to get as many people on board as possible. Download our Tips for recruiting your community.

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I'm terrible at asking for donations.  Can you provide some guidance?

Of course!  We will make sure you know what to say and how to say it.  Remember,  a lot of small donations is no different than one big one. Download our tips to increase donations PDF file.

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