The Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy 2009 Bookmark Challenge is just five months away. My goal for this year is to have at least 1,000 bookmarks stitched, turned in to shops, and donated to libraries and schools. To do this, we need to spread the word further and get more people on board. How do we do this?
No, really, I’m asking.
My personal goal, as of today, is to do at least one thing every week to promote the program. I’m going to use the blog to hold myself accountable–if I say it out loud here, I’m committed, right? And you’ll keep me honest and motivated, right?
Monday’s posts, starting today, will be what I accomplished last week and what I plan to do this week.
Last week I made a pot of soup. (Let’s hope future accomplishments are better, eh?)
This week, I will write letters/articles to EGA and ANG explaining the program and inviting them to participate.
I can do that.
Okay, what are some other ideas to promote the Bookmark Challenge?
Categories: Needle and ThREAD
When, in the course of normal discussion at our local library help desk and your efforts toward increased literacy came up, the help desk librarian jumped at the idea and was intrigued with the possibilities. Unfortunately, the bookmark drive was almost over when I mentioned it to her.
Given her instant fascination with your work, I think that we, as your blog readers, could increase participation by giving info to our local libraries. If I talk it up at our Eldersburg branch, maybe the person in the local branch would take it up the chain to the county level. That could touch lots of folks.
So here’s my idea: have a printable flyer available on the right hand side of your blog that would be suitable for those folks who know absolutely nothing of your campaign. Readers could then take the flyers to their local libraries to promote the program.
If this very method is totally unoriginal–if you’ve already done this very thing–just keep in mind that I’m sometimes slow on the uptake but my intentions are good.
I think contacting more libraries is a good route.
Or what about community schools? We have a good offering of classes here through our Four Valleys School. Maybe offer a class and the object is to stitch a bookmark, but they learn in the process (just like the library class you do). You probably know who to contact for that down here. Let me know if I can do some leg work for you.
I agree with the library idea and really like Shelly’s idea of a flyer. One of our schools does a parent/kid night at the same time as the Scholastic Book Fair, with projects. I think I’ll see if I can do a bookmark project. If I do,Jen, can I use the Ambigram?
Great idea, Shell. I’m not a graphic designer, but I can create something that should do the job. (Any graphic designers reading this who want to jump in?)
Beck, are there one-day class events through the community school? Or do you know any possible teachers for a longer program? I can’t see traveling down there on a weekly basis to do it myself. Maybe I could persuade someone from the guild…hmmm. You’re right, this is an excellent local venue. Four Valleys Community School rocks!
Becca, yes. Of course. But I may have something better. The ambigram is a rather large project for an event. It can’t be completed on-site. I have some other projects that might be better.
And that goes for any other readers who want to host or participate in an event where bookmarks could be made, and the Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy program could be promoted. I will provide pattern support and advertising here on the blog and on my Web site–and Facebook. I might even be able to provide *support for obtaining materials.* That’s always the kicker, isn’t it?