What the Occupy movement has taught me about fundraising

I have gotten very involved with Occupy Chicago—writing press releases, serving as one of the spokespeople, and just plain holding signs on a street corner.  Whatever you think of the movement itself, I think almost all of us can agree that the economy is awful, too many people are struggling, and that there is too much corporate influence on government.  Those are all reasons why I personally Occupy.

Occupy Wall Street, the arguable epicenter of the Occupy movement, has raised over half a million dollars, and Occupy Chicago has raised nearly $14,000.  I don't think that Occupy Wall Street has done very much work fundraising, and I know that Occupy Chicago hasn't done much more than put up a link.  Yet they've raised money.  What lessons and tips can we take from their successes? 

• People have to identify with your cause.

Talk about "what's in it for me?"—people who believe in the movement are hoping it will manifest in better lives for themselves, their children, and grandchildren.  So it's not (always) just about helping others, but even helping themselves.  (P.S. When I say they have to identify, you can always use your messaging to try to make them identify as much as possible!)

• When people wish they could do more, they give.

Many people who have donated have said things like, "I can't be out there on the street, but thank you for doing it."  Giving money is a way of feeling connected and participatory when action isn't possible.  For example, an environmental organization could say, "We can't all travel to clean up oil spills.  But through your donations, you are there..."

• People respect those who make sacrifices.

This movement features people occupying parks and street corners 24/7.  In Chicago we can't camp, so people often get very little sleep as they occupy in shifts.  And the protesters stay through all kinds of weather, which in Chicago especially is serious.  There is a reason that people donate to friends participating in fundraising runs and the like.  They think, "If she can run 15k, I can donate $25." Is there a way you can show any sacrifices your organization has made?