Page 22 - Branch Leader Guide
P. 22

Branch Leader Guide


                       •  The CMTA Report
                       •  An emotional support group
                       •  Friendly staff members who answer calls and advocate for you
                       •  Fundraising opportunities
                       •  Social media forums
                       •  A state-of-the-art website
                       •  Updated news about the CMTA community through eNews
                       •  Webinars

                   Perhaps most importantly, the CMTA relies heavily upon the financial support of the
                   CMT community to fund cutting-edge CMT research under the banner of STAR
                   (Strategy to Accelerate Research).  STAR is alive and strong because of our volunteers,
                   members and supporters!  If every person living with CMT in America were to give
                   annually to the CMTA, we could dramatically accelerate the pace of research.  That’s
                   why it’s so important that branch leaders make a commitment to lead and promote
                   fundraising efforts through their branches and communities.

                   Fundraisers can be big or small.  Every dollar counts!  The possibilities are endless.  Let
                   your mind wander, and you will be surprised what you come up with!



                   Leader Giving
                   We encourage you to give to the CMTA on an annual basis, whatever amount is
                   appropriate for you.  Again, the amount of the contribution is less important than the act
                   of giving, which will motivate you and also signal to others your higher commitment and
                   investment in the CMTA.


                   Participant Giving
                   It is important that our participants understand why fundraising is so critical to the CMTA
                   (see “Why is fundraising important?” above).  Contributions not only keep the CMTA
                   running, they also provide the CMTA and its branch leaders a vote of confidence in its
                   programs and services and allow the participants to lead by example when asking their
                   own networks for support of awareness and fundraising initiatives.  Just like leader
                   giving, the amount of the contribution is less important than the act of giving and being
                   invested in the CMTA at some level.


                   Fundraising Events
                   First and foremost, there are no bad fundraisers. Keep in mind that you will get better at
                   fundraising with experience.  The prospect of planning a fundraiser may sound
                   intimidating, but it’s not a sink-or-swim situation.  Your regional branch manager will help




                                                                                                       19
   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27