More than one news source has covered this story.  And the US embassy has confirmed that 10 US citizens were being held for “alleged violations of Haitian laws related to immigration”.

Apparently the Idaho-based charity was stopped at the border to the Dominican Republic with a bus load of children – supposedly orphans.  But they were without proper documentation.  And after talking to authorities, some of the children have parents and know where they are. 

There are a couple links at the end of my post to the news stories and more of the details. 

But the point I want to make is this:  “Negative” publicity like this could easily receive a lot of attention.  It can plant the seed of doubt in the minds of donors.  You could suffer some backlash.  Donors are thinking, “Gee, if it happened with this group, and given how crazy it seems to be in Haiti, maybe other groups are over-reaching their authority.  Maybe other groups are getting a bit carried away.”

Donors MIGHT hesitate sending you a donation unless you can overcome their objections with your “pro-active copy.”  Your marketing, publicity and fundraising communications need to wipe out their seed of doubt before it impacts your charity.

Therefore, consider pro-active damage control if your nonprofit is involved in Haiti relief efforts.  And especially if you’re working with orphans and children. 

Emphasize the many steps you’re taking to . . .

o protect the children
o verify that their parents are deceased
o to reconnect “lost” children with their parents
o to care for, feed, nourish, and give medical aid to the children
o work with officials in any way you can, whenever you can

And if you have been working in Haiti for several years – you didn’t arrive for the first time after the earthquake – then certainly emphasize this too.   Successful and long track records are another credibility booster.

Basically reassure your donors that nothing like this could possibly happen to your nonprofit, regardless of how chaotic the situation may still be in Haiti.  Transparency can help ensure your nonprofit continues to receive the donations it needs.

Longer news story from “Online Independent.”

Story released by “Voice of America.”

Feb 18, 2010 update: Very brief recap is that the 10 missionaries were arrested on January 31st.  Then on February 5th they were charged with “child kidnapping and criminal association” and sent to jail awaiting trial.  But today the Associated Press reports that eight of the ten missionaries have been released.  The other two remain in jail in Haiti.

Here’s a nonprofit – Agape Flights – that uses general aviation as the primary tool of its mission.  They have been flying critical supplies and mail to missionaries in Haiti (and also the Dominican Republic) since 1980. 

Today I’m focusing on Agape Flights for two reasons:

1. I’m an aviation buff (i.e., I’m a private pilot) and I enjoy reading about nonprofits who use aircraft to fulfill their mission.
2. Haiti is “in the news” because of the tragic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck just outside their capital of Port-au-Prince on January 12, 2010.

Let’s explore possible ways Agape Flights could leverage its unique way (i.e., using aircraft) of completing its mission and raise even more funds for their continuing work in Haiti:

• Contact aviation associations – also nonprofit organizations – and ask them to help spread the word.  Two examples are AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association), and the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association).  They have members very partial to flying who also have compassionate and giving hearts.  Agape may benefit from more donations and possibly even more pilots and aircraft to use for their relief work.  Plus AOPA and NBAA benefit from keeping their members informed of aviation news, and some goodwill.
• Publish an online press release.  Get more media coverage.  Agape Flights has some unique angles that I believe will appeal to the media.  The fact that they use aircraft leads the list; they support other nonprofits with their work; and they’ve been doing this since 1980.  Lead with a story of one of their flights to Haiti following the earthquake . . . include someone they encountered while in Haiti unloading the supplies and the stories they shared with the Agape Flights pilot, impressions of the situation, and so forth.
• Send out updates via Twitter on their great work. Include a link directly to their online donation page and the #Haiti hash tag.
• There’s a link to a TV clip from a local ABC news affiliate on their website.  However, it blends in making it difficult to find.  It ought to be featured more prominently on the home page.  It gives a lot of credibility to prospective donors, and it reassures current donors that they’re supporting the right charity.
• For an event like this they don’t have time to redesign their website.  But I believe the earthquake story at the top of the home page ought to also mention that helping Haiti is not new for them.  They were able to respond immediately and efficiently to the earthquake disaster because they have been providing relief for over 29 years.  This gives them additional credibility to donors and the media.

None of these publicity and fundraising tactics would require significant amounts of time.  Yet they would likely yield impressive response and conversions for their nonprofit.  And Agape Flights would be in a stronger financial position to continue their work in Haiti long after the current media attention has faded.

A firefighter from Dorset, England organized a seasonal fundraiser to benefit “Julia’s House” – a hospice for terminally ill children.

About 500 people chased a man dressed like “Christmas pudding” along the beach in Weymouth, England.  Nearly everyone was dressed in a Santa suit, plus a Christmas tree and a few of Santa’s elves joined in the fun. 

It’s a great idea that attracts runners and walkers; gets publicity; raises awareness; raises money for charity; and gives people a chance to “do good” while having fun and exercising!  Give you any ideas for your organization?

They raised roughly £1,200 (about $1,940 US), for the charity.  Read more about the 5km Santa charity race and view a short video.

Merry Christmas!

How often have you read or heard something like this: “Your press release must be truly newsworthy if you want the media to pick it up.”

It is true . . . however . . . news really means something interesting.

And that includes something as simple as a list of helpful tips.  Many people wouldn’t define that as “news” but a good list is certainly interesting.  The public loves helpful tips and therefore so does the media.

Why?  Because the media wants to deliver what the public wants.

Does your charity have anything to do with children?  Offer safety tips for Hallowe’en Trick or Treating; how to minimize the risk of germs; and so forth.

Are you a faith-based charity?  Publish a list of ideas for a less commercialized Christmas season.  Include family activities, games, and other wholesome ideas.

Is your charity a food bank or soup kitchen?  Your list of helpful tips could be how to stretch the dollar when shopping for and preparing holiday meals.

Two final tips for you:

1. Have keyword text links back to a unique landing page on your website that continues the story from your press release.  Make certain the donate button is easy to find.
2. Optimize your list for the search engines to help drive more traffic to your website.

Plus guidelines on corresponding fundraising, marketing and PR tactics.

That’s the topic of my presentation coming up on October 15, 2009.  I’m speaking at a workshop centered on publicity and public relations.

The event is the “Annual PRISM Public Relations and Marketing Workshop” from 8AM – 1:30PM.  This is held at the College of Southern Maryland Leonardtown Campus, St. Mary’s County, MD (Building A, Room 206).

For more information and to register: http://bit.ly/2KBarT