Form a support group!

 Develop Africa is grateful to the following  groups, clubs and schools who are part of the support group network and who have contributed to Develop Africa's mission by conducting a fundraiser, book drive, supplies/ pencil drive etc.

Thank you for making a difference!!

1. East Tennessee State University Amnesty Group (Johnson City, Tenessee)

2. Prairie Grove High School 8th Grade Language & Arts Class (Chicago, Illinois)

3. Montessori Children's House Elementary Class (Madison, Wisconsin)

4. Interact Club at Peachtree Ridge High School  (Atlanta,Georgia)

5. Broadway Elementary School (Broadway NC) and Western Harnett High School (Littington NC)

6.  Edukids Daycare in Lancaster, NY

• See pictures of supplies collected by schools in North Carolina... [1]
• Read about and see photos of a benefit concert organized by a student group [2]
• Read about the Prairie Grove Junior High School's Pencil Drive [3]
• Read about the books created by the Montessori Children in Wisconsin [4]
• Read about supplies drive in Lancaster NY - Edukids Daycare [5]

                                    Here's a novel way to help and have fun doing it:

Just about any individual, organization or business can decide to form a Develop Africa Support Group.  This is an ideal way to make a difference in Africa, right from your home / school / office.  You could start a Group at your university, college, school, neighborhood, religious group, community, or association etc.

Develop Africa Groups are fulfilling, informal, sociable ... and they can be fun.  Each member will have a unique chance to help address poverty and suffering in Africa, and to network with like-minded people.  This will be an opportunity to work with people who are passionate about Africa.

 
Requirements:  All you need is a bit of spare time, plenty of enthusiasm, a little bit of sugar (momentum) and a desire to Make a Change in Africa!

Top Reasons Why You Should Form a Support Group

• What better way of occupying yourself,  your teens / kids?
• Your group will be acknowledged on this website, including selected pictures of your activities
• Priceless - Feel-good factor: the feeling and assurance that you are really making a difference
• This will inspire classmates, friends and co-workers
• Perfect way to have fun and do good at the same time
• You will be respected as someone who is socially-conscious and doing good.
• You can add this activity / community service to your resume / C.V., myspace.com webpage
• You can make new friends through this group / your involvement

Activities
Activities vary based on interests and the amount of time that you have.  Its really up to you to decide what  is ideal for your specific situation.  Most groups help Develop Africa through campaining / petitioning and fund raising.

Fundraising could involve organizing sponsored walks, a movie night etc.  Some groups also take part in campaigning actions, such as petitioning their government representative to do more to end poverty in Africa.  Some towns could have an annual Develop Africa Day with specific activities to promote awareness and support for Africa. Some groups do books drives or supplies drive. Its really up to your group but you can do something.

 Fundraising ideas

Here are a few ideas to help you get started raising money for Develop Africa.

• Baby photo competition: ask colleagues to bring in baby photos of them. People pay to guess who’s who – great fun for everyone, with small prizes for the winners.  Find out who looked the cutest
• Product and Other Sales such as candy bars, online magazine sales, cookie dough etc. 
• Babysitting, house-sitting and pet-sitting: offer to look after your friends’ kids, or feed pets / water the plants when they are away.
• Place of worship collection / donation: ask your religious leader to request donations for Develop Africa.
• Recycle: Collect old cell phones and empty printer cartridges from businesses, schools etc.
• Tea / Coffee / Bagel morning: organize your friends and have a cake sale – ask a local coffee / doughnut shop to help.
• Drinks for the day: offer to make all the tea and coffee at work and ask your colleagues to tip you.
• Trivia Night fundraiser is a fun way to raise money