As always, I’m trying to be 100% open and honest with these blog posts. I know in the beginning of writing these posts when I was opening up about my epilepsy and surgery I was nervous about “sharing it with the world,” but now I understand that readership may have decreased a bit. Although we’ve moved over from our Blogspot page to here on our website, I know people’s pattern for consuming media has changed as well. Still, since we have a diverse audience, I’ll use this forum to share some personal insight on what I’m going through (e.g., recent tests) and my opinion.
Before I share a story, I’d like to provide a couple of pictures:
In my opinion, I wish I would have started this organization at least a decade earlier. As noted in the blog post by the school system I grew up in, I’ve been volunteering for years. The keyword is volunteering. Below is a brief look at our history. We often show the trend in delivery, but I’ll flip it to show you the trends in cards received.
As you can see, there was a HUGE difference between 2019 and 2020. Do you know why? Is it because I took a shift in our marketing strategy that impacted our overall awareness? No. The main reason Cardz For Kidz experienced such rapid growth over a few years was COVID-19. Groups were looking for ways to volunteer remotely, and we’re an organization that allows people to volunteer from anywhere and reach people with varying pre-existing conditions.
It's been exciting that artists have stepped in and donated their time to help us reach new heights. As documented in the No More Changes blog post, we’ve gone through many changes over the years thanks to the support from our artists. How has that happened? To tell you the truth, I’m not sure! If you were to look at the Press Room section of our website,
you’ll see that it hasn’t been nearly as active or updated. We’ve run at max a couple of paid social media campaigns in the last few years and that resulted in ZERO results.
All of the blog posts are written during commutes on the train/plane or while waiting for my commute – utilizing my time. Even with that minimal media/marketing attention, and my little experience with nonprofit management, Cardz For Kidz has been able to more than double the number of cards sent in August 2023 vs August 2021.
The additional schooling has been primarily focused on data analytics, but there was a bit of Nonprofit Leadership training sprinkled in there as well. I’ve shared the story quite a few
times, Cardz For Kidz was accidentally started on purpose. It was originally just supposed to be a one-time event, but everyone loved the impact, so I carried it on. Then other people asked to join so I got my cousin to design the original logo, some longtime friends to help with the 501(c)(3) paperwork, and created a Facebook page. Now, based on your vote, we went to the new trademarked logo and are across most major social media platforms and are sending cards worldwide.
Next time you’re thinking of a fun volunteer event or something you’re personally passionate about on the side, please give it a second thought. Your passions may align with thousands of others, and you may lead a global movement IN YOUR FREE TIME as well. If you need advice, you know where to find me, leave a comment below or visit www.cardzforkidz.org/contact-us!