I got my American Airlines mileage statement in the mail last week.  When opening it, I noticed on the back of the envelope the logo ad for “Miles for Kids in Need” with an url.

So I went to their website but a link to the program was not immediately apparent even though I looked several places.  Turns out I needed to go to the “AAdvantage” button, click “Partners and Mileage Programs,” then “Charities” and THEN it was one of six listed.  Guess I did not dig deep enough at first.  While I realize the http://aa.com home page is prime real estate, it would be nice if one of the many little banners posted on that page were about one of their nonprofit partner programs – perhaps a two month rotation since there are six of them.  That would give it a little more visibility. 

However, I do like that they put the logo on the back of the envelope that the statement was mailed out in as it was very obvious there.  And one of the four paragraphs on the statement itself was also about the program. “Last year, AAdvantage members donated more than 30 million miles to the Miles for Kids in Need program, providing transportation for more than 500 kids with special medical needs or wishes.  Please help us replenish these miles if you can.  You can find out more or make a donation at www.aa,com/kids.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Do you send out statements to your customers?  Ever think about putting a few sentences there about YOUR company’s efforts in the community?  After all, especially in these economic times, people and other businesses want to support companies that are “doing good.”  If you don’t share that information, you are missing an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your customers. 

So…nicely done, American Airlines.

When I typed in the http://aa.com/kids url directly I did go immediately to the page which stated the following:

“The Miles for Kids in Need program provides worldwide support for children and their families, as well as for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with needs for medical, educational, social services issues and/or for those that heighten public awareness of children’s issues.

Since 1989, AAdvantage members have donated miles to help kids in need. Last year alone, members generously donated over 30 million of their unused AAdvantage miles to help provide transportation to over 500 kids through this program. If you can help us replenish some of these miles, we (and the kids) will really appreciate it. Please check your mileage balance and consider making a donation* today.

*Your donation is not tax deductible.”

Just saw this on Facebook –Kelly Ripa is in the Electrolux ad promoting Earth Day and Electrolux’s Virtual Flower Garden.  If you plant a flower, Electrolux donates $1 to Global Green USA.

I clicked to plant a virtual flower in Facebook and got an error message that said it was having trouble and try again.  Hate that…get me all interested and then it flops??  So I went to the Electrolux website…and while I saw green appliances and Kelly…I could find nothing about the virtual garden.  So either it is hidden or it is bad timing on their part.  Before they announce an initiative like this, they should have had their ducks in a row to make it easy for people to participate. Nothing on the Global Green site yet either…

The best information I could find was on the I’m Not Obsessed” blog:  “Kelly and Electrolux have teamed up to release an eco-friendly washer and dryer in a vibrant “Kelly Green.” Kelly inspired this limited edition line because of her commitment to green living.

‘I love green… the color green and the act of living green,’ said Ripa. ‘What better place to make a simple, every day difference than in the laundry room? Kelly Green is a gorgeous shade, and just by using the new Electrolux high-efficiency washer and dryer you can save energy and use less water. How green is that?’ “

In addition to releasing the Kelly Green washer and dryer, Electrolux is kicking off a virtual flower garden campaign to raise awareness and funds for Global Green USA (which is running a healthy green schools initiative across America).

For every person who goes to Electrolux Appliances and plants a virtual flower for a friend, Electrolux will donate $1 to Global Green USA. Every person who logs in and donates $1 will also be entered into a drawing to win a new Kelly Green front-load washer and dryer.”

Tip for other businesses: Make sure your site is all set to go before word starts circulating about the great promotion you are doing!!

I watched Maria Andros’ video on YouTube about YouTube and Twitter a while ago and decided that I needed to “take the plunge.”  After I set up my YouTube Profile and Channel, I went to browse the videos for Nonprofits & Activism and and noticed the green logo below.  Turns out that YouTube has a Nonprofit Program and gives tips for nonprofits on how to do a video campaign as a way to get the word out about their organization.  Very cool…and wow…do I have a lot to learn!

I am planning a Technology Toolbox session for 100 AmeriCorps program staff in DC next month.  We are going to have some great presenters talking about how to use social media and other technology tools not only for resource development and fundraising but awareness building, volunteer and member recruitment and training, communication, program management, etc etc.  It is going to be exciting.  Some nonprofits are already really savvy about tech tools but I would venture to say most are not yet!  And they need to get on the train or they will be left FAR behind!!

So…are you a business person that gets this stuff?  A great pro bono service you could offer your favorite cause or nonprofit would be to help them think through a basic strategy and get them hooked up with the basics – like Facebook, YouTube, etc.

Here is the recorded webinar that I did on Recession Proof Giving.  Please feel free to listen at your convenience.  https://bnconnections.webex.com/bnconnections/ldr.php?AT=pb&SP=MC&rID=28607557&rKey=ABD368EE9ACB6E1E.

I hope you can join me TODAY April 9th 2-3 pm MT.

Especially during difficult economic times, business giving is an essential focus for companies of all sizes committed to being active in their communities and demonstrating that social responsibility is one of your core values. However, to be most effective, business giving requires strategic planning and action – just like any other business expenditure. Don’t just pull the plug on your company’s giving because you are overwhelmed with requests and have little cash to give. Join me to learn 5 steps to recession proof your giving and dialogue with other business leaders about effective strategies they are using.

To RSVP for this complimentary webinar and to receive the call in number and log in info, RSVP NOW

Susan Hyatt – GOOD Strategist
Business Nonprofit CONNECTIONS, Inc.
http://www.BusinessGivingStrategies.com