Participants find Personal Ways to Spread the Word
One of the core elements to
the Overnight Walk and all of AFSP’s efforts is to bring awareness about
suicide to the public at large. Each year our participants share their own
stories in a variety of creative ways and show the world the very personal
nature of the cause.
Overnight Walkers and Crew
continue to spread the word, welcome new participants to the cause, and further
their own fundraising goals at the same time.
Our Stories Are Everywhere
Jeff’s videos from last
year’s San Francisco Overnight Walk capture the essence of the Luminaria
display that are the signature close to each Overnight event. Taking the time
to film each Luminaria bag in the display, Jeff helps to put a face and name to
each loss represented and helps spread one of the most touching parts of the
Overnight to others.
Blogs likeCristi’s that already have a regular theme and readers have showcased this
year’s Overnight Walk and are sharing both the participant’s reasons for
Walking with us and also spreading the need for attention to mental illness. Many
Overnight participants and supporters with their own blogs have featured the
Overnight Walk as a way to further spread the word, talk about their own
stories, and fundraise for themselves or other Walkers at the same time.
Team Shrek, Life is a Highway, and
several other participants and teams have made excellent use of Facebook pages
to help share their Overnight Journey throughout the season, build excitement
for their fundraisers, and share their progress. These pages are simple to set
up and give teams a great way to post updates throughout the year and share
their efforts with those around them.
Sharing a piece of your
story, the emotional and human component of the Overnight Walk, and spreading
the word about this event are all great ways to help you bring other people
into the event. It also helps them understand why this is important to you, and
gives them the opportunity to help.
Share the Overnight Journey Yourself
The Overnight Inspirational
Video is one of the most easily shared and poignant pieces that our Walkers are
able to use easily each year. Giving voice to the emotion and personal stories
behind the event, the video brings a small piece of the Overnight and its
enduring sense of community and compassion to those who have never attended the
event.
Share the video on your Personal Fundraising Webpage, your social media pages, or any blog or other page that you have and you will help spread the word about the Overnight and the cause while giving your donors an authentic glimpse into the reasons that you are participating.
As always, if you have any questions at all or need help with anything from registration to technical support, please contact your Walker Coach or get in touch with your Overnight Staff at 888-THE-OVERNIGHT (888-843-6837) or at coaches@theovernight.org.
