FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Information

What is Servathon 2008?
What is the purpose of Servathon 2008?
When is Servathon 2008?
What time is the event?
Who plans Servathon 2008?
Why should I participate?
Why are you only focusing on DC Public Schools if Servathon is supposed to be a regional event?
What has Greater DC Cares done in the DC Public Schools recently?
What happens if it rains on the day of Servathon?
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Are there any age restrictions for participating?

Q: What is Servathon 2008?

A: The Greater Washington Servathon 2008, presented by Greater DC Cares and Fannie Mae, is the DC region’s largest volunteer event. This year, Greater DC Cares has dedicated this day of service to the DC Public Schools as part of our “Volunteer for DC Public Schools” Campaign. We will mobilize 3,000+ volunteers to complete 30–60 service projects at DC Public Schools.

Whether you help build a playground, paint a school or install a computer lab, Servathon makes you part of a powerful demonstration of community service that raises awareness and funds for volunteerism 365 days a year. And, after finishing the projects, there’s a party to celebrate our successes!

Servathon is a great opportunity to meet new people, see new parts of the region, and try something new. Servathon is also a fun way to spend time with family, friends and colleagues while providing service to your community. Servathon is a great place to get started volunteering or — if you have been a volunteer before — to try a new kind of project!

Q: What is the purpose of Servathon 2008?

A: The goals of Servathon 2008 are:

Raise awareness of Greater DC Cares’ “Volunteer for DC Public Schools” 2008 Campaign by uniting the Greater DC Region in service to DC Public Schools;
Introduce new volunteers to the rewards of community service;
Celebrate the work that volunteers, especially Greater DC Cares volunteers, do in the community all year round; and
Serve as Greater DC Cares’ major annual fundraiser, with the goal this year of raising $460,000 that will enable us to provide our important services throughout the year.

Q: When is Servathon 2008?

A: Saturday, May 3, 2008

Q: What time is the event?

A: Servathon 2008 includes service projects plus a celebration. Here's what the day looks like:

Saturday, May 3:

8:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. – Registration and Service

1:00 to 4:00 p.m. — Join us at the “Come-As-You-Are” Party celebrating your accomplishments and the power of volunteer service. It will take place at:

This year’s after-party will be held at Town, a fun dance club on the exciting U Street corridor. Town is easily accessible by car or from the U Street Metro stop on the Green/Yellow lines. Join us for good music, fun dancing, and mingling with friends as we celebrate the accomplishments of the day.

Town
2009 8th St, NW (at the corner of 8th and U Streets)
Washington, DC 20009
Get Driving Directions
Get Metro Directions

Q: Who plans Servathon 2008?

A: In partnership with a network of nonprofit organizations and volunteers, and our primary sponsor Fannie Mae, Greater DC Cares plans and executes the day's activities.

Q: Why should I participate?

A: The time you and other volunteers donate saves DC Public Schools more than $300,000. In other words, you are making a long-term investment in the health of our region. Your participation, and that of the other volunteers, strengthens the DC Public Schools throughout the year.

In addition, Servathon 2008 is not only Greater DC Cares' signature service event, it is also our major fundraising event. The funds you raise provide more than 25% of our year-round operating budget. Volunteerism itself costs money. We buy paint, landscaping materials, new hardware for donated computers, and other supplies for projects throughout the year.

Q: Why are you only focusing on DC Public Schools if Servathon is supposed to be a regional event?

A: The state of the DC Public Schools is a regional issue and one that we should all be concerned about, no matter where we live. The Greater Washington Region is just that, a region, not three separate states. We need to act like a community to fully address the problems in our region.

The condition of the DC public schools has a direct impact on the lives of everyone who lives and works in the region. For example, this region is one of the most highly-educated, technologically-advanced metropolitan areas in the country. All children in our region must receive a high-quality education to ensure our continued regional economic competitiveness. Further, inspiring a love of learning and bold leadership in the next generation of our youth will provide the tools necessary to address all community issues in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Whether we live, work, or play in the DC, the conditions of this city are central to all of our quality of life. Working together, we can establish a sense of region-wide community that will foster continued excellence in DC’s youth. The challenges facing the DC Public Schools are daunting. Dilapidated buildings contribute to a frustrating learning environment that results in high drop-out rates and low tests scores. This issue requires the skills, time, and talents of the whole region to ensure that the children of our community, regardless of where they live, are afforded the opportunity to receive a high-caliber education.

Q: What has Greater DC Cares done in the DC Public Schools recently?

A: In the last three months alone, Greater DC Cares has organized volunteers and business partners to provide more than 650 volunteers and 2,600 hours of work to D.C. Public Schools! We have remodeled and built playgrounds, beautified grounds, painted the insides and outsides of buildings, built computer labs, and much more.

In fact, we are so committed to the issues facing the DC Public Schools, that we have declared 2008 our “Volunteer for DC Public Schools” Campaign. All of our major days of service (MLK and Servathon) will be targeted at DC Public Schools. As well, we will host a Citizen Academy and a Business Philanthropy Summit focused on the state of DC Public Schools and what we can do to help.

Q: What happens if it rains on the day of Servathon?

A: This is a rain or shine event! Some nonprofit organizations have been waiting all year for your help, so the show must go on. There is a chance that work at your project site might be altered in the event of bad weather. Just remember to bring your rain gear!

Q: Do I need to bring anything to the site?

A: Greater DC Cares provides all tools and supplies for the projects. We’ll also give you a Servathon t-shirt when you check-in at your project site.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for participating?

A: Many of our projects are family and youth friendly; this information is noted on the project description. If applicable, specific age limits are listed under each Youth-Friendly project.

All projects not shown as Family or Youth Friendly are open only to volunteers over the age of 18.

Fundraising

Why is there a $20 registration fee?
Why are you also asking me to fundraise?
I've never raised money before. Will you help me?
Will my donors' contributions be tax deductible?
What will the money be used for?
What if my company has a matching gift program?

Q: Why is there a $20 registration fee?

A: There’s a $20 registration fee for each volunteer to cover supplies, t-shirts, water and snacks. It costs Greater DC Cares about $17 per volunteer just for supplies for Servathon. All we are asking is that you help cover your supplies cost, and in return we will provide you with a t-shirt, water, snacks, free food and drink after the service, and the opportunity to do critical service and make a huge impact on DC Public Schools. It's a bargain!

Q: Why are you also asking me to fundraise?

A: Like Walk for the Cure (Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer) or Relay for Life (American Cancer Society), Servathon helps raise money for Greater DC Cares to provide volunteer and capacity building services for the entire year! To this end, we encourage each volunteer to raise a minimum of $100, since Servathon is our largest fundraiser. It’s not mandatory to fundraise, but we would greatly appreciate your help! Your dollars will have a huge impact and the top fundraisers can win great prizes. Individuals who raise more than $100 will receive a fun, Nalgene-style Greater DC Cares water bottle. All those who raise more than $250 will also be entered into a drawing to win even more fabulous prizes, such as restaurant gift certificates, tickets to sporting events, electronics and plane tickets.

The money you raise for Servathon will make this region a better place to live and work for all. If each volunteer raises just $100, we can:

Implement 1,000 volunteer projects throughout the region;
Help provide 36,000 meals to people who are homeless or living with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses;
Provide free tools to more than 200 local nonprofits through our tool “lending library” so they can upgrade their facilities; and
Paint 3,000 classrooms in local public schools.

Q: I've never raised money before. Will you help me?

A: Yes! We will make it easy for you. Once you’ve registered, we’ll give you tools to help you raise funds including Servathon 2008 fact sheets, sample email to send potential sponsors, sample invitations for potential team members, and talking points.

You can then customize these materials for each person or group you approach. We even give you your own Web page and email address to communicate with your prospects and donors!

Remember, the #1 reason people give is because they were asked. Your family, friends and co-workers will donate because Servathon 2008 and volunteerism are obviously important to you.

Q: Will my donors’ contributions be tax deductible?

A: Yes. Greater DC Cares is a 501(c) (3) organization. Our tax ID# is 52–162-5585.

Q: What will the money be used for?

A: Your team members can feel great about the money they raise, because every dollar goes a long way. For example, a donation of:

$10 buys the landscape materials to revitalize the grounds of a high school
$25 will help paint an elementary school classroom
$50 will help restock a DC Public School library
$150 will support a resume development training for students and parents
$500 contributes to a jungle gym for a new playground
$1,000 will help build a computer lab for students

Q: What if my company has a matching gift program?

A: Matching gifts are a great way to double — even triple — the value of your donation to Greater DC Cares! Ask your human resources department for more information.

Get a matching gift form from your company, complete it and send to:

Greater DC Cares
ATTN: Servathon Manager
1725 I Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006

Projects

What types of projects can I work on?
When can I find out what projects are available?
Can I find out what projects are available before registering for the event?
Are there any age restrictions for participating?
How will I get information about my specific project?
Do I need to bring anything to my project?
What if it rains on the day of Servathon?

Q: What types of projects can I work on?

A: Servathon 2008 will offer a wide range of project opportunities focused on the DC Public Schools.

The projects we work on are exciting and make a real difference in our communities by making our schools a better place to learn and grow. For example, during recent Greater DC Cares events with the public schools, volunteers:

Built a playground for a school in a low-income area;
Painted and landscaped the exterior of a school;
Painted lockers in rainbow colors; and
Designed hopscotch and four square boxes on blacktop.

Q: When can I find out what projects are available?

A: Projects will be posted on this site on April 1, 2008. So go ahead and register now, and then visit the site again and select your project on April 1, 2008.

Q: Can I find out what projects are available before registering for the event?

A: No, you must first register for Servathon to see the list of available volunteer projects. Then visit the site again on April 1, 2008 to select your project.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for participating?

A: Check the project description to see if a project is Family Friendly. All projects not shown as Family Friendly are open only to volunteers over the age of 18. Volunteers 13–18 years old can attend these projects with parental supervision, but a parent or legal guardian must sign a liability waiver. Please note that children age 5 and under are not allowed to participate in Servathon 2008.

Family Friendly: Children between 6 and 12 years old can volunteer at these projects, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. In addition, a parent or legal guardian must sign the liability waiver. Complete the waiver and mail or fax the waiver to:

Greater DC Cares
C/O Servathon Manager
1725 I St, NW; Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
Fax: 202-777-4444

Q: How will I get information about my specific project?

A: Information about each project will be available when you select a project. In addition, you’ll receive more information about your project at the kick off event the morning of Servathon.

Please note that if you are part of a team, we’ll get the information to your Team Captain, who is responsible for getting it to you. Your team may want to coordinate travel arrangements, so talk with your Team Captain about logistics.

Q: Do I need to bring anything to my project?

A: We’ll supply all tools and supplies; we’ll also provide water. Be sure to bring any medications or dietary products you will need for the day. If your project is outdoors, you may want to wear durable work clothes and a long-sleeved shirt, and you may want to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.

Q: What if it rains on the day of Servathon?

A: This is a rain or shine event! Some schools have been waiting all year for your help, so the show must go on. There is a chance that work at your project site might be altered in the event of bad weather.

Working on a Team

Can I work on a project with my family, friends, or co-workers?
How many volunteers are needed to create a Team?
What types of teams are there?
How do I join a team?
How do I start a team at the office?
What if I sign up for the wrong team or want to switch teams?

Q: Can I work on a project with my family, friends or co-workers?

A: Absolutely! You can create your own volunteer team. It's a blast and it's easy! Be creative. Think about all the groups you’re involved with: your sports teams, alumni group, church or spiritual group, sports teams, school, colleagues, book clubs, etc. Get them involved!

Q: How many volunteers are needed to create a team?

A: A team is any group of two or more individuals. While there is no limit to the number of members on a team, if your team includes more than 30 people, we might need to split the team into more than one project.

New for 2008! All teams with 25+ people who register by March 16, 2008 will be able to get their team name printed on their Servathon t-shirt. Once you have at least 25 people registered, email srepking@greaterdccares.org with your team name and team captain's name and we will customize your shirt for you. We will also be having a contest for the best team name, with prizes being awarded at the after party!"

Q: What types of teams are there?

A: There are two types of teams:

Family, Friends and non-sponsor Business Teams
Sponsors’ Teams — Teams of businesses sponsoring Servathon

Q: How do I join a team?

A: Anyone wanting to join that team just needs to visit www.servathon.org, register as a volunteer and then click “Join a Team” and enter the names of the team and the Team Captain.

Q: How do I start a team at the office?

A: Starting a team at your office is a great idea! It’s always best to engage top-level management, if possible. Contact managers and/or your human resources department and let them know you’re interested in organizing a team. They'll be glad to know you're helping your company serve the community. Describe the event and gain their endorsement. Some companies are even willing to provide a matching donation equal to the amount of money you raise.

Also consider asking your company to become a sponsor. Click here to get more information about company sponsorships.

Here are some tips for successful recruiting in the office:

Once you gain senior management endorsement, let co-workers know that the company is supporting this day of service.
Send email inviting colleagues to get involved.
Discuss Servathon at a staff meeting.
Place a recruitment ad or note in your company newsletter, internal Web site or company calendar and on bulletin boards.
Encourage a healthy competition among floors, departments and/or divisions to register the most volunteers.
Broadcast your recruiting success. As you sign up co-workers, others will become more interested in participating.
Tell recruits about the fun party afterwards! There’s free food and free beverages. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and share success stories!
Send everyone on your team a reminder the week of the event.

Q: What if I sign up for the wrong team or want to switch teams?

A: No problem! Just send an email to servathon@greaterdccares.org and include the following information:

Name
Email Address
Phone Number
The team you are currently registered for
The name of the team you want to switch to

Team Captains

What is the Team Captain’s job?
Are Team Captains responsible for organizing or leading the team's project?
How do I register to be a Team Captain?
How do I recruit family, friends and colleagues for Servathon?
Once I recruit team members, how do they join my team?
How many people should each Team Captain recruit?
Can I recruit volunteers under the age of 18 for the team?
Can my team members register the day of the event?
How do I start a team at the office?
What should I set as the team’s fundraising goal?
Can I collect donations in the form of cash or checks, rather than through the www.servathon.org website?
Do my team members need to bring anything to the site?
What if a volunteer signs up for the wrong team or wants to switch teams?
Can all my team members come to the party?

Q: What is the Team Captain’s job?

A: Team Captains play an important role in Servathon! As a Team Captain, you’ll help your team to:

Decide on a name;
Recruit team members;
Set and meet a fundraising goal;
Select a project; and
Celebrate at the party!

Think about all the groups you’re involved with: your sports teams, alumni group, church or spiritual group, colleagues, school, book clubs, etc. Be a leader. Get them involved!

Q: Are Team Captains responsible for organizing or leading the team’s project?

A: No. Team Captains are NOT responsible for organizing or leading the team's project. Greater DC Cares plans all Servathon projects and provides trained Project Managers and Project Leaders to lead and supervise the work at each site. Some businesses will provide a manager for their projects.

Q: How do I register to be a Team Captain?

A: Once the group decides who will be the Team Captain, that person goes to www.servathon.org, clicks on Register Now and follows the easy-to-use steps for creating a team:

Read the Waiver/Agreement, then click "I Agree.”
Select “Start A Team.”
Complete the online registration form and name your team. All fields marked with an * are required.
Click “Continue” once the form is completed. A confirmation screen will appear and a confirmation email will be sent to you.

Q: How do I recruit family, friends and colleagues for Servathon?

A: Once you register, you will have your own headquarters with automated tools that allow you to create your personal on-line Servathon page with customized photos and a personal message. You will be able to send emails inviting friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor you. We provide sample emails that you can use or edit, or you can write your own.

Q: Once I recruit team members, how do they join my team?

A: It’s easy!

Make sure they know the team name and your name as Team Captain.
Then they visit www.servathon.org, click Register Now and follow the steps for joining a team.

Q: How many people should each Team Captain recruit?

A: A team is any group of 2 or more volunteers. We encourage each Team Captain to recruit as many team members as possible. Just note that if you have more than 30 people on your team, we may have to send the team to more than one site. New for 2008! All teams with 25+ people who register by March 16, 2008 will be able to get their team name printed on their Servathon t-shirt. Once you have at least 25 people registered, email srepking@greaterdccares.org with your team name and team captain's name and we will customize your shirt for you. We will also be having a contest for the best team name, with prizes being awarded at the after party!

Q: Can I recruit volunteers under the age of 18 for my team?

A: Yes, but children aged 12–18 must be accompanied by an adult. Also, children aged 6–12 can only participate at “Family Friendly” sites. Children under 5 years old are not permitted to participate.

Q: Can my team members register the day of the event?

A: No. All team members must register by April 28, 2008.

Q: How do I start a team at my office?

A: Starting a team at your office is a great idea! It’s always best to engage top-level management, if possible. Contact managers and/or your human resources department to let them know you’re interested in organizing a team. They'll be glad to know you're helping your company serve the community. Describe the event and gain their endorsement. Some companies are willing to provide a matching donation for the amount of money you raise.

You can also consider asking your company to become a sponsor. Click here to get more information about company sponsorships.

Here are some tips for successful recruiting in the office:

Once you gain senior management endorsement, let co-workers know that the company is supporting this day of service.
Send email inviting colleagues to get involved.
Discuss Servathon at a staff meeting.
Place a recruitment ad or note in your company newsletter, internal Web site, bulletin board, or company calendar.
Encourage a healthy competition among floors, departments and/or divisions to register the most volunteers.
Broadcast your recruiting success. As you sign up co-workers, others will become more interested in participating.
Tell recruits about the fun party afterwards! There’s free food and free beverages. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and share success stories! The location is still TBD, so check back.
Send everyone on your team a reminder the week of the event.

Q: What should I set as the team’s fundraising goal?

A: Talk with your team members about setting a goal. The sky’s the limit! We encourage each volunteer to raise $100 or more. It’s not mandatory but your help is critical to our success! Once you are registered, you will see some of the easy-to-use resources we provide to help in your online Headquarters (MY HQ)! So, if your team members agree, you could estimate your team goal at $100 x the number of volunteers on your team.

The two most important things to remember about fundraising are:

People give to people they care about: your family, friends and co-workers will donate because Servathon and volunteerism are important to you.
The #1 reason people donate is because you ask them.

So tell your team members not to be shy!

Q: Can I collect donations in the form of cash or checks, rather than through the www.servathon.org website?

A: Yes, although we prefer that they use the website. If that’s not possible, we ask that people make their donations via check, and that you mail checks to us. Please do NOT send cash through the mail. Mail your checks with your team name to:

Greater DC Cares
ATTN: Servathon Manager
1725 I Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006

If necessary, you may bring your form and any contributions to the “Come-As-You-Are” Party; please give them in a sealed envelope to a Greater DC Cares staff member.

Q: Do my team members need to bring anything to the site?

A: Greater DC Cares provides all tools and supplies for the projects. We’ll provide a Servathon t-shirt when you check in at your project site. Please note that your team members MUST bring a photo I.D. for the “Come-As-You-Are” Party.

If your project is outdoors, you will, of course, want to wear weather-appropriate work clothes, including a long-sleeved shirt.

Q: What if one of my volunteers signs up for the wrong team or wants to switch teams?

A: No problem! The volunteer just needs to send an email to mailto:servathon@greaterdccares.org with the following information:

Name
Email Address
Phone Number
The name of the current team
The name of the team he/she wants to switch to

Q: Can all my team members come to the party?

A: Absolutely! All volunteers will receive an official Servathon t-shirt, which is their ticket to the party. Volunteers under 21 will not be able to drink alcoholic beverages. PLEASE NOTE: EVERYONE MUST BRING A PHOTO I.D.