Are You Ready?

The Day of Hunger is tomorrow. Are you ready? Hundreds of people will be participating across the globe - we've got people from India, Germany, and more. Participants also hail from a big portion of the United States as well as good old Canada. If you had doubts about how widespread this is, here you go!

Each of you are very different in your experience with hunger. Some will find it nearly impossible to go without food for 24 hours. To you I say - don't give up! Because of my religious background, I've done this thing before, and I can promise you it's a exceptionally uplifting experience. To those who have been forced to endure intense hunger before - thank you so much for your participation. If this effort can help even a few people, it'll be worth it.

A reminder to all: Day of Hunger starts at midnight tonight (your time or my time or whoever's time you want) and goes until the following midnight. Write the amount of your donation on the wall of the Facebook event or email dayofhunger@gmail.com so that we can keep track of the amount raised. Then, go to the website of the World Food Programme and donate the money that you would have spent on food (and any extra donation you feel able to give). For those who are concerned, this organization has been taking measures to assist the victims of the disasters in Japan. You're also welcome to select another hunger-fighting organization of your choice.


Thanks for all of your efforts to publicize Day of Hunger! Fliers, posters, and even cupcakes have been distributed in several locations by helpful participants. Sidewalks have been chalked and announcements have been made. We couldn't have done it without you. I look forward to hearing some growling stomachs tomorrow as I go to work and class . . . maybe you guys will mask mine :)

Tasha

10 Days Until March 24th

Alright, it's time to kick the Day of Hunger effort back into gear! We'll be using both online and offline means to spread the word, so take part in any and every way you can. The effect of the Day of Hunger is directly related to how many people actually get the chance to hear about and participate in it, so get off your keister and advertise! The big effort right now is to publicize the Day of Hunger and what it entails. Here are some ways you can help:

We've designed some quarter-page fliers that can be hung on doors, tacked to bulletin boards, or even handed out. Print off as many copies as you are willing and get them circulating! Four can fit per 8.5" X 11" if you change the margins to .4".

As always, invite all your Facebook friends to participate in the event. As you may have noticed, in order to donate, you pledge your amount on the event page or by emailing dayofhunger@gmail.com, then you donate said amount directly to the World Food Programme.

Facebook can be used in other ways, as well: post links to the blog and FB event on your wall, include and tag Day of Hunger in your status, and set your profile picture as one of the images posted on the blog or event page.

For those of you who have an account, Twitter can be a huge way to get the word out about something. Use the hashtag #dayofhunger to raise awareness of the event, and tweet your support with a link to bring more participants in. Feel free to use the slogan “Put your money where your mouth is” or anything else you can think of.

Thanks again for your participation. Email dayofhunger@gmail.com with questions and suggestions. Only 10 days left!

Tasha

Poster Blitz!

We're planning a poster blitz in several areas on February 24th to kick-start the publicity for the Day of Hunger. We'll post times and meeting locations soon. Please email dayofhunger@gmail.com if you're interested in putting one together in your area! It doesn't necessarily have to be on the exact day, but we want the first big push to be kind of around the same time.

- Tasha

Introductions

Hey friends! I’d just like to make a little appearance on this here blog, as I’ve been working with Tasha to help get the word out.

My name is Rachel. I’m a writer, aspiring to become a child advocate. I stalk photography blogs, am a frequent tenant of the chocolate aisle at Target, and can't keep my head out of a novel for longer than a day. I dream of going to Africa one day, which brings me here. 

Through the Invisible Children movement, I have become aware of the agony of Africa, and yearned to become a part of this generation of hope for those beautiful people. I stumbled upon this event via facebook, and was intrigued by Tasha’s passion for such a simple, but crucial cause. I was thrilled that there was something small I could give, in my position, that can directly help.

I look forward to standing with you on March 24^th, to live, one day, as they have only known all their lives. 

Day of Hunger

Welcome to the Day of Hunger blog! This was created in order to facilitate the goals of the actual Day of Hunger movement. Here and the Facebook page will be the main places to look for information, news, chances to help out, tips, ways to spread the word, and, of course, the all-important donate button.

My name is Tasha. I'm a student at Brigham Young University as well as a musician, a writer, and a player of Ultimate Frisbee. I grew up in Minnesota, and I like to make fun of people who grew up where it's warm in the winter. Like any other kid, I always dreamed of making a difference in the world. This is my way of achieving that dream.

But it's more than just a personal dream. Day of Hunger has the potential to affect thousands of people, both on the giving and receiving ends. The best thing about it is that it is so simple. Go without food for the entire span of March 24th. Donate the money that would have been spent on food to the Day of Hunger fund. Be generous, both through your donations as well as your efforts to spread the word. Your tiny contribution can do more than you probably realize.

A disclaimer: I'm no professional. This is a grassroots effort, and things might not be as slick and efficient as one might hope. But that's kind of the point; this is about real people, by real people, and for real people. I may joke around, but this truly is a serious issue. We can't afford to ignore it.

I hope you'll join me on March 24th with a growling stomach and a smile on your face. Thanks for everything you do.

- Tasha