Field Notes # 6

Face Aids currently has several projects they are working on to help raise money for the organization. Just last Monday Face Aids organized a Benefit at 10,000 Villages where half of all proceeds went to Face Aids for items sold from 5 to 9 p.m. Another current project is Penny Matching where members have friends and family sign a petition stating they plegde to donate x amount of money, often a penny, for every dollar or so that Face Aids makes. The idea is rather than just having people donate money, Penny Matching encourages a community effort where both parties are driven to work harder. In addition, Face Aids is working to gain money through dinner parties and a picnic. Both activities rely on Face Aids members to bring food and invite friends for a minimal price. The success of these parties relies on the fact that members do a great deal of promotion beforehand, as word of mouth is really the only form of advertisement. Members do suggest sending an invitation via email or snail mail however. What is interesting about these two activities is how much thought and debate went into planning them beforehand. While at the meeting, it was interesting to watch the process members take to put in place an activity. For instance, four possible dates were proposed concerning the night on which to have 10,000 Villages. A member would suggest a date while the president would write it on the power point. Once a good amount was suggested, members took turns discussing the pros and cons of each. Finally, after friendly debate the dates were narrowed down to two possibilities and voted on, majority rule. In the end November 20th was decided on for its conveniency, as it was believed to be after midterms and before elections so as not to conflict with students plans. This method proves to work well for Face Aids as it encourages thought and analysis on each subject, as members have to argue their side, while simultaneously taking into account what works best for everyone.