Parents: Get your teen to use tech for good
So, you’re a parent who’s looking for a way for the whole family to give back to the community this Christmas. Luckily, we have the perfect idea for engaging your teenager to do good – ask them to create an Online Red Kettle and ring a virtual bell for The Salvation Army.
The premise is simple: set up a fundraising page and use social media to do good. No ringing in the cold. No hours of time needed. Just a way to use technology for good.
That’s right, good can come from your teenager’s time spent hiding behind their phone or on their computer. The money raised stays in your local community to help people in need.
If you have a teenager in your household, you’re probably wondering how you’ll persuade them to begin ringing a virtual bell. Surprisingly, all they may need is the right motivation.
This age group wants to help. Start by explaining why creating an Online Red Kettle is a good way to give back and provide them with resources to do their own “digging.” Luckily for you, we’ve already brainstormed five good reasons to ring a virtual bell.
Then help them think of ways to ask others to support their effort – friends, family, teachers, church leaders. We’ve got you covered there too with seven creative ways to fundraise for your Online Red Kettle.
One suggestion: Find a way that will encourage their whole group of friends to use tech for good. Teens are heavily influenced by the decisions and actions of their peers. If their social group is on the bandwagon, they may be more inclined to do the same. And, they can even work as a team when they create a team level kettle. Don’t want to go the friend route? Make it a family activity and create one Online Red Kettle together.
Don’t forget to show your teen the variety of resources that make creating and funding their kettle easy, plus the video from our very own kettle kid.
Teenagers like to share their experiences on social media to let their peers know that they are doing something good for the community. This comes as no surprise considering they grew up during the advent of social media, and they’ve been actively involved ever since. That’s what makes Online Red Kettle the perfect fit – it’s a system that thrives when an individual shares and motivates others to give.
In addition, youth are more likely to support an organization if it is active social media. Encourage them to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. This way, as they are doing good, they can see how the funds they raise are helping people in need.
We always try to give ‘kudos’ to our followers, especially if they show us how they are doing good in their community. And fellow social media users love to see youth doing good!
For those who are just getting started, we have a step-by-step infographic that visually tells them all they need to know in the start-up process. When it comes to asking for donations, we have that covered too with the “How to Raise your First $200 Fast” infographic. Your teenager will quickly realize that raising money for an Online Red Kettle is a very simple, fun way to give back during the holidays.