Erin Goes Global
For centuries Pokhara, Annapurna’s main city, served as a stop on the trading route between India and China. It still retains a small-town charm and a discernible hippy vibe. I like it and think you should go!
And when you do, here’re 7 insider tips to pave your way:
Giving U
I consider myself the lucky one to have found the 3Sisters / EWN program for my Himalayan trekking experience. You can be lucky too!
Watch the video and read about the organization’s fabulous work to improve the lives of Nepali women.
Global Outings
When you live on the road, it’s the simple things that you miss most: a cup of coffee, a hot shower, clean clothes.
Unfortunately, these little pleasures haven’t been in abundance during the last 16 months, and so I’ve had to get creative. Here’s how I manage…
Living Mini
The good new is this was the first time I’ve ever paid for a hotel room by the hour. The bad news is that I slept in a pod.
Here’s my take on the pros and cons of pod sleeping…
Our Giving
GoErinGo! Fund giving as of March 19, 2012:
- $25,150 given
- 55 grants awarded
- Average grant amount $457
- 32% of grants given to U.S. nonprofits
- 68% of grants given overseas
About Erin
Being spoon-fed is secondary only to eating with my hands, my other M.O. for meals. You wouldn’t think so, but eating with your fingers is surprisingly tricky. There are “rules” involved as I’ve begun to find out.
Here’s a rundown of how to eat with your hands…
Speaking Engagements
I am honored to be increasingly invited to speak with students, congregations and civic clubs, nonprofit organizations and corporate audiences. Thank you for your interest!
Below is my sliding-scale fee schedule, as well as synopses for both the Adventure Philanthropist presentation and Fundamentals of Fundraising workshop.
Fee Schedule:
Overseas: If you are a nonprofit organization based outside the U.S., I am available to provide pro bono fundraising workshops and 2-day consulting assignments. Oftentimes my travel schedule is flexible and I can arrange to come to your country to work with your organization. While help with in-country logistics, such as accommodations and interior travel, is appreciated, it is not required. Please write me at Erin@GoErinGo.com.
In the U.S.: Since my consulting business, Michelson Consulting Group (MCg), is based in the U.S., I do not provide pro bono consulting to American nonprofit organizations, foundations or corporations. If your organization is interested in retaining MCg for a consulting assignment, please contact me directly at Erin@MichelsonConsulting.com and I can provide a tailored quote.
Below is my sliding-scale fee schedule for U.S.-based presentations and workshops:
• Public Schools: I’m thrilled to be contacted by a growing number of schools and always look forward to meeting the students. As scheduling allows, I am available to participate in class-room discussions and provide pro bono presentations to schools within the public school system.
• Private Schools & Civic Organizations – If you represent a private school or a civic organization, such as Rotary Club, library and church, I am pleased to give presentations to your students and members. I don’t charge a fee, but ask that my travel expenses to be covered.
• Corporations & Foundations – For U.S.-based foundations and corporations, including corporate diversity clubs, I have a set rate of $1,500 for a 2-hour presentation + travel expenses. A full day rate is $2,500 + travel expenses.
Presentation Synopsis: Be an Adventure Philanthropist Too!
This 2-hour presentation, including a Q&A session, focuses on how individuals can become Adventure Philanthropist too! The presentation includes a slide show featuring photos taken during my 2-year “Erin Goes Global” adventure. The main portion of the presentation focuses on the benefits of adventure philanthropy, as well as effective philanthropic giving and worthwhile volunteer experiences. I will also discuss the logistics of foreign travel: the benefits of traveling solo, how to stay safe on the road, what to pack for an extended trip. The presentation can be tailored to your specific audience.
Workshop Synopsis: Fundamentals of Fundraising
This 6-hour workshop provides a basic understanding of the 8 different ways to raise money, including fee-generated income options and more traditional contributed revenue alternatives. The emphasis of the workshop is on explaining the psychology behind how funders make decisions. We talk about how to identify primary funders, how to build long-term relationships, and how to best position your organization to receive the most money. The workshop is interactive, drawing on real-world case studies from global funders and organizations, as well as proven fundraising vehicles. The goal is to have each organization leave the workshop with 2-3 fundraising strategies that they can immediately begin to implement. The workshop can be in one day, or held over two days.