Singing for Life

2011 International Blood Drive &
Donor Recruitment Program FAQ

Q: When will this event be held?
A: Pick a time that is best for your chapter sometime in the month of May 2011.

Q: Where can my Chapter register online for SFL 2011?
A: Right here: SFL 2011 Registration

Q: Why May?
A: This month is known for having low blood donor turnout due to travel and holiday plans. This is also a time when blood is needed most because of the increased number of travel-related accidents.

Q: What happened since our first project?
A: We have collected over 4500 units of blood. As many as 13,500! lives were saved and new relationships with other performing arts organizations were fostered. In some markets, media coverage for Singing for Life exceeded what has been experienced for chapter Singing Valentines activities.

Q: Who will be promoting this event?
A: This event is chapter driven! Your chapter should promote locally through chapter members, the local or regional blood collection agency, the local media outlets, and the venue hosting the event.

Q: How will this event be promoted?
A: Your event partners will be asking your community to come to the blood center, local mall, civic center or other predetermined venue where the drive will take place.

Q: What makes this “giving” experience different?
A: This event will stand out from any other blood drive. It will be exciting and entertaining. Donors will be entertained throughout the day with SINGING! This is our gift to say thank you for their gift of life.

Q: Will this help us build awareness for barbershop in your community?
A: Yes. This is an opportunity to showcase your chapter and what your chapter does in your community. If you attract and recruit a few more members in the process then that’s fantastic! Your chapter should take this opportunity to build relationships by networking with other community groups including choirs, bands, schools and churches. The possibilities are unlimited.

Q: What kind of external promotion tools will be provided?
A: Posters, boilerplate press releases, and PSA radio spots have been produced and are available on the Society’s website right now. These tools can be delivered to blood collection agency and to the local media. This is your event! Promote it like any other chapter event.

Q: How should we inform the media?
A: As with any chapter program you should be developing and maintaining relationships with important media contacts in your area year round. This would be a good time to begin developing or rekindling the relationship you have with your local blood center and leverage the media contacts that may have available. Work with your local blood center to develop a promotional plan.

Q: What kind of internal promotional support will be provided by the Society?
A: The Society will promote this program internally through www.barbershop.org, Livewire, and The Harmonizer. Stories from members from last years SFL events will be published. The Society will also notify the national wire services and networks sometime during the first quarter of 2010.

Q: What are some other benefits of this project?
A: A rush of goodwill – That’s the feeling of knowing you have helped saved a life. Thousands of people you may never know will benefit by the efforts of your members. Every unit of blood has the potential to help save up to four patients: a newborn baby, a burn victim, a car accident survivor, a cancer patient, etc. Pride – Barbershoppers across North America can feel proud of their efforts. Media Exposure – Because of the nature and size of this event, you will help achieve media exposure that our Society could never afford to pay otherwise. Your chapter and the Barbershop Harmony Society name will be front and center in your community.
New Members – Your ability to attract new members can be improved through increased public awareness.

Q: What does this blood drive have to do with the Society?
A: The gift of music is supporting of the gift of life. One of the four Society AIMs is to be more involved in community service. Participating in the Singing for Life Program supports this AIM. Society members are encouraged to give blood, however blood donation is not required.

Q: How can I help get things started in my chapter?
A: Encourage your Chapter President to appoint a Project Chairman in your chapter very soon. Convince your chapter leadership that this project is an incredible opportunity to foster goodwill and community spirit. The deadline to register your chapter is February 28.

Q: Does the agency contact the chapter or does the chapter contact the agency?
A: It depends on your region. After you register, instructions will be provided in a confirmation email. In most cases, the agency will contact you within two business days. This info will also be discussed in detail when you’re contacted by a Society M & PR Committee member within 24 hours of registering.

Q: What else is expected of my chapter?
A: Register – It is imperative that your chapter registers first before doing anything else at www.SingingForLife.org. Instructions on how to register your chapter will be provided to your Chapter President and or Secretary.

Volunteer – There will be plenty of volunteer opportunities, such as helping with the organization of the blood drive, the logistics, the recruitment, etc. Your chapter should invite other performing arts organizations like community churches, local schools and any other choral group that wish to celebrate with you.

Reporting – Your chapters will report results. This would include units of blood collected, performances, number of groups participating, location of the event, and media coverage achieved. Your chapter should work closely with the blood center’s representatives to obtain final numbers.

Q: Do you expect me to give blood? Are Chapter members required to be blood donors?

A: NO! This isn’t about you giving blood. It’s about you encouraging the community to donate. It’s about your Chapter promoting itself as a member of your community. Your Chapter members may give blood if they are able and choose to but your job is to get donors to the local blood center and then entertain them with Barbershop music and information. This can be better than a guest night and it shows you CARE about your fellow citizens.

Q: Can we get promotional materials from the District?

A: Absolutely! Go the to Sunshine District MegaStore and select from dozens of promotional items you can use for yourselves and for the Blood Center personnel. The profits from the sales of these items go directly to your District treasury for its programs.

Don’t wait! May 2011 is closer than you think!