Street Collections

Street collections are a great way to raise funds for charities and non-profit organisations.


So far, I've helped with two Animal Aid street collections. Many charities and non-profit orgs will be very active in helping you arrange your street collection, so don't let the thought of lots of form filling put you off organising one! Animal Aid list upcoming street collections and info on how to arrange a street collection for them on their website here.


You do need permission to hold a street collection for any charity or organisation. Again, Animal Aid and some other groups will be able to arrange this for you.




Helping with street collection

 Holding a street collection is obviously a really great way to raise funds for your chosen cause. It also is important for raising awareness, too. On both collections I've been involved with, we've had an info table with leaflets, booklets and petitions, and those of us stood away from the table would have a handful of leaflets as well (ones about the general work of whoever you're fundraising for works well). So, you're raising funds, you're letting people know that your chosen charity / org exists, and you're letting people know about the issues your chosen charity / org is involved with. It is good activism. And I honestly do enjoy it, too. I like getting to talk to people about Animal Aid and the issues. It's wonderful when you realise that the leaflet you just handed them, or what you just told them seems to have made them think more about an issue.


Tips for Street Collections


While I'm still a bit of a street collection newbie, here's a few things I've picked up from my experience:

• The more the merrier! In a small town centre or supermarket entrance, you obviously don't want to swamp the place with people collecting, but when you've got a large area, having a good number of people rather than just one or two does help. Again, some charities / orgs will tell their members and / or list upcoming street collections on their website, which really helps with getting more people onboard.
• Outreach. Fundraising for your chosen cause is the main aim, but it's definitely worth doing some outreach at the same time. Having a street stall and getting people with collection tins to hold some leaflets lets people know about the issues. Having a stall also works well for drawing people over, many of whom will then go on to donate. Please do check though what the rules are for having a stall in the place you're collecting. Most places tend to be fine with it, but it's best to check if you're not sure.
• Know your stuff. That's key for all activism though really, isn't it? Even if you're not distributing any leaflets and are simply collecting money, some people still like to know where their money's going. When campaign materials are being given out, knowing the issues is even more important. On the recent collection I did, we had petitions about banning the Grand National (chosen as the race is only a week away). We had leaflets about why people shouldn't support horse racing, but even though these can be given to those who questioned the petition to explain our reasoning, it is more effective when we actually give them a basic overview - we still give the leaflet to back up what we're saying. The issues people are perhaps most likely to ask about are the ones on the petitions, and sometimes the ones on any posters you have by the table as well. These are the issues you should definitely be able to talk about. Other topics will almost definitely be brought up, too, so make sure you know your stuff!
• Don't stand in people's way. Firstly, and understandably, it annoys people. Getting through a town centre on a busy day can be a bit of a battle at times, so makes sure people can easily get by. Secondly, obstructing the highway is illegal. What counts as an obstruction is a bit subjective - aren't many advertising boards put out by businesses causing obstructions? Regardless of this, you should be aware of how easily people can get by.
• Positioning. While you're making sure you're not obstructing the highway, you still need to make sure people notice you! Stand somewhere busy, but with space for people to get by easily.
• One way to get noticed is by wearing an animal costume. It makes you hard to miss!
• Thank people when they donate. Obvious, I know! It shows them their contribution - however big or small - is appreciated, and anyone nearby who notices may potentially be more inclined to give, too. The person who's donated will leave with a positive view of the charity / org.
• Represent your chosen cause well. When doing a street collection, you are representing that charity / org. To some of the public, you may be the first person they meet who's linked to that cause, so making a good impression is key.
• The law. Read through your street collection permit, or ask whoever's organising the collection what the specific rules are. Also, definitely worth looking at is Animal Aid's guide. Read Animal Aid's guide to street collections, leafleting and the law
• Enjoy it! You'll be talking to people about issues you care about while raising all important funds.

If you have any tips, advice, experiences of street collections you'd like to share, please feel free to comment.