Network for the Needy



 

PCMA's Network for the Needy®: Helping Others Through Meetings and Conventions

 

Founded in 1990, Network for the Needy® (NFTN) started a simple initiative to donate leftover food from conventions. NFTN has now grown into an organization-wide educational program for industry professionals to become educated in how to give back to their communities through meetings. Sponsored by a generous grant from Global Experience Specialists, NFTN is available throughout the United States and Canada at no cost and involves a wide range of programs and activities.

Why use the Network for the Needy to plan convention volunteerism?
Why not? The benefits are limitless, but here are just a few of the reasons why you should:

  • Create goodwill - give your attendees the opportunity to help others in need and demonstrate that your organization CARES about the community.
  • Foster teamwork among your attendees by working together on a project for those in need.
  • Develop positive community relations by publicizing your volunteer efforts to your members and customers.
  • Help to demonstrate the value of the meetings and trade show industry to the community at large.

Food Donation
Donation of excess food from meetings and special events is a simple way to help those in need. Whenever possible, outline the requirement of excess food donation in your event RFP and facility contract. Most convention centers already have a preferred community partner for food donation. You can also visit Feeding America or The Canadian Association of Food Banks to find food banks near your event. Certain questions should be asked about completion of forms, picking up and/or dropping off donations and ensuring the quality of the donations.

Vendor Product Donation
Through a partnership with Gifts In Kind International, the world's leading charity in the field of product philanthropy, PCMA members can easily donate trade show productsat the close of their events. Gifts In Kind handles all aspects of product donation, from communicating with exhibitors to researching the recipient charity and facilitating the distribution of the donated items. In addition, donors can avoid the cost of reshipping exhibit products and may qualify for a significant tax deduction.

Community Service Projects
Including community service projects at a meeting is a great team building and networking opportunity for attendees. Potential projects can be off-site builds, clean up efforts, service drives, fundraising networking events and sponsorships.Chapter community service projects are another great method of team building and networking. For more information on starting a community service project, contact PCMA at executiveadministration@pcma.org.

Convening Leaders Activities
At each PCMA Annual Meeting: Convening Leaders, there are several opportunities for members to participate in community service. Learn more about each of these events:

For more information on Network for the Needy® community service projects, or how to start a project for your meeting or convention, please contact PCMA at executiveadministration@pcma.org.

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