If the phrase, a picture says 1,000 words is true, how many words does a video say? It is the 21st century and video is the way of the world. So why not use this form of communication to help promote your fundraiser? Now don’t worry, making a video and getting it posted to your schools Web site might sound hard, but it isn’t. Video is a lot easier than you think! Here are a few of your questions answered so you can start advertising your school fundraising video online.
Do I need to buy a video camera?
No. If you have a digital camera, or a computer, you’re covered. Your digital camera has a built in video mode and most computers now have a video camera built into them as well.
Do I need to buy video editing software?
Most likely not. All new computers come with built-in editing software. Mac computers come with iMovie and Microsoft computers come with Movie Maker. Both of these programs are basic and easy to use. If your computer does not have one of these programs, ask around your PTO or PTA group. Someone is bound to have one of these software programs and would be willing to let you borrow it for a few hours. They might even be able to help you navigate the program. Nobody is expecting your school fundraising video to be award winning so getting just about anything posted is a start!
Is editing software hard to use and complicated?
Nope. It is very easy to use. All you have to do it plug in your camera to the computer, upload your video into the program and cut and paste your video together to make it how you want it. It is actually pretty fun once you figure it out. It should only take an hour or so for you to get the hang of it.
What kind of content should my video have?
Interview a few people about the fundraiser, like the principal or the PTO or PTA president. Ask them questions like, “Why did you decide on this particular fundraising event?” “Where will the money that is raised go?” or “Why do you think parents should participate?”
Interviewing kids for your video is always a good idea too. Ask the kids questions like, “How much will it mean to you to raise money?” or “What is your role in the fundraiser?”
And don’t forget to add the specific details like what the event is, what time it starts, where it is, how much it costs and who is hosting the event. A school fundraising video should be short and concise. If possible, keep any school fundraising video under 2 minutes to keep viewers attention.
How do I get it posted?
Ask your principal who is in charge of the schools Web site and call them. Ask them how to go about posting your video to the Web site. They will probably ask you to e-mail the video to them or mail them a hard copy and they will take care of the rest. If you can’t get the video on the school Web site for some reason, then use other outlets like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook or MySpace. Upload your video to these sites and then send out a mass e-mail to the entire school with a link to the video.
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If you have a moment, take a look at some school fundraising ideas on our blog.
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