Global Seva Challenge 2012 India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I sign up for the Global Seva Challenge?
Go to: http://www.offthematintotheworld.org/join-challenge-india.html. Email your Commitment Form to globalseva@offthematintotheworld.org. Once we receive your form, you will receive a welcome packet including access to our fundraising toolkit and online resources, opportunities to connect with Seva Challenge alumni and other 2012 Seva Challenge participants, and other forms of ongoing support and leadership training.
Can anyone sign up for the Global Seva Challenge?
Absolutely! We encourage anyone who is ready to take their leadership and activism to the next level to join the Challenge.
How will the $20,000 that I raise be spent?
Direct community support: an estimated 75% of all proceeds will support our partners in India, as well as go toward travel costs and leadership development for leaders who reach their $20,000 goal and go on the 2013 Bare Witness Tour to India.
OTM Administrative, Programs and Project Support: remaining funds support continued expansion and sustainability of the Empowered Youth Initiative, OTM’s local service initiative, as well as administrative support for OTM programs and projects.
What if I don’t raise $20,000?
The Seva Challenge is not just about raising money... it's about raising leaders and bringing community together in the spirit of service! We recognize that not everyone who takes the Challenge does so with a $20,000 goal in mind, and every dollar raised helps support our partners and projects in India. No amount is too small. No impact is insignificant. So set a goal for yourself that is meaningful to you: Raise $1,000? Launch 3 events? Engage 500 people? Congratulate yourself on making a difference!
What are the dates of 2013 Bare Witness Tour to India?
February 2-17, 2013 (subject to change, exact dates to be determined)
If I go on the Bare Witness Tour to India, can I extend my trip?
Yes, there are always ways to extend your trip. You can arrange these details with the flight desk when the time gets closer.
What costs will OTM cover for the Bare Witness Tour participants?
OTM will cover the following costs for each trip participant:
AIR TRAVEL
We will be organizing round-trip airfare out of the airport closest to where you live. You will be responsible for transportation to your departure airport. Travel insurance will be provided.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Accommodations, food, transportation, security and sightseeing
YOGA AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING
OTM co-founders Seane Corn and Suzanne Sterling will lead daily yoga classes, evening workshops, and provide additional leadership training throughout the trip. We will also provide follow-up limited support after the trip for full integration of the experience.
If I am partnering with another participant to raise the $20,000, do we both get to go on the trip to India?
No. In order for you both to go on the trip, you need to each raise $20,000, or a combined total of $40,000.
What form of payment is best for receiving donations toward my Seva Challenge?
Online donations are the best way to receive funds. If you are having an event, we strongly recommend you to have a computer with internet access available to receive funds. You may also receive donations via check, money order, cashier’s check, or cash. Note that checks can take up to 2-4 weeks to be included in your spreadsheet, and only donations over $250 will receive a tax receipt.
Who should payment be made out to?
It is very important that donors know who their donation is going to. Off the Mat is a program of The Engage Network, a 501©3 organization. All checks, money orders and cashier's checks should be made payable to “OTM/The Engage Network.”
What do I do with the money when I collect it?
Keep a record of what you have raised and send funds to our P.O. Box:
GLOBAL SEVA CHALLENGE
P.O. Box #14908
San Francisco, CA 94114
Please do not send in cash. We recommend you to deposit this money in your own bank account and write a check to OTM/The Engage Network.
How will I know if someone makes an online donation in my name?
We receive a notification every time an online donation is made. All donations received via the OTM website or Facebook Causes will be included on your individual spreadsheet sent out weekly.
I have set up a Facebook Causes page. Who do I connect my cause to?
Please choose “The Engage Network” as the beneficiary of your cause.
Will donors receive tax receipts for their contributions?
Contributions to The Engage Network are tax deductible within the United States to the limits of applicable laws. All online donors will automatically be sent an electronic thank you letter and tax receipt. OTM/The Engage Network will provide written receipts for donations over $250 made via check. At this time, we cannot provide tax receipts to international donors, including Canada.
I’m hosting an event and received in-kind donations from different individuals/companies. Are you able to issue tax deductions for their contributions?
No. We do not issue tax deductions for in-kind donations. Technically, the product is being donated to you, the participant, not directly to OTM/The Engage Network.
Can you provide me with 501(c)3 documentation?
Yes. Off the Mat, Into the World is a program of The Engage Network, a 501(c)3 organization. We are happy to provide you with documentation of our non-profit status.
Can you provide me with legal accreditation or some other legal documentation?
No. Signing up for the Seva Challenge does not make you a legal representative of Off the Mat or The Engage Network. As a Seva participant, you are voluntarily fund raising and mobilizing your community to help end sex trafficking in India and worldwide.
How do I know who has donated on behalf of my fundraising campaign?
OTM will send you an updated spreadsheet with your running total on a weekly basis if you have received donations the week prior, including online donations or checks sent in to our P.O. box. This spreadsheet will include donor info, your weekly total, monthly total and overall total. We strongly recommend you also keep a record of your running total in case a donation gets lost in the mail or is allocated to another participant by mistake.
Do I need to create my own bank account for receiving donations?
No. Please direct your donors to the “Donate Now” page on the OTM website or your Facebook Causes page to make an easy online donation. If your donors prefer to write checks, ask them to make checks payable to “OTM/The Engage Network”; include [YOUR NAME] on the memo line of each check, and [YOUR DONOR'S EMAIL] on the top of the check to receive a thank you letter. Send checks to our P.O. box listed above.
Online donations are strongly encouraged!
Can OTM founders, staff, or mentors teach a class to help me raise money?
Our social champions do not teach classes for specific participants (we need to be fair to everyone!), and our staff and mentors are here to support you with technical and leadership support. However, it is not their role to raise the money or do the work for you. If an OTM founder, staff or mentor is teaching a class where you in attendance, you may certainly ask if they are willing to announce your Seva Challenge in the class or support you in some other way.
Other questions?
Email globalseva@offthematintotheworld.org.
