Your decision to fundraise in order to volunteer abroad is newsworthy, especially to local papers and websites that often celebrate the fact that they have a local hero among them, someone who is committing time to volunteer in another part of the world. Write a press release—a one-page announcement telling your "story." Explain where you will be volunteering, how long you are going, and information about your fundraising efforts. Many journalists will want to know about your volunteer placement, and the types of volunteer opportunities Cross-Cultural Solutions offers.
Circulate your press announcement about your upcoming international adventure through the local media—radio, printed press, television, and websites—and particular groups that you are affiliated with that have news bulletins or newsletters including alumni magazines, church bulletins, etc. You can also distribute your press release online for free through the many press release distribution sites on the web such as PitchEngine. Having a short piece published anywhere can go a long way to help your fundraising efforts.
For pictures to accompany your press release, use our Photo Library — a resource for media professionals looking for access to high-quality, high-resolution photography from CCS international volunteer programs. To use a picture from the Photo Library, click "Request Account" at the bottom of the page. All photos are ©Cross-Cultural Solutions.
To get started, read a sample press release or published articles about past CCS fundraisers.
If you need fundraising support, contact your Program Manager. You can also read our fundraising FAQs or get ideas from our fundraising group on the CCS Community. If you are not yet an enrolled volunteer, contact us for further assistance.
