I recently came across an online game here at mtvU.
It is a narrative-based game (like the old “choose your own adventure books”) where you are exposed to the harsh realities of trying to survive in a refugee camp in Darfur. The “searching for water” section of the game especially makes it clear how dangerous life is.
It is a novel approach to encouraging people to empathise with people in need. For so long viral games have been a staple part of online traffic generation techniques.
I have seen and even developed games for not-profits which have used humour as a way of pulling interest, but never before have I seen someone use the media to dramatise the actual need in this way. I like it.
Good fundraising is based on the work that an organisation does. It begins by ensuring that your aduience understands what the need is. You should always aim to communicate this – otherwise your supporters will be sporadic and impulsive. They won’t believe that what you do is important, because they will forget the need.
Like this game, you should do as much as you can to help donors walk in the shoes of those you help.
Whilst this game hasn’t been used for repeat gifts, or any fundraising ask. The online actions are intrinsic which is briliant. To get results – they have made people feel the need.
opinionaid 