2015 10th Annual Keep Winter Cold PLUNGER TOOLKIT Your Toolkit Includes: What is the Keep Winter Cold Polar Bear Plunge? Fundraising Incentives 5 Easy Steps to Raise $500 + Fundraising Checklist Plunge Fundraising Tools Sample Fundraising Email Donation Cards Plunge Day Checklist Waiver / Release Form 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 KEEPWINTERCOLD.ORG
10th Annual Keep Winter Cold Time: Location: Contact: Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10:30 am National Plaza at National Harbor, Maryland Ted Glick, 240-396-2155, ted@chesapeakeclimate.org What is the Polar Bear Plunge? Once a year activists, friends and families in the Chesapeake region demonstrate their commitment to combat climate change and keep winter cold by taking a quick dip in the icy Potomac River at National Harbor. Plungers recruit sponsors to support them, similar to charity walks/bike rides. The annual Polar Bear Plunge is the Chesapeake Climate Action Network s priority grassroots fundraising event the funds raised power our victories to move Maryland, Virginia and DC off of planet-heating fossil fuels and to clean energy. Joining us as a plunger and recruiting your own sponsors is the best way to help us hit our fundraising goals and keep up the critical climate organizing we do in Maryland, the District and Virginia. If you re new to CCAN, check out www.chesapeakeclimate.org for more information about our work. Why Should I Help? The reality is urgent. Arctic sea ice is melting faster than previously predicted and the top of the world could be devoid of summer sea ice by 2020. If Arctic sea ice is lost at this accelerated rate, it would mean a significant jolt in global climate patterns and almost certain extinction for vulnerable animals like polar bears. Here in North America, we are already seeing the effects in hotter summers, longer droughts, and extreme weather events like blizzards and floods. All of these changes are wreaking havoc on businesses and activities that depend on cold weather, and we're fighting back. You can help by participating in our annual Polar Bear Plunge! Expressing your commitment to fight global warming by jumping into a cold body of water with your friends and colleagues may sound a bit crazy, but the Polar Bear Plunge is an easy, effective and fun way for activists to draw media and public attention to the issue of climate change, to recruit new activists and volunteers, and to raise critical funds. What support will I receive as a Plunger? Fundraising Levels We are asking plungers to commit to raising a certain dollar amount for the plunge, beginning at $350. Why the number 350? Because 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is what scientists say is the upper limit allowable to have a stable climate and to keep winter cold. But feel free to set your goal higher! All plungers who raise at least $100 will receive a free I Took the Plunge t-shirt. These are our suggested fundraising level to choose from: $350 Polar Bear Protector $750 Arctic Avenger $1,500 Winter Warrior $2,000 Climate Champion You can enter your own personalized goal when registering for the event. Thank you so much for joining the fun and for helping to make CCAN an even stronger organization! CCAN will help make your plunge as simple and fun as possible by providing support every step of the way. We ve built an easy-to-use website for you to track your fundraising it even lets you import your contacts from your email address books so you can send many emails at the same time. After you ve registered and set your goal, we ll send you sample emails to send to your friends, family and colleagues asking for their support as sponsors. We ll send you simple steps to hit your goal and you ll have a CCAN staff person available to answer any questions you have. Before the plunge, we ll send you some tips on attire (such as water shoes and towels) for before, during and after the plunge. On the day of the plunge, we ll hand out foot/hand warmers, hot chocolate and snacks and have changing tents available. Right after our dip, we ll throw a very warm after party to celebrate our collective feat. Co-sponsors: 350 Loudoun, Green Neighbors DC, Thomas Jefferson High School Environmental Impact Club, DC Sierra Club, Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, Community Forklift, All Souls Unitarian Church, Franciscan Action Network & more to come! 2
Fundraising Incentives All plungers who raise at least $100 will receive a free I Took the Plunge t-shirt! You could win... a choice of a Civia Midtown or Halsted Cargo Bike! WOW! And other cool prizes like these: 3
Easy Steps to Raise $ 00 for Your Plunge! STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 Send an email to 15 of your family members and close friends, asking them to give $100, $50, or $25 dollars to support your plunge. Ask 5 of your coworkers and/or neighbors to chip in $15. Make an announcement about your plunge at a party or at the next meeting of your church, synagogue, bike club, etc and pass around a hat. Ask everyone. Send another email to acquaintances, old friends you haven t seen in years, and post the link to your Firstgiving page on Facebook and ask folks to chip in $15. Send everyone who supports your plunge a sample email, which they can use to ask 10 of their friends to support your plunge too. I have... Plunger Fundraising Checklist created my fundraising page on Firstgiving sent emails to family, friends, and neighbors added a plug for my plunge in my email signature linking to my Firstgiving page talked a friend into plunging with me followed up by phone/in person with reminders about giving changed my Facebook picture to include a twibbon about my plunge asked everyone I could think of followed up after the plunge with a thank you note and a picture 4
PLUNGE TOOLS This plunger toolkit includes a sample email you can use to ask your friends, family, and neighbors to support your plunge. Feel free to tweak it as you see fit. TIP: Make sure your email includes a specific dollar amount, so people have an idea of what you d like them to give. They will decide what s best for them, but it s good to give people a number to think about. You can tailor the amounts in the sample email that follows based on what people have given in the past if you ve done this kind of thing before. Are you on Facebook or Twitter? We ve created a twibbon for the Polar Bear Plunge. A twibbon is a banner you can place at the bottom of your profile picture. They are really easy to use. You can add one to your Facebook picture here: http://twibbon.com/support/ccan-polar-bear-plunge Going to a party (or hosting one of your own)? Use these gift cards to raise money for your plunge! A CCAN staffer with a January birthday raised $200 at her party -- in just one night -- by doing a pitch for plunge sponsors! 5
Sample Email for Plunge Fundraising Dear [NAME OF YOUR FRIEND]: On January 24th, I ll be jumping into the ice cold Potomac River for a really good cause: the fight against global climate change. Yes, you read that right. I ll be plunging into the river that flows through our nation s capital with hundreds of other dedicated activists in the 10th Annual CCAN Polar Bear Plunge. The event, organized by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), is meant to raise awareness about the deepening climate crisis and to raise the funds needed to continue the fight against it. You can find out more about the plunge here: http://keepwintercold.org. So here s the deal: I ll agree to get really cold if you and others agree to sponsor me. By agreeing to support my plunge on January 24th, you ll help CCAN fulfill its very serious mission of educating and mobilizing the citizens of Maryland, DC, Virginia, and beyond to take concrete steps to protect our threatened climate. Please click here to support my plunge into the Potomac River on January 24th to fight climate change: [PLUNGER: INSERT YOUR PERSONALIZED FUNDRAISING PAGE URL HERE] I have set a personal goal of raising [$XXX]. Can you give $35, $50, $100 or more to sponsor me? Your donation will help CCAN accomplish even more - and make my plunge into the cold water that much more worthwhile! (Contributions are tax-deductible). CCAN is one of my favorite groups. It s a reputable, nonprofit organization with an emphasis on community-based grassroots organizing. CCAN has been central to every major fight on the climate crisis in our region, and is currently leading the charge to double the renewable electricity standard in Maryland and cap dirty carbon pollution from power plants in Virginia. But that is only a portion of what we are working towards in the region - you can learn more about CCAN s climate progress at www.chesapeakeclimate.org. Please click here to support my plunge into the Potomac River on January 24th to fight climate change: [PLUNGER: INSERT YOUR PERSONALIZED FUNDRAISING PAGE URL HERE A SECOND TIME] I hope you can make a pledge to support this crucial work! Simply get out your credit card and go to my fundraising page. How s that for easy?! If you don t want to make your contribution online for any reason, you can make out a personal check to CCAN and mail to CCAN, P.O. Box 11138, Takoma Park, MD 20913. Just make sure to write Plunge and my name on the memo line, so they know who your pledge is supporting. Thanks so much for your interest and support in the fight against global warming - and for supporting me while I turn a little blue in the process! And if you re not busy, please consider coming out to cheer me on January 24th. It s a really fun event, and there will be plenty of hot cocoa and treats for everyone! Your Friend, 6
Support My Polar Bear Plunge! Please accept my donation of $ to sponsor s plunge into the Potomac to fight climate change! Support My Polar Bear Plunge! Please accept my donation of $ to sponsor s plunge into the Potomac to fight climate change! Support My Polar Bear Plunge! Please accept my donation of $ to sponsor s plunge into the Potomac to fight climate change! Support My Polar Bear Plunge! Please accept my donation of $ to sponsor s plunge into the Potomac to fight climate change!
Circle one: Credit Card Number Expiration Date Security Code CASH CHECK VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS Please use this form to make a tax-deductible donation to Chesapeake Climate Action Network P.O. Box 11138, Takoma Park, MD 20913 Thank you for your support! Circle one: Credit Card Number Expiration Date Security Code CASH CHECK VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS Please use this form to make a tax-deductible donation to Chesapeake Climate Action Network P.O. Box 11138, Takoma Park, MD 20913 Thank you for your support! Circle one: CASH CHECK VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS Circle one: CASH CHECK VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS Credit Card Number Expiration Date Security Code Please use this form to make a tax-deductible donation to Chesapeake Climate Action Network P.O. Box 11138, Takoma Park, MD 20913 Thank you for your support! Credit Card Number Expiration Date Security Code Please use this form to make a tax-deductible donation to Chesapeake Climate Action Network P.O. Box 11138, Takoma Park, MD 20913 Thank you for your support!
Plunge Day Checklist 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. You've sent your final fundraising email. You've recruited a friend or family member to cheer you on from the beach. You (or your parents) signed both the CCAN and the National Harbor's liability waivers, available at the end of this toolkit. You're bundled up! Check out the weather for the 24th and be sure you dress appropriately. Bring lots of layers with you. We'll provide hand and foot warmers for all plungers again this year. You've got your plunging shoes ready. Please wear shoes that won't come off in the water. If you're using a GPS to find your way to the Harbor, we suggest you use the address to McCloone's restaurant: 141 National Harbor Boulevard, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. We ll also be celebrating and warming up in McCloone s after the plunge! 9
CHESAPEAKE CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK PARTICIPANT WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY -COVENANT NOT TO SUE & IMAGE RELEASE ( RELEASE ) Polar Bear Plunge 01/24/2015 National Harbor, MD 20745 In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the above referenced Polar Bear Plunge competition(s), race(s), related events and/or activities (the Event ), I,, the undersigned, acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that: 1. I have acknowledged and agreed to, and do hereby ratify and confirm, the Event s "Agreement, Waiver, Release of Claims, Warning of Risk and Assumption of Risk" (the Agreement, the provisions of which Agreement are currently available for re-review at http://keepwintercold.org). 2. The risk of injury and/or death from the activities involved in the Polar Bear Plunge and the Event is significant including, but not limited to the following: (i) drowning; (ii) near-drowning; (iii) sprains; (iv) strains; (v) fractures; (vi) heat and cold injuries; (vii) over-use syndrome; (viii) injuries involving vehicles; (ix) animal bites and/or stings; (x) contact with poisonous plants; (xi) accidents involving, but not limited to swimming, paddling, climbing, biking, hiking, skiing, snow shoeing, travel by boat, truck, car, or other convenience; (xii) heart attack; and (xiii) the potential for permanent paralysis and/or death. While particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of death or serious injury does exist; 3. AFTER OPPORTUNITY TO FULLY INFORM MYSELF ABOUT THE EVENT, I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME AND ACCEPT ALL SUCH RISKS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, and assume full responsibility and all risks for my participation in the Event; 4. I voluntarily agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation including, but not limited to those herein and those in the Agreement. If, however, I observe any unusual and/or significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such hazard to the attention of the nearest official; 5. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and/or next of kin, forever WAIVE, RELEASE, DISCHARGE and COVENANT NOT TO SUE Chesapeake Climate Action Network, National Harbor, the owners and lessors of the premises used to conduct the Event, and the officers, directors, representatives, members, managers, officials, principals, shareholders, agents and/or employees of each of them, as well as their subsidiaries, affiliates, assigns, independent contractors, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and volunteers (collectively, the "Releases"), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, and/or loss or damage to person or property, incurred by me in connection with participation in the Event. I further agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Releasees from any loss, liability, cost, claim or damages arising from my participation in or association with activities and events organized and sponsored by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, or otherwise connected with the Event, except to the extent caused by that Releasees gross negligence or willful misconduct. 6. I attest and verify that, unless otherwise indicated below, I am over 18 years of age, am free from all illnesses, injuries and defects that could interfere with my safe participation in the Event and that I am physically fit and sufficiently trained to participate in all activities associated with the Event. I am not now, and shall not during the Event, be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that might adversely affect my ability to safely participate therein. My participation in activities and events organized or sponsored by Chesapeake Climate Action Network, is entirely voluntary. 7. I consent to administration of first aid and other medical treatment in the event of injury or illness and hereby release and indemnify Releasees from any and all liability or claims arising out of such treatment. 8. The Releasees reserve the right, in their sole and absolute discretion, to postpone, cancel, or modify the event due to weather conditions, Acts of God or other factors beyond the control of the Releasees that might affect the health and/or safety of the participants. No refunds will be granted. 9. I irrevocably grant unlimited permission to Releasees, to use, reproduce, sell and distribute any and all photographs, images, videotapes, motion pictures, recordings, or any other depiction of any kind of me or of my participation in the Event or related activity for any legitimate purpose in perpetuity and I understand that I shall not be entitled to any compensation therefore. 10. I hereby irrevocably and absolutely grant permission to the Releasees to film, videotape and record gratis the performance of the above named participant (referred to herein as I, me, my ) in the Event and subsequently to telecast, sell, distribute and otherwise utilize the same in whatever manner Releasees shall deem appropriate. Such permission shall include granting the unlimited and irrevocable right to Releasees, without compensation of any kind to me, to use, reproduce or broadcast, my name, nickname, image, likeness, voice, photograph, signature facsimile, and biographical information in connection with the Event without compensation of any kind to me. I acknowledge that Releasees and their representatives shall have the unlimited right throughout the world to copyright, use, reuse, publish, republish, broadcast and otherwise distribute depictions of or information about me and all or any portion of the Event in which I may appear on any and all radio, network, cable and local television programs and in any print materials and in any other format or media (including electronic media) now known or hereinafter devised in perpetuity and without compensation to me. In consideration and in return for being allowed to participate in the Event, I release and agree not to sue the Releasees from all present and future claims regarding my participation in the Events that may be made by me, my family, estate heirs, or assigns. I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT. EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION (required) Name Date Phone MINORS: IF UNDER 18 SIGNATURE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN (required) The undersigned hereby certifies, warrants and represents that he/she/they is or are the parent or legal guardian of the signer of the above Release (the Participant ), and that after fully informing myself regarding the nature and risks of the Event, and have full right and authority to do so, I give my permission for Participant to participate in the same and by my signature below I fully ratify, accept and agree to all of the terms of the above Release both for myself individually and as parent or legal guardian of the Participant. Name Relationship to minor Date