Hello
Simple Gesture Green Apron Project (GAP)
We can all make a Simple Gesture to help end Food Insecurity and Hunger in our Communities. The first step is to register donors to join one of our Chapters. This page explains how the "Green Apron Project" does just that!
What is "SimpleGesture.org"....
To explain how "GAP" works, it's important to first understand what 'SimpleGesture.org' is. The best place to learn about us is the Home Page and "Be a Food Donor" page of this website. The quick explanation is that we provide a web app and methodology to help Chapters throughout the United States to run recurring food drives.
Its very simple,
- a donor registers to participate in the program which is usually once a month
- a few days before the event, our web app sends out emails and texts asking if they will participate. They respond yes or no, if they say "yes" they get put on a route.
- on the day of the event volunteers run the routes, pick up the food, and take it to a local Food Bank or Pantry.
The Chapters are independent. Many of them are Rotary Clubs or other social/professional clubs. A few are just a group of concerned community citizens. They run the events by providing reusable bags and other items to the drivers, works with the Food Banks and Pantries, and the really big work; registering donors.
We help these Chapters run Green Apron Projects. And in some cases, we hire the people that will provide this service on their behalf. If you're coming to this web-page you are probably responding to an ad we have run to hire people.
How "Green Apron Project" (GAP) Works
We need donors! Your job is to help us find them. You've likely been to a fair or a grocery store where there was a table out front asking people to volunteer for something, that's basically what we are asking you to do.
Your role is to smile and say hello to people, and then to invite them to be a donor for Simple Gesture. About one out of eight people will register once they learn how it all works.
You would need to become very knowledgable about the things they are going to want to know, we've listed the most common questions below in the FAQ section.
The most common dialog is something like this;
"Hi, we are having a local food drive and we really need your help. We have a new solution that is really easy to do, people love it!".
If they stop to learn more you then explain... "All you do is take one of our bags, fill it with foods from your pantry, and set it outside your door. Our volunteers will pick it up and take it to a nearby pantry. The food stays local to help right here where we live".
"The events run every month (or every other month), and you only do it when you want. You'll get a text or email a few days before, just click Yes if you will do it that time, or No to be skipped. There is never any pressure. It's just simple and convenient".
If they wish to join, you ask them to scan a QR code, or you register them on your phone or tablet. The QR code takes them to www.JoinSG.org. They will enter their name, address, and email/cell #. Some people hesitate to enter their personal information, and you point them to our privacy policy that is very strict. We will not use this information for anything else, ever.
The other part of this job is to figure out where to set up a stand. There are several ways to do this;
- We will be in contact with Farmers Markets and Major Retail chains to get certified to be eligible. You'll see a schedule on a shared Google Calendar that shows all the events we have set up. You just add your name to the ones you want to work at.
- You contact local merchants, and ask to be in front of the store. Most grocery stores agree to let people doing good work like this in front of the store for 2-4 hour blocks You can often schedule many sessions at one time.
- You do some internet research to find out upcoming fairs, street events, concerts or other places of large gatherings. If there is a fee for a booth we will pay that.
How You Are Paid
Many people do this as a volunteer, but if you are responding to an ad you likely are being offered compensation. You will be paid as a "Freelancer", meaning you are not an employee.
As a Freelancer or contractor, you are paid by invoicing us. This is easy to do, we give you a simple way to do it. You tell us your hours and the number of people you registered, and we pay you directly. The flat base rate is $25/hour, but many people make up to the maximum rate of $40/hour.
Your baseline objective is to register 2 people for each hour you invoice. If you can do better than that, you'll receive up to $40/hour. It's not that hard to make the full $40/hour, some people are doing that on the first day.
This is not easy work, but its extremely fulfilling. It takes a special person to have the energy to be "on" for 3-4 hours. You know what it's like to be asked to donate or register, it is very important that they believe what it's all about. And that belief starts with you and your confidence, and your deep belief in what we are doing.
Success has a lot to do with what people think in the first few seconds. We are all inundated with people asking for things all the time, so we have learned to be guarded and to find a way out. Successful people have a warm smile, engaging personality, and a genuine interest to help people that are in need.
Although not easy work, it's a big deal; For each person you register you have the satisfaction of knowing they will likely donate about $700 of food over their involvement with Simple Gesture. That's making a big difference!
Setting Up Events
The best place to have an event is when people gather in a place that celebrates their community. These events will be set up on the Google Shared Calendar by SimpleGesture.org or by anyone on the GAP team. Here are some examples;
- Farmers Markets; where people go to shop local, preferring local merchants over big grocery stores. Talk to the market organizer to get a booth, we will pay all the costs.
- Church; where people come to together to show their concern for those around them. Ask the church for 5 minutes at the next sermon, then set up a table outside to register donors as they exit the church.
- Grocery Stores; These locations are used to non profits asking to set up out front, they will either quickly agree or perhaps their policy is not to allow it. Try to set up as many events at a time as they will allow, or to get a generic 'time window', like "Tuesday and Thursday from 12 to 4pm for the next several months". Be sure to let them know that our donors buy their food from their stores!
- Coffee Shops; These are locations people gather with friends, and often times there is a good community feel.
- Community Events; 10K foot race, fairs that celebrate some event, or any public event where people from the community will visit are great places to set up a booth.
Ad Hoc Registration
An Ad Hoc Registration is anything you do outside the event calendar. This can be anytime and anywhere. You will be paid for each person that registers. Here are some examples;
- Walk around your neighborhood. Just let people know what your doing and that its a 'community program' where neighbors help neighbors. You can go door to door, of just ask people as you meet them walking your dog.
- Friends, family and co-workers; Talk to them about the program, When someone registers with your ad-hoc QR code or web link you will receive a payment.
- Speaking at clubs, church's, or just about anywhere there is a group of citizens gathered. Many clubs want speakers to help fill out their agenda's, contacting Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Elks, Garden Clubs, Women's groups, Union meetings, or many many other meetings that groups might have. Offer to set up a table people can stop at on exit, or just pass out cards with the QR code to register as you speak. (its a good idea to take a moment and say "ok, let's register, grab your phone and the QR code and let's walk through the steps, it only takes 2 minutes".)