I just had a call with the global team behind Earth Day, and I’m still impressed. They’re behind tens of thousands of Earth Day events around the world, including one right here in my city, and they run it like clockwork.
It made me think about where all this started for me, organizing little movie sessions for kids at a local fair in Brazil. I never imagined that would lead to coordinating Earth Day events with city partners (which always brings back memories of dealing with Brazilian politicians) and churches (even though I’m agnostic). And with sponsors, which is funny, because I suck at pitching.
The biggest little cinema in town.
For a long time I was sure I wasn’t an event guy. Organizing something and then looking at a room full of empty chairs was my worst nightmare. Theeeen here I am, running events for nonprofits made 100% of volunteers, with a tiny budget or sometimes no budget at all. Every event still gives me a bit of panic, but watching it come together at the last minute is a thrill, and the worst case scenarios usually turn into jokes over coffee the week after.
Volunteers make these events happen, but even volunteers need a budget, and that’s where sponsors come in, each one with its own mission and values. This year we were approached by all kinds of organizations, from big sports clubs and banks to electric car companies. A sponsor means more money and more people reached, but it can also tie us to someone whose values don’t really match ours.
Saying no to a sponsor hurts, because it means fewer resources and a smaller event. At the same time, I’m proud that we keep the mission our own and stay away from partners who would pull us into environmental or political fights we don’t want to be in.
It’s messy, the stakes sometimes feel way too high for a party in a park, and I still wouldn’t trade it. See you there, rain or shine.