Staying the Course: How to Support FIMRC Even When You Can’t be On-site

Volunteer travel is the heart and soul of our programs at FIMRC. We rely on volunteer travel to ensure every FIMRC site can remain fully operational, all year round, even when volunteers can’t be on-site.

With the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) impacting travel around the world, the health and safety of our international volunteers and our staff is our highest priority. We are following all recommendations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding travel. This means that many of our passionate volunteers have had to postpone or change their volunteer abroad plans. We will be here to support every volunteer as we navigate travel changes and will be ready to quickly help you reschedule your trip when the time is right.

But in the meantime, we know that your passion for improving access to healthcare remains strong! There are so many other ways you can support FIMRC and help us fulfill our mission even if you can’t be on-site. Check out the list below to get started!

Ways to Support: 

1. Stay Local, Think Global with our newly-launched virtual volunteer programs! We have quickly adapted many of our on-site learning opportunities and immersion experiences into an at-home experience. Whether you’re a college or university student interested in an immersive global health experience, a high schooler looking to take your first step into the world of global health, or someone looking to gain clinical exposure and learn from medical professionals, each program has something great to offer.

2. Give: One of the best ways to support FIMRC during this uncertain time is to donate to us directly. Whether you are able to give a one-time gift or if you want to become a monthly donor through our Extra Mile program, every donation matters, no matter the size. By becoming a recurring donor, you will help us fulfill our mission to build sustainable, ethical programs at all of our sites. 

3. Create a Facebook Fundraiser:  You can also ask your friends and family to support FIMRC by creating a Facebook Fundraiser. Share why you support FIMRC’s mission and even tell a story about your experience with FIMRC to inspire your followers to give!

4. Corporate Matching:  Many organizations have gift matching programs for their employees where an employer will match a donation made by an employee up to a certain amount. Ask your employer or your family and friends if they have a gift matching program. For example, a $500 donation to FIMRC can double to $1,000! Email [email protected] if you would like us to walk you through that process!

5. Chapters Fundraisers: FIMRC chapters often fundraise throughout the year by holding bake sales, social events, and other fun activities that help raise funds and awareness to support FIMRC. Even if you aren’t on campus right now, we are asking our chapters to think of creative ways to engage with their communities to raise funds to support FIMRC. Your chapter could sell FIMRC t-shirts, make crafts, hold exercise competitions, or even just get together on video chat to brainstorm and stay connected!  
   
   Not sure if your school has a chapter, or interested in starting a chapter? Email us at [email protected] or fill out an interest form here!

6. Advocate:  Spread the word about FIMRC and our mission to your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone who is interested! Please share your FIMRC stories on social media by tagging @FIMRC and encourage your friends and followers to support our mission. 
   
   Our social media toolkit also provides simple, clear messages and images that can help you share FIMRC’s mission on your favorite social media platform!

We are thankful for any effort you can make to support FIMRC. As COVID-19 continues to impact our FIMRC family we are doing everything we can to provide crucial health services to our communities. 

Thank you for helping us keep our programs strong!