2011 Simplify the Holidays Challenge

Do you want your holidays wrapped in more meaning...
and less stuff?

Too often, the holidays seem to exhaust rather than uplift us. Here’s a fun way to simplify your holidays and raise funds for New Dream at the same time: Join us for the 2011 Simplify the Holidays Challenge!

Here’s how it works:
Below is a list of fun and creative actions you can take to simplify the holiday season. Pledge to 5 actions (or more!) that you will adopt this holiday season. Then, ask your friends and family to sponsor you in support of your efforts, perhaps even in lieu of a material gift. (See the bottom of this page for a sample sponsorship email you can use, or create your own.) You will receive an email letting you know when friends and family have made a donation on your behalf. Have questions? Email us at info@newdream.org.

Thank you for supporting New Dream!
The funds you raise through the Simplify the Holidays Challenge will help New Dream develop new programs to promote "more fun and less stuff" throughout the year! Even if you don't have time to take the Challenge, please consider a gift to New Dream today.

Ready to take the Simplify the Holidays Challenge? Fill out the pledge below!

Completed the pledge? Tell your family and friends!
Feel free to use the sample sponsorship email below as a template to ask your family and friends to sponsor you as part of the Challenge.

[Subject line]: Please sponsor me for the 2011 Simplify the Holidays Challenge 

Dear Friends and Family,

This holiday season, I am [my family is] participating in the Simplify the Holidays Challenge, sponsored by the Center for a New American Dream. This event is catalyzing action among thousands of people to add more meaning and more environmental mindfulness to the holiday season, and it raises funds for the important programs of the Center for a New American Dream (http://www.newdream.org).

This year, I am [my family is] pledging to: 

[Add your list here. Refer to the Simplify the Holidays pledge items and copy & paste your chosen actions.]

Please consider sponsoring me [our family] for this important event. To make a donation, click on the “Sponsor Me” link below. As you make the donation, you will be given the option to dedicate your donation on behalf of my [our] efforts.

SPONSOR ME
(http://www.newdream.org/donate)

Thank you! 

Happy Holidays,
[Your name]

P.S. If you or your family would like to take the pledge too, click here or go to: http://bit.ly/t1ykq9

Bonus: Share your ideas on Facebook! 
There are many more ways to simplify the holidays besides the actions listed above. What are some of your own strategies? Choose your favorite and post it on our Facebook page (start your post with “HOW I SIMPLIFY THE HOLIDAYS: ____”).  

Looking for more ways to simplify the holidays?
Check out New Dream's free e-booklet, Simplify the Holidays. It offers more gift ideas and practical tips on relieving stress, easing your budget, and connecting with others this holiday season.