Sample Exchange Proposals

Potential funders will get cursory information by searching descriptive lists in the rewards sections. Links are provided to more detailed information. A potential funder searching the rewards section might see that Exchange Proposal #2 will exchange service for a car in running condition. By linking from unfunded rewards to exchange proposals, he/she might read about the model, year, condition and kindof hours the wish maker is offering to exchange. Information about the wish maker is especially relevant when a potential funder has, for example, only one copy machine to offer and finds four requests.

The proposals that follow are all on the same document for convenience. In a working model, each proposal would be colorfully illustrated and on separate pages. #1-#7 are samples adapted from polls answered by San Carlos Charter School students in the spring of 1998.

Exchange Proposal #1

My Wish: I would really like to have a ribbon, badge or trophy to remind me of the time I helped out. Also, a trip to Great America for my family and me and maybe some friends or maybe my whole class if everyone helped out. Also something really nice for our school would be a nice reward for helping out.

In Exchange I will play with younger kids and keep them out of trouble; color pictures and maybe make cards to give to older people that need cheering. I could help plant a vegetable garden or maybe plant flowers to cheer people up.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I'm kind of shy. I'm in the second grade. I love my teacher. I want to be a policeman when I grow up. I have a dog, a cat and a baby sister. Well, I guess that's enough. Oh yeah---I would really like to help out where ever I'm needed.

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Exchange Proposal #2

My Wish: I don't think you should get anything back from helping others. The good feeling is its own reward. But if I have to make an exchange proposal I would say certificates of recognition, being thanked by city officials or important people and gift certificates for buying stuff at stores or getting into football games or movies etc. would be a nice reward. How about lunch with Don Shalvey? (School District Superintendent)

In Exchange I would do just about anything. I can do lots of things, and will if I can get transportation and you will give someone who is only twelve a chance to do something worthwhile.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
Most people say it's other people's problem and they aren't motivated. I think recognition would provide a motive. I tried to do something helpful, but it is hard to know what needs doing. Also, something considered helpful and in demand one month may be not needed in the next. And even if you want to volunteer, call and try to make arrangements! Some organizations have an age limit.

Actually I have a lot of things on my mind (school, swimming, practice, homework, sleep, food, family and free time.) Like most kids my age, [12] I am really busy. I live pretty far from school and when I get home and do homework and chores that's about all the time I have in a day. I'm usually too tired to want to work anymore. My parents are very busy too and can't drive me to volunteer jobs. A lot of kids might be afraid to help out because other kids might think of them as preps or teacher's pets. That wouldn't really bother me though. I want to help!

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Exchange Proposal #3

My Wish: I get a nice feeling when I help people. I love to help my mommy and my teacher and my nana so I really don't need anything back. If I do need to say, I would say riding on a horse, or going to the zoo or other kind of trip with my friends and something good for my school and my classroom.

In Exchange I want to be in a show for people who are sick or can't go out to movies or come to see our school shows, so they will be happy. I can sing and dance and wear a costume. Also I can run errands for people who can't do it. I will water flowers and grass for people.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I am in kindergarten and I love my teacher and my mom and dad. My brother is ok but I really like my friend, Sarah. I have a cat named Fluffy and I like to help my mom cook. My sister doesn't like me to help her, but she should because she needs it. My brother crawls all over the house and sometimes takes my stuff. He is cute and sometimes he is funny. I love you.

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Exchange Proposal #4

My Wish: I would like to have a nice ceremony with parades and everything where everyone in the community is rewarded with badges or something for volunteering. Also, a trip to an amusement park would be nice.

In Exchange I could do some work in a garden for the whole town, or to help out someone who needs help with their garden. I'm good at watering, planting and pulling weeds. I could also help paint a fence or a wall to make the neighborhood look nicer.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I'm a boy in the third grade. My dad knows a lot about computers and he is teaching me and my brother. I moved to California three years ago when I was five. We used to live in New Jersey. I like California better because you can do more things. I like my friends but I miss seeing my grandma and grandpa. They are coming to visit us next month.

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My Wish: I would like to see more community spirit; more parades with policemen, firemen and kids marching with them as a reward for helping out. All these people help the community and should be recognized. I would like something to help the people with the projects they are trying to do to help everyone. I think kids can do a lot and the best reward is just being proud afterwards; maybe receiving a plaque. (Candy is always good too!)

In Exchange I would pick up trash, get rid of graffiti, recycle and go to an elderly home and visit with the residents.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I'd like to talk to someone that can change your community about ideas. I am in the sixth grade. I get good grades at school and am pretty good with computers. I use all my fingers when I type and know how to use a word processing program and surf the internet. I love acting in plays and memorizing things to perform in front of adults and other kids. I have worked with puppets too. I also like to sing and don't get stage fright. I went to a horse camp and have a lot of experience with horses and caring for animals. We have a dog. I like to help in the kitchen, making sandwiches and baking cookies and cakes. My mom tells me what to do. I help a lot with cleaning chores and gardening, mowing the lawn. I wash the car sometimes and run errands. I really love to prepare for parties.

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Exchange Proposal #6

My Wish: If I volunteered to help someone else I would like to have either something really nice for my entire school, or something for people who are trying to do something nice in this town to help them do it and if that doesn't work out I might like a prize to wear or display on my wall---maybe a ribbon like they give at dog shows or a big fancy metal cup with my name on it like my mom got for bowling.

In Exchange I could take pets to visit older people or make cookies to take to them or rake leaves because sometimes when people get old they like someone to do these things.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I have a great-granddaddy who lives with us. Sometimes we play cards and look at TV together. I am seven and I go to school. I like my school and my teacher. That's all. I would tell you my name but that's not allowed but here is a clue: I'm a girl!

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Exchange Proposal #7

My Wish: If my classmates and I helped the community I would like to see our pictures and ideas broadcast on TV and over the radio and in our local newspapers. A big party would be great. Something fun! Another nice reward would be class trips to animal parks, amusement parks or even museums.

In Exchange I would pick up trash, plant trees and flowers and tutor people who have trouble reading or writing. I could do something like this Thursdays after school or Sunday afternoons.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I really like to perform in front of people. I like to make older people and little kids happy and could perform at the homes or schools and maybe even hospitals to cheer people up. I like to clean, inside and outside. I also like to wash cars. I like to cook and bake and serve stuff to people. I am eleven and I can't tell you my name because they won't let me.

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Exchange Proposal #8

My Wish: I would like any car as long as it provides transportation. Someone has to guarantee to keep it in running condition for at least one year. I am definitely not mechanical and don't have the funds for a mechanic.

In Exchange I will work outdoors for two hours M-F in the afternoon for three months. I would prefer something to do with sports; like coaching a kids' after school team, or even adults. I am certified as a life guard and was a jock in high school. I can probably handle any sport but I am also willing to do yard work, hauling, cleaning or moving as long as it takes muscle but not much skill. I'm no carpenter.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I'm in my third year of college so have little time or money. I have been working to put myself through school; no scholarships of any kind. I do bookkeeping. I need some exercise but don't have time to commit to a paying job. Besides, I come from a family of volunteers and would feel better about myself if I could start giving something back to society now. It seems like my life has been on hold until graduation "and then…" I don't think that is a good way to live.

I have been a camp counselor and plan to be a teacher so I enjoy and am used to working with kids. I haven't had that luxury for the last few years because, until I complete my education, I need higher paying jobs. However, sedentary inside jobs are not for me! So besides needing exercise, people and fresh air for my own well being, my car broke down and I need it to service my bookkeeping clients and get to and from class. Let's make a deal!

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Exchange Proposal #9

My Wish: I would like some dental work for my elderly neighbor.

In Exchange I will do data processing at home on my computer. I can deliver the work via email, a floppy or hard copy. I have a good laser printer.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
There were several opportunities for people willing to do secretarial type work at home two weeks ago. I have been searching the opportunities database the last couple days without success so I thought I'd make the offer instead of waiting.

I am retired, but was a top notch secretary for over thirty years. Half of that time I worked with computers and am familiar with Lotus and several data base programs, including the newer Gold Mine and File Maker Pro. I am using Microsoft Word 7 for data processing but am familiar with Word Perfect and PageMaker.

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Exchange Proposal #10

My Wish: I would like a color copier; used is ok.

In Exchange I will be a mentor for the group of your choice for the next year. My hours are flexible

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I am an Episcopal priest. The copier is for our church school in the valley. I have been procrastinating about being a mentor for too long. I want to do this.

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Exchange Proposal #11

My Wish: I would like two computers. Laptops preferred. Minimum requirements: 166 MHz 16MB RAM. CD-ROM and 56K V.90 modems.

In Exchange I and my "Little Sister" will work for the hours you suggest for either Habitat for Humanity or for the organization of your choice. We would like to do something outside an office environment to spruce up the community. It would be great to work with a group renovating housing or playgrounds etc.! We can get eight hours free every weekend; these hours are flexible.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I am 33, single and do graphic design work for an advertising agency. I have been a mentor for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for five years. I feel in love with my second "Little Sister" after the first one moved away before we really got acquainted. My current Sister is now fifteen. We have decided to do something worthwhile during our time together every week. We want to make a positive impact on the community. I guess that's our main motivation, although the computers would allow us to keep in touch via email and would be terrific. I have an older desktop on its last leg at home. My Sister has had some computer experience at school. We'll probably keep on volunteering for software.

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Exchange Proposal #12

My Wish: I would like to have my tuition paid for my sophomore year at the University of Joy.

In Exchange I will give 1,000 volunteer hours to the local nonprofits of your choice.

Things I'd like you to know about me:
I am a science major with a 3.5 grade point average. I have people who will help me by putting in hours on my behalf. We are willing to learn and do whatever it takes.

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