THE ANTHONY ROBBINS FOUNDATION

International Basket Brigade Program

Basket Brigade Coordinator’s Handbook

T H E ANT H O NY R O B B I N S F O U N D AT I O N:

Quick Reference Handbook for

Basket Brigade Coordinators

The Anthony Robbins Foundation

9672 Via Excelencia • Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92126

Phone 858.444.3080 • Fax 858.653.5286

Table of Contents

A Letter From Tony…………………………………………………1

Step 1: Organize a Group of Volunteers…………………………2 Volunteer Pledge Form………………………………………………. .. 3

Step 2: Locating the Recipients…………………………………...4

Step 3: Create Bountiful Baskets of Food………………………..5 Donation Letter Template……………………………………………. .. 6

A Special Note About "Notes From a Friend".................................. 7

Materials Request Form.................................................................. 8

Print Ready Basket Message Template .......................................... 9

Step 4: Delivering the Gift Basket........................................... 10

Step 5: Celebrate your Success ............................................. 11 Brigade Tips and Suggestions.......................................... 12-15

1

A L E T T E R F R O M T O N Y

Welcome!

We appreciate and celebrate your commitment to contribution and your dedication to making a difference. In a world that is becoming ever more interdependent, our global society needs people like you to step up and make the world a better place for all people. There are many people and organizations throughout the world that need caring individuals like you. We are honored and elated that you have chosen The Anthony Robbins Foundation and its beneficiaries as the recipients of your extraordinary desire for contribution. My passion for contribution gave me the vision to develop The Anthony Robbins Foundation over 15 years ago. The Foundation has products and programs estimated to be in more than 2,000 schools, 700 prisons, and 100,000 health and human service organizations. The International Basket Brigade provides baskets of food and household items to millions of underprivileged individuals throughout the world every year. After 15 years, I've learned that the benefits of giving and sharing are beyond tangible. Life produces extraordinary rewards for those who give in extraordinary ways. So as you move forward on your life's journey, growing in contribution, I wish for your continued joy, success and fulfillment in every aspect of your life.

Live With Passion! Warmest Regards,

Anthony J. Robbins Founder and Chairman of the Board The Anthony Robbins Foundation

2

ORGANIZE A GROUP OF

VOLUNTEERS:

Step:

1

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something and I will not refuse to do the something I can do." -- Helen Keller

Generally there are one or two people who will coordinate a Basket Brigade in their community. They are responsible for creating and maintaining communication among local Brigadiers and they serve as a Brigade's liaison with The Anthony Robbins Foundation.

Once you commit to organize a Basket Brigade, we encourage you to invite others - friends, co-workers, your children, and their friends to join you. Each person brings his or her own skills, talents, and expertise to the project. How do you use talent to produce maximum results? Identify participants' special talents and guide them in forming committees that will let them shine.

Organization is key and each of the steps outlined below are tasks for which you may designate a committee. Commit to finding people on whom you can rely to complete baskets for your event. This will be their donation. We have found that a commitment in

writing gets results. We have created a Volunteer Pledge Form to assist you in enlisting volunteers and help keep track of their commitments.

Depending on the size of your Basket Brigade, you may want to break the project down by county or section. You also may have large corporations that would like to help by providing employees to participate.

Basket Brigades run the gamut. Some are quite simple: a few participants filling a couple of baskets with much needed food. Others are sophisticated, high-octane machines with fundraising and public relations capabilities. No matter what the scale, the focus is the same. Give from your heart and cherish every moment!

3

Basket Brigade Volunteer Pledge Form:

Yes, you can count on me!

In order to ensure that each family who is counting on a holiday gift basket receives one, we are asking you to make a public commitment to follow through with your promise to provide a basket for a family. Thank you for stepping up and making this holiday a memorable one for your family in need in your community!

I, on this day of pledge to provide baskets to # family (ies) during

the (city) Basket Brigade.

Signature

“If you give from your heart, it will come back to you tenfold.” –Anthony Robbins

Keep top portion and return bottom half to your coordinator

Basket Brigade Volunteer Pledge Form

Please print clearly Date

Name

Address

City

State Zip

Country

Home Phone ( ) Work Phone ( )

Email Cell Phone ( )

NOTES:

Local Basket Brigade Coordinator: You are assured of a successful Brigade if you stay in contact with your Volunteer Brigadiers. Call them often, sing their praises, produce an awesome event, and then celebrate your success!

# of Baskets committed:

4

Locating the Recipients:

Step:

2

“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” –Mary Anne Radmacher

Basket Brigade is about the joy of giving, but to whom? Remember, the people we would like to target are those who

(either due to a lot of pride or lack of access) may not take advantage of the food distribution programs available to

them in your area. Identify prospective recipients or geographic areas where baskets will be delivered. We recommend

identifying your recipients at least a month prior to your designated Basket Brigade date. Volunteers assigned this task,

as part of the recipient committee, will work with an agency to get specifics on families-number of children, ages, health

restrictions, etc. The more questions asked, the better the basket. This group can also create maps so the deliverers

avoid the hassle of getting lost. In many communities, you know where the disadvantaged congregate, but as added

assistance, here's a brief list of organizations that might be helpful in steering you toward those who can use your help

the most.

• Churches and synagogues

• Local public schools

• Local recreation centers

• Day care centers

• Job service organizations

• Family service organizations

• Social service departments

• Community Hotlines

• AIDS organizations

Your local telephone directory probably has a community services section within the government pages located in the front of the book. And likewise you may Google non-profit organizations. Identify the names and telephone numbers of local agencies (i.e. shelters, medical clinics and government agencies) that may be able to assist you in finding your recipients

5

Create Bountiful Baskets of Food:

Step:

3

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” -Kahlil Gibran

Make your baskets truly wonderful. Decorate them beautifully with ribbons, bows and more. Use your imagination. Fill them with a combination of delicious goodies and practical items. Provide nourishment for the spirit by including Tony Robbins' book, Notes from a Friend. Your basket should

convey that it is a gift, not a handout; a present, not charity! Stay away from all used items. For copies of Notes from a Friend to include in your baskets, Coordinators should submit a completed Materials Request Form. Supplies are limited, so please make your requests early.

You can reference our Basket Brigade Tips and Suggestions page for ways to ask for donations as well as utilize the Donation Request Template Letter, both included in this handbook. Each basket is delivered with the message:

"This comes to you from someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself well enough to be able to do this for someone else someday."

If you are going to deliver baskets in a non-English speaking area, make sure that the Basket Brigade message is translated into your recipient's language. We have provided you with a print-ready version of this message in English and Spanish. Please refer to the Print Ready Message for Baskets

Here are some basic items you may consider including in your baskets, but the possibilities are unlimited.

The Family Basket

Turkey, ham, roast beef Toys

Bread Books

Canned fruit Blankets

Canned vegetables Clothing

Canned gravy Paper products

Fruit juices Laundry products

Canned soups Soaps & lotions

Fresh fruit Cookies, cakes or pies

The Homeless Bag or Backpack

Cooked, sliced turkey or ham Clothing

Bread Can openers

Fruit juices Matches

Fresh fruit Flashlights

Peanut butter & jelly Socks & mittens

Cookies, cakes or pies Paper products

Blankets Soaps & lotions

Vegetarian Note: There may appear to be an element of incongruity about an organization that supports animal rights distributing turkey, hams and roast beef on Thanksgiving. But here's how Tony views it: the Basket Brigade is about reaching out, providing help and demonstrating the gift of possibility. It's about fulfilling emotional needs and providing a Thanksgiving dinner that will not be forgotten - ever. It's not a time to promote a philosophy no matter how important it may be, and it will only make the recipients of our baskets feel that something is missing from their Thanksgiving. However, if you're still not comfortable with providing meat as a part of the meal, we encourage you to fill your basket with other store-bought goodies such as vegetable stew, vegetarian chili, pastas, salads, and whatever other vegetarian delights you can find.

6

Donation Letter Template

Dear Friend:

Throughout the Thanksgiving and holiday season, in more than 400 cities in 19 countries,

Basket Brigade volunteers will deliver food, joy, and hope to those who need it most.

The International Basket Brigade was created by Anthony Robbins, this nation’s leader in the

field of peak performance and personal empowerment. Through his best-selling books, audio

tapes and live seminars, Mr. Robbin’s reaches hundreds of thousands of people. His message is

simple, “Everyone has the need to contribute. It is one of the six human needs. If you give from your heart, it

will come back to you tenfold."

In 1991, Anthony Robbins founded The Anthony Robbins Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3)

organization dedicated to providing the finest resources to inspire, educate, develop, nurture, and train

underserved populations and people often forgotten by society, including needy children and families.

This Thanksgiving we have an opportunity to make a massive difference in the lives of people who need

it most. It would be a privilege to have you become part of this truly wonderful event as a sponsor and or donor.

Specifically, we are asking for donations of food items and resources to help us in this huge effort. Many basket

recipients are without jobs, without the support of an extended family and have children of to support. Attached

to each basket is a message:

"This basket come s to you from someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself w ell

enough to be able to do this for someone else someday."

Your in-kind contributions will support our local Basket Brigade. Monetary donations are also

welcome. To support your local Brigade with a monetary donation, please check with your local

coordinator. On behalf of Anthony Robbins, the Anthony Robbins Foundation, your local Basket Brigade, and

the people in need of our service, we thank you in advance for your most generous support.

With appreciation,

Your Local Basket Brigade Coordinator

7

A Special Note about - “Notes from a Friend” by Anthony Robbins:

What makes International Basket Brigade unique and different than other holiday food drives is

“Notes from a Friend” by Anthony Robbins. This book, created specifically to put in the

baskets, offers readers understanding and support in the form of a few simple steps for

immediately improving the quality of their lives. Some decide to leave this important book out

of the baskets and use the capital for more food which is understandable. However, Basket

Brigade’s purpose is to not only give the family a wonderful holiday meal but to also give the

family simple tools to implement in their life with the hope they will be able to make significant

and lasting changes in their life. As a Basket Brigade coordinator you can purchase “Notes from

a Friend” by Anthony Robbins for $6.50 per book which is what the Foundation buys them for

from the publisher. To order- complete the Materials Request Form and email to

basketbrigade@anthonyrobbinsfoundation.org

8

Basket Brigade Materials Request Form:

You may mail, fax or email this completed form to:

The Anthony Robbins Foundation

9672 Via Excelencia Suite 102

San Diego, CA 92126

Fax: 858-653-5286

Email: basketbrigade@anthonyrobbinsfoundation.org

To avoid delays, please keep in mind delivery will take up to 6 weeks. Please make sure to fill out your form completely

and submit only one request. Supplies are limited so please make your requests early. Thank you!

Quantity Description Cost

Notes From a Friend $6.50 ea. Shipping within the United States $13.00 ea. Shipping International $30.00 ea.

Payment Information:

Make checks payable to the Anthony Robbins Foundation

Amount $ Check # or Credit Card (fill out below) Circle One: VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS Card Number Exp. Date

Signature: Date:

Shipping Information: Please Ship to-

Brigade Information:

This is my first time as a Basket Brigade Coordinator

Name

Address This is my year as a Basket Brigade Coordinator

City State/Zip Phone

Approx. # of volunteers recruited

Estimated # of bags/baskets/dinners to be delivered

Estimated # of recipients to receive basket

9

Print Ready Basket Message Template

English

This comes to you from someone who cares about you.

All we ask is that you take care of yourself well enough

to be able to

do this for someone else someday.

Spanish

Esto viene de alguien que cuida de usted. Solo lo que pedimos de

usted es que se cuide lo suficiente bien para que algun dia usted

pueda hacer

esto para alguien mas.

10

Delivering the Gift Basket:

"It’s not about how much we give but how much love we put into giving”- Mother Theresa

Step:

4

In creating an unforgettable moment, surprise can be one of the most important components!

However, please only have a small delegation (4 people at the most) deliver each basket. It is important not to overwhelm your recipients. Keep your visit brief. In the eyes of the recipients, you are the delivery people, the donors are anonymous.

Joy and fun are a big part of the basket brigade; safety is too. Whoever delivers the baskets needs to use their sensory acuity as they travel to unfamiliar areas.

Cultural differences may exist. Be sensitive to the neighborhoods you enter, gentle in your presence, and safe in your journey.

Be sure to assign some volunteers the task of creating maps in advance so the deliverers avoid the hassle of getting lost.

11

Celebrate Your Success!

If your life is going to be rich emotionally, physically, and spiritually, it needs to be expanded. –Anthony Robbins

Step:

5

Get the word out about your Basket Brigade to generate awareness and help inspire others to transformational giving throughout the year and for next year's Basket

Brigade!

Are you or someone you know, a public relations whiz? Volunteers who have a knack for public relations can assist by preparing a press release(s) to the community and deliver it to the media. Depending on the scale of your Basket Brigade, you may wish to contact local papers and invite reporters to personally cover your event.

Final Step: Don't forget to CELEBRATE!!!

Anchor the experience of doing something truly extraordinary with an awesome celebration.

Have volunteers with the "Party Animal" instinct to take charge of planning a post-delivery

celebration! Share the joy with others who have discovered the gift of possibility. Make sure you put as much energy and great food into your post-delivery banquet as you did your baskets. You deserve

it! It can be as simple as a potluck gathering to create the opportunity for sharing and reflection.

Acknowledge everyone's contribution and resolve to make next year even better. Ideally have each individual share his or her peak experience.

See our Coordinator's Tips and Suggestions for more helpful information on organizing your team and gathering resources.

This is just the beginning of our ongoing dialogue about how you and The Anthony Robbins Foundation can make a difference. Feel free to call The Foundation’s Basket Brigade Liaison at (800) 554-0619 with any questions you may have

12

Basket Brigade Tips and Suggestions: PG.1

The Power of Flexibility: Each person can have more than one assignment. One way is to have all of the volunteers bring all the ingredients for one or two baskets in addition to a dish for the post-delivery party to a central location on the day of your Basket Brigade. Everyone can wrap the baskets together and deliver them in small teams and then reconvene to celebrate a job well done.

Lack of resources? If your group lacks some resources, it's O.K. to join forces with another charitable organization that provides food distribution. Even if you are alone in Alaska, you can still conduct a Basket Brigade by sending a lonely person a basket of food, however much or little, along with Thanksgiving greetings. Use your imagination! The Basket Brigade is about giving. Give in whatever way you can, as much as you can.

The Gift of Possibility: An Invitation to Contribute:

To conduct a large Basket Brigade, you may seek to enroll others in your community. Request their commitment to participate in some specific way. There are many organizations in your community that actively seek opportunities for involvement. Examples include local banks, insurance companies, office parks, local cable companies, local newspapers, and the like.

Examples of resources you may be seeking include:

Prepared Basket Pledges

Volunteers

Food

Containers & Decorations

Gifts

Toiletries / necessities / clothing / blankets

Assembly hall for basket decoration and post-delivery celebration

Suggestions for securing contributions of food:

Contact local food banks. Very often they have an abundance of food, but lack the people to deliver to the needy!

Contact nearby poultry farms and orchards. They may be willing to donate turkeys, fruits, or vegetables.

Suggestions for securing non-food items:

Hotels may be willing to provide used terry-cloth robes, towels, blankets and toiletry samples.

Drug stores, pharmaceutical companies and medical/dental clinics may be willing to donate hygiene samples.

Toy manufacturers and retailers may be willing to donate toys and games.

Bookstores and publishers may be willing to donate books.

13

Basket Brigade Tips and Suggestions: PG.2

Suggestions for getting space donated: Local hotels, churches, synagogues, gyms and community halls may be willing to donate use of a conference or large meeting room for the gift basket preparation and post-delivery party.

Suggestions for recruiting volunteers: Volunteerism is infectious -- let people know what you're doing and that it is important to make a difference in the level of caring within our society. Very often, this will unleash within them a like desire to do the same!

High school students who are pursuing community service hours.

College fraternities, sororities, and campus residence halls are eager to get involved in social service, community-action

activities.

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and sports teams also make great Basket Brigade helpers.

Let your local police and fire departments know what you are doing. Good neighborhood relations are important to them.

Most newspapers have a once-a-week volunteer opportunity section. Place an ad for Basket Brigade helpers. These ads are

free!

TIPS FOR ASKING FOR ANYTHING!

WHY PEOPLE GIVE Contribution is one of the six human needs. This is our basic philosophy. People contribute for many reasons:

Significance

Belief in the mission of the Foundation

Personal connection to the cause

Peer pressure

To improve the community

Concern for others

Give back to those in need

The most compelling reason that a person gives is because SOMEONE ASKED!!! People give to people, not just to causes. If you are courteous and genuinely earnest, people will be impressed. It is hard to turn down a sincere request.

14

Basket Brigade Tips and Suggestions: PG.3

The Power of Rapport:

Commit to the Foundation. The mission is bigger than the organization: To provide critical resources of caring, education, inspiration, and belief for those forgotten by society - the homeless, the hungry, our children, the prison population, the disabled community and the elderly.

As a volunteer, you are the expert about The Anthony Robbins Foundation. Make a commitment to know The Foundation's programs. Read organizational materials, and ask questions. Focus on the 3 or 4 things that impress you the most.

Answer this question: Why do you support this organization?

Perhaps it is your strong belief in the organization's mission statement, your belief in quality programs and service: Basket Brigade, Prison Programs, Youth Leadership Programs, or your commitment to concepts of community and charity. What is your personal connection to the cause?

Commit to the project. What do you personally pledge to do? Ideally all Basket Brigade participants will donate, prepare and deliver baskets personally. You may even let your contacts know what you are contributing this year. It is so much easier to look someone squarely in the eye and persuade him or her to do what you have already done; it signifies your level of confidence in the cause. BE AN EXAMPLE.

ACT! Make the appointment. Contact someone who can make a decision and contribute to your cause. Indicate that you are a volunteer for your organization and would like to take only a few minutes to discuss the organization's programs. Scheduling an appointment usually takes enthusiasm - and courage, patience and persistence.

Put yourself in a PEAK STATE and have a clear outcome.

Introduce yourself (if appropriate). Don't know what to say? SMILE! Be yourself and come from your heart. Thank the person for making time to meet with you. Identify yourself as a volunteer Basket Brigadier with a strong personal belief in the Foundation and your community. Speak with courage and conviction. Be earnest and sincere. You are asking nothing for yourself. You are rendering a great public service. Generally a good prospect is someone you are close to; they like and respect you. You have an important idea to present, and you should be absolutely straightforward in doing so. Be confident and remember this is a win-win situation!

Create Rapport! Encourage a two-way conversation by asking questions and exercising your active listening skills. Ask the prospect about his or her philanthropic activities.

LISTEN carefully. Determine your prospect's area of interest and / or possible reason for wanting to give. If your prospect doesn't state a clear preference, keep asking questions about what interests him or her the most. Appeal to the person as a business or civic leader. Remember, he / she has a stake in the community.

State the case for needed support this year while emphasizing prospect's interests:

Enlist volunteers for crucial services for children/families/homeless

Raise community awareness

Provide an outlet for a coalition of volunteers to network & contribute

15

Basket Brigade Tips and Suggestions: PG.4

Advertising opportunities

It is possible to negotiate advertising opportunities with any corporation or group that you may approach. Most appreciate having visibility within their community, the Foundation and in any publications.

Ask for volunteers on behalf of The Anthony Robbins Foundation and your local Basket Brigade.

If the answer is yes - CONGRATULATIONS!! You can refer to the Volunteer Pledge Form to get a written commitment of their pledge.

THANK THE PERSON AGAIN!

Give your sincere thanks for the person's time and consideration. Thank the person on behalf of all the people who will be helped in the year ahead by your organization combining with his/her volunteers.

Make sure you get plenty of pictures of your basket assembly party and your post-delivery party. We'd like to utilize your stories to encourage others to join us, too. Send photos to the Foundation (identify your participants) for future publications!

YOU are the voice of The Anthony Robbins Foundation.

Build beautiful and bountiful baskets. Feed many people.

Work hard- then CELEBRATE!!!

Thank You for carrying out the mission of the Anthony Robbins Foundation!