Hope Runs is committed to involving people from around the world in our efforts, and we appreciate any help you can offer. However, we recognize the limits of time and energy that restrict contributions. For this reason, our chapter model makes it possible for everyone to pitch in as much as they are able. The Hope Runs chapter model is simple and effective: we rely on location-based networks of interested individuals to organize and attend small scale micro-fundraisers throughout the year that take a variety of different forms.

A micro-fundraiser begins when an individual approaches Hope Runs about their interest in hosting a fundraiser for Hope Runs or adding Hope Runs as a beneficiary to an existent fundraising event. We then help the individual to craft an event best suited to the needs, interests, and talents of their particular school group, workplace, athletic team, or community.

Different types of events can prove more effective in raising funds, donated items, or awareness in different areas, and we have plenty of ideas to help out every kind of group. Some events may be specifically created to extend information about Hope Runs or raise funds, and some events may simply entail directing the gifts or proceeds of an existent event towards Hope Runs - perhaps asking Holiday party invites to make in-kind or financial donations to Hope Runs in lieu of gifts. A walkathon, a dinner, a cocktail mixer, a birthday party, a wedding, a road race, or an office shoe drive are all excellent examples.

Once a specific event is decided upon, we provide any of the information, photographic, and video materials required, and decide whether or not a representative from Hope Runs will be able to attend to speak or participate in the event. Depending on the event's success, the individual then reassesses their own interest in continued participation with Hope Runs as a Chapter Member or Chapter Head.

For more information on starting a local hope runs chapter, please visit our Start a Chapter page and look at the following document:

• How to Start a Chapter information

Hope Runs' Mission: To use running and athletics as a gateway for the empowerment of AIDS orphans with the tools of personal health, social entrepreneurship, and technology.

Hope Runs is the Sport for Development arm of IBECOME. Hope Runs and IBECOME are 501c3 non-profit organizations