Since you all have lots of questions about Climb Out of the Darkness I’m going to try and answer them. Keep in mind this is the first time we’re trying this event, so be patient with us. I’m so thrilled that so many of you are interested!!!!!
Please read all of this carefully. Thanks! If any of it doesn’t make sense or if you have additional questions let me know.
1. Can I do my own Climb Out of the Darkness hike if I’m not in the U.S.?
ABSOLUTELY. Wherever you are in the world, we’d love for you to join us, even if it’s not the longest day of the year where you are. We chose this day for its symbolism. As Deborah explained, it’s “… the day with the most light, to symbolize our collective rise out of the darkness and despair.”
2. Do I have to actually climb a mountain?
No! You can ride a mountain bike on a trail. You can do a nature walk. You can hike a mountain trail. You can stand outside and let the sun shine on your face. No matter what you do, we still call it your Climb, because it is a symbol of your climb out of the darkness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, whether you are a long-time survivor or someone who is still climbing.
3. Who is hosting the climbs? What cities?
Each climb is created by an individual who decides to participate in Climb Out of the Darkness and chooses a place to hike or climb (or even mountain bike or stroller stroll) that is near where they live. You can do the hike on your own, with family or friends, OR you can reach out to other moms who’ve had or still have postpartum depression or a related illness and ask them to do a group hike with you. You can also check the current list of Climbs and reach out to the leader to join it: https://www.facebook.com/notes/postpartum-progress/climb-out-of-the-darkness-2013/10151473804971229
We did not create specific hosted events in a few select cities because we wanted to make sure everyone could participate wherever they are. Moms with PPD and related illnesses aren’t only in NYC or Chicago or LA, they’re everywhere, and we want ALL to be able to participate.
That being said, if you see a climb on our map that is already near you and you’d like to join that person, we’d be happy to try and connect you with each other. Just email us postpartumprogress@gmail.com. You can also reach out to other local survivors you know and choose to do one together!! We’d be happy to let our readers know if you’re trying to start one and would like to hook up with other moms. Just tell us where you’d like to do it and give us your email address and we’ll do what we can to connect you with others. Oh, and if you’re an organization like a group of doulas, or a therapist’s office, or another group that works with women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders we encourage you to join as well!!
Please note: We ask that every Climber join Crowdrise and help us raise funds for Postpartum Progress projects, even if you have joined someone else’s Climb event. Each of you individually is an integral member of Climb Out of the Darkness.
4. Do I have to do my Climb on the 21st?
We chose the 21st because it is the longest day of the year, with the most sunlight. However, we realize that’s a Friday, so if you want to do it on the following Saturday or Sunday that’s fine. It’s even cool if you need to do it the following week. Whenever. The point is that you get out there in nature, and in the sunshine, and you honor your battle with perintal mood and anxiety disorders.
5. How do I join Climb Out of the Darkness?
a. The first thing to do to create your climb or hike is to sign up at Crowdrise. Here’s the link to our page where you do that: http://www.crowdrise.com/postpartumprogress
b. After going to that link, scroll down to where you can see photos of those who have already joined Climb Out of the Darkness. You should see some orange words to the right that say “Join the Team.” Click on those! You can join either by signing in through Facebook or Twitter or by creating your own Crowdrise account.
c. Once you’ve signed in, you will have your own fundraising page for Climb Out of the Darkness. You can raise money by emailing your loved ones, reaching out to local businesses, and sharing your special Climb Out of the Darkness fundraising page on Crowdrise with them. This is an example of the URL you’d share: — http://www.crowdrise.com/postpartumprogress/fundraiser/deborahrimmler or http://www.crowdrise.com/postpartumprogress/fundraiser/katherinestone — only it will have your name instead of mine or Deborah’s at the end. People can go to that page and click Donate to support you. For those who don’t want to donate online but would rather write a check, that’s fine too. Tell them to make it out to Postpartum Progress Inc.
d. Let me know on our Facebook page, or by commenting on this post, or by emailing me, where you plan to climb or hike so that I can add you to our map. You can see the map here: http://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/HN6G4unaRQ We’re adding to it all the time, so keep checking the map to see new Climbs added. (Note: You can zoom the map in or out if you need to look at it more closely.)
e. On the day of your Climb, be sure to take lots of pics and send them in so we can share them here!!
6. What if I have no idea where to do my Climb?
Try checking out these resources:
Appalachian Trail Conservancy – Find A Hike
United Kingdom National Trails
7. Is there a minimum amount of money we need to raise for Postpartum Progress?
Climb Out of the Darkness is our first worldwide event fundraiser, and we hope to continue doing it every year and making it bigger and better. We also do Strong Start Day every October 5th, which is an online fundraising push, but our board felt it was important to have a physical event that people could participate in.
Unlike other non-profit events, like the Susan G. Komen 3-Day which requires a minimum of $2300 raised to participate, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training which requires a minimum of $1800, we don’t have a minimum required this year. We want you to get out there and honor yourself and your Climb Out of the Darkness. We do have a suggested minimum, though, which is $200. Just do your best. Your best is good enough for us. Every little bit helps.
For fundraising ideas, click here.
8. How do I raise money?
It can be as simple as sending an email to friends and family with a link to your fundraising page on Crowdrise. You can also let people know what you are doing and why on your Facebook page. You can write a blog post if you have a blog. You can ask a couple of local businesses to support your Climb. And if you need help with tools (what to say or how to say it), let us know. For more ideas, click here.
P.S. Believe me I know how hard it is. People have NO IDEA WHATSOEVER how hard it is to raise money for nonprofits. And I’m one of those people who hates asking. But I’m starting to get over that and just ask, because too many moms are still suffering alone. I’m asking far and wide. 😉
9. Where is the money going?
Postpartum Progress Inc. plans to specifically use this money for two purposes: One is to create an infographic that correctly represents the prevalence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as its impact on society for use with the media and to raise awareness. The second is for an informational sheet for moms that would be available in doctor’s offices about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and getting help. It can be used anywhere in the world but this first version will be in English — if we raise enough money we will do French and Spanish as well. Since most of the brochures and things handed out to moms, in a word, suck, we’re going to do a kickass version.
10. Is there a hashtag to use on social media like Twitter and Facebook?
Yes. Use the hashtag #ClimbOut.
11. What if I can’t do my own Climb or participate in another one but would still like to help?
You can still join Crowdrise and raise money for the cause — we’d love to have your help!! — or you can pick a particular person who is Climbing and donate to help her reach her fundraising goals. Here are the current team members: http://www.crowdrise.com/fundraise-and-volunteer/the-team/postpartumprogress
12. Who is already climbing and where, and can I join them?
Yes you can join them! Here’s a list: http://www.facebook.com/notes/postpartum-progress/climb-out-of-the-darkness-2013/10151473804971229
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