Guest Blog: SIFE at University of Memphis!

I first found out about Better World Books book drives when I happened to order a book online from them.  With the book, I received a card of information regarding the opportunities to collect books for a good cause and raise funds for my student organization, Society of International Business Students at the University of Memphis.  Upon calling for more information, I found out how easy it was to run a book drive through Better World Books and was pleasantly surprised that there was no funding required on behalf of my organization.  I presented the idea to my group and they quickly approved our participation.  Being an international organization, we decided to go with the non-profit partner Books For Africa.The most success we have had so far results from the faculty support on our campus.  We made mini book collections out of empty copy paper boxes and decorated them with signs for BFA.  These boxes were strategically placed in the faculty mail rooms after receiving permission from department heads.  We asked the department secretary to send out an email to the corresponding faculty to promote our efforts and so they would know where they could leave their books.  This made it convenient for faculty members to donate their books and they have proven to be our greatest donors.  We would like to expand our reach to other departments on campus so that other faculty can have the opportunity to make a difference.

Our success also results from the participation of other independent text book stores off campus.  We simply called the managers, presented our cause, and they agreed to let us come and pick up books that they were retiring from the shelves from time to time.  When they had many books to be donated, we would easily arrange a time for them to be picked up.  It is beneficial for them as well since they can receive a tax write off for their donations, instead of selling books to wholesalers, which only creates more taxable revenue for them.  They have been another extremely important source of donations for our book drives and we look forward to maintaining our relationship with them.

The resulting funds from our participation are being donated to another student group to assist in their efforts working with the refugee community in Memphis, many of which are from the African continent.  They are supporting English as a Second Language, job skills training, and social adaptation programs.  Since they are just beginning their endeavor, they need some form of funding to operate initially.  We are pleased to donate these funds to this cause as it is supporting a fellow student group and also to come full circle by making a difference in Africa and in our own community.