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How to “Put Your Shoes On” to start Zapatos Rotos

Zapatos Rotos is a micro philanthropy initiative that took small steps to complete a long, exciting journey. We believe in helping people in the community through our alliances and interconnecting both “worlds” – those in need and socially responsible businesses - with the purpose of alleviating people's needs.


Here is the step-by-step guide for getting started. Hope you like it.


1. Beginning the journey - Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I a true altruist? How high is my motivation? Can I help people in the community without receiving anything in exchange?

• Am I able to invest my free time to be active on the field? 

• Am I able to gather the right team and start this journey?
  
  

2. Getting together with your team:

• Once you have your team of at least three, begin brainstorming what your purpose and/or philanthropy will be. 

• Ask how you should approach the people or community.

• Create an action plan (i.e., Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Expected Outcome).

• Interview those in need and listen to their stories to get an idea of what the needs are. If you choose to take photos, be sure to ask for permission of the interviewee. Pictures connect readers with the stories.

• Create a website and/or Facebook page where you can publish the stories you gather. Also, include a list of needs.

• Share the stories with all your friends and friends of friends, etc.
  
  

3. Researching alliances

• Start searching for organizations or businesses that have a social responsibility as their mission, via the Internet, friends, etc. 

• Contact and send them your website with all the stories and make a remark that they can be the next alliance.

• Meet with your alliances and tell them about your projects.

• Persuade them of the win-win situation (Website Appreciation).
  
  

4. Being a fixer

• Introduce your alliances to the people you are going to help.

• Let your alliances take charge of the situation and carry on a particular project.

• For example, if a bakery decides to provide bread to the people you’re helping once a month, let them do it without your involvement. We have found that this creates a special bond between the two that will encourage an alliance to continue working with the group.

• Remember - The absolute goal is connecting both parties, so they can carry on the project in the future. 

• Individuals can also contribute greatly. Any type of professional services/expertise, such as, Therapist, Doctors, Teachers, Social Workers, etc., or students and/or families who are eager to “adopt” a project can be part of  this honourable cause.