Here are some frequently asked questions. Choose your level of involvement.
How do I know if there’s a Run for Congo Women event near me?
In 2010, Women for Women International will sponsor thirteen Run for Congo Women events. These are the events listed on this website (dates and registration links are added as they become available). But as the Run for Congo Women movement grows, we hear of new, informal runs sprouting up all over the world! So if you don’t live near one of our thirteen current Run for Congo Women events, we recommend that you use our Facebook pages to connect with others in your area and start something up!
How much does it cost to participate in a Run for Congo Women event?
The registration fee depends on the specific run. Please click on the registration link for your run, which will take you to the registration page and show you the registration fee.
How long are the runs?
This depends on the run. Please click on the registration link for your run, which will take you to the registration page and show you these details.
Can I walk?
Yes, of course!
Is the event timed?
This depends on the run. Please click on the registration link for your run, which will take you to the registration page and show you these details.
Do I have to register online?
This depends on the run. We do strongly encourage you to register online but some runs offer printed registration forms that you can fill out and mail back with a check. Contact us at runforcongo@womenforwomen.org for more information.
Who plans the Run for Congo Women events?
Women for Women International sponsors the events listed on this website, but the event planning is done locally by very dedicated volunteers! Contact information for the volunteer(s) in charge of your local Run for Congo Women is listed on the registration page for your run.
I’ve paid the registration fee. Do I have to fundraise?
You’re not required to fundraise. However, the success of Run for Congo Women and our ability to send as much money as possible to the women of the Congo depends on participants’ fundraising efforts! Much of your registration fee is used to promote and put on the event.
Can kids attend a Run for Congo Women event?
Yes! For more information on this, please click on the registration link for your run, which will take you to the registration page and show you event details.
Can I bring my dog to a Run for Congo Women event?
This depends on the run. Please click on the registration link for your run, which will take you to the registration page and show you these details.
I registered online for a Run for Congo Women event and I have a question about the event. Who should I contact?
Email us at runforcongo@womenforwomen.org.
There is no Run for Congo Women event near me. Can I start one?
Yes! We recommend that you start by searching Active.com for a local running event like a city-wide marathon or 5K, and registering yourself or a Team Congo to participate. Then fundraise online for Run for Congo Women by going to http://www.active.com/donate/runforcongowomen and clicking on “Become a Fundraiser.” If you’d prefer to host a full-fledged Run for Congo Women event, please consult our downloadable How to Plan a Run for Congo Women Toolkit.
Can I join the volunteer team that plans my local Run for Congo Women event?
Yes! If you’re interested, please contact us at runforcongo@womenforwomen.org.
I’m fundraising for Run for Congo Women and someone asked me if they’ll get a tax acknowledgement letter. Will they?
If someone donates to your online fundraising page, they will receive an email confirmation of their donation for their tax purposes.
If someone writes a check for $25 or more, and you submit the check to us by mail, the writer of the check will automatically receive
a tax acknowledgement letter by mail to the address on the check. If someone gives you cash, they will not receive a tax acknowledgement letter unless you include a note specifically requesting it and provide us with their name, address, and donation amount.
What percent of Run for Congo Women donations actually benefits the women in the DR Congo?
Our goal with the Run for Congo Women events is to send as much money to our Congo program as possible! We encourage our volunteer organizers to get items donated and keep costs down as much as possible, with an average of 75% going to the program. The more participants who FUNDRAISE, the higher this number will get!
What is your tax ID number?
Women for Women International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. EIN/Tax ID # 52-183-8756.
How do I get in touch with Lisa Shannon?
Visit Lisa’s website at www.athousandsisters.com for her contact information.
Where can I get a copy of A Thousand Sisters by Lisa Shannon?
Visit Lisa’s website at www.athousandsisters.com to learn more about the book and where you can purchase it.
I’m from the press and I’d like to cover Run for Congo Women. Who should I contact?
We would love to hear from you. Please contact us at runforcongo@womenforwomen.org.
Are you on Facebook?
Yes! Here are the links: Women for Women International,Run for Congo Women,A Thousand Sisters
How can I connect with other supporters of Run for Congo Women and Women for Women International in my area?
Join us on Facebook (see links above) and try posting a call-out there.
I want to learn more about what’s happening in the DR Congo. Where should I start?
Take a look at our downloadable Talking Points and resources for further reading. One great place to start is the Congo page of the Women for Women International website.
How do I sponsor a woman in the Congo?
Click here and if you want your sister to be from the Congo, please make sure to select that country for all three of your country choices!
I have a question about Sponsorship. Who should I contact?
The sponsorship page of the Women for Women International website is very informative. If you still have a question, please contact us at sponsorship@womenforwomen.org.
What’s the difference between donating and sponsoring a woman?
Women for Women International’s sponsorship program matches you, as a sponsor, to a particular woman in one of the countries in which we work. Once matched with a sponsor, she enrolls in our program, which provides her direct financial assistance, rights awareness education, job skills training, trauma counseling and more. Sponsors are encouraged to communicate with their “sisters” by writing letters. Sponsorship currently costs $27 per month plus a one-time $30 enrollment fee. Writing a check for the amount of a sponsorship does not automatically enroll you in the sponsorship program – you must enroll as a sponsor on our website or by mail.
Women for Women International also relies on donations to implement our programs in each country. You can make a general donation of any amount to Women for Women International to benefit all of our programs, or you can choose one of our countries to direct your funds to.
Running isn’t my thing. I’m hosting an indoor event for Congo women. Can I get materials and guidance?
Yes! Download our Event Tips.
How can I get a Run for Congo Women t-shirt?
Participants in any of the Run for Congo Women events listed on this site receive a t-shirt at the event.
How can I join the Women for Women International mailing list?
Just email us your full contact information at runforcongo@womenforwomen.org and let us know you’d like to join our list.
I might be able to assist in getting a corporate sponsorship for Run for Congo Women. Who should I contact?
Great! Please let us know what you’re up to at runforcongo@womenforwomen.org.
I’d like to fundraise for Women for Women International as a whole – not just for the DR Congo. Can I do that?
Yes! Just go to http://www.active.com/donate/womenforwomen, click on “Become a Fundraiser” and get your own fundraising webpage! All funds raised through your page will go to Women for Women International to benefit our entire global program.
Women for Women International supports women in war and post-war regions—like our sisters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo— with financial assistance, job skills training, rights awareness education, trauma counseling, and small business assistance so they can rebuild their lives.
