Quick Start Checklist

So now that you have taken that important first step, the following "Quick Start Checklist" will help you better prepare a solid foundation for your program replication. You Are On Your Way!

Define Your Area Define Cost Secure Funding Identify Local Champion Complete Paperwork Order Registration Brochures Receive Operations Manual & Reference Guide Host Rollout Event Replicating the Program

let's outline some important steps to help you get books in their hands.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a free gift that can be given to children residing in a predetermined zip code, school district, town, county, or even an entire state. Remember: The eligibility criteria for the Imagination Library is defined only in terms of the child’s age and residence Please do not limit registration based on socioeconomics, risk factors, participation in certain programs, parental factors or by any other means other than a child’s age and residence Step 1: Define Your Area

Now that you have defined your area lets find out how much it will cost to run your affiliate. You can Calculate your cost projection here: 5 Year Cost Projection Tool Helpful Instructions: Use the criteria you chose in Step 1 as your coverage area to find the estimated population of children under 5 years old with the US Census WebsiteUS Census Website Once you have calculated the estimated population input the total number in the 5 Year Cost Projections Tool and click “Submit” The website will display the cost projections for the population you entered. The next page will show a sample result for a entered population of 5,000 eligible children. Step 2: Define Cost

Sample Cost Projection (5,000 children under 5 yrs of age)

Step 3: Secure Funding Now that you have an estimated cost of running your affiliate you need to find local organizations that can fund the program. Common financial supporters include: United Way Local Businesses Civic Groups Local Governments Private Citizens Educational Foundations Churches Chambers of Commerce School Systems $ $

Step 4: Identify Local Champion Local Champions are characteristically different across localities. In some communities a single group or individual takes on all of the coordinating responsibilities. In other communities, multiple groups and/or individuals divide the responsibilities. Important: You must make sure that you have a 501(c)(3) agency on board as a key collaborator. Due to postal regulations, the return address on all books must be that of a local 501(c)(3). This same address must also be listed as the contact on the registration brochure.

Step 4: Identify Local Champion (Cont.) The Local Champion has 4 primary responsibilities: 1. To register children by publicizing the program using the customized registration brochures designed by The Dollywood Foundation and other promotional materials 2. To input registration data into The Dollywood Foundation’s database system 3. To pay the monthly invoice (the annual cost is $25/child/year or an average monthly cost of $2.08) 4. To pick up undeliverable books from your local post office(s)

Step 5: Complete Paperwork Before you can begin registering children with your program you must complete the following documents: 1. Memorandum of Agreement 2. Affiliate Information Sheet 3. Mailing Regulations Form 4. Registration Brochure Order Form

Step 6: Order Registration Brochures Registration brochures for each locality are customized by The Dollywood Foundation. Estimated Brochure Cost: (allow a 5% contingency; all prices include shipping** within the continental United States) Timeline for Registration Brochure Design & Delivery*** 1. Within 7 days after the brochure order has been placed, a proof will be developed and sent for your approval. 2. Within 4 weeks of the time you gave final approval of the proof, the brochures are delivered. *A $25 charge will be assessed for each proof after the third proof. **If expedited shipping is required, total shipping costs will change to reflect those charges. ***Please note the exact time may vary. Sample:

Step 7: Review Operations Manual & Reference Guide This is the most important step for the daily operations of your affiliate. You will be sent an operations manual which includes: Instructions for registering children Instructions for database maintenance Website instructions Program information Promotion suggestions FAQs Other resource materials

Step 8: Host Rollout Event! You’ve made it. Congratulations!! Now it’s time to tell your local community about your affiliate and start enrolling children. Be sure to send information to your local media (newspapers, television stations & radio) Start a Facebook fan page and Twitter account to update everyone on your events, etc. Invite local leaders Have a prominent local or state leader read a book from the Imagination Library Schedule your event to coincide with a festival or other event