Employee Campaign Chair Guide

You have a very important responsibility to provide leadership, but don’t forget to have fun too. Success is measured just as much by the quality of your co-workers’ experience as it is by results. Running a workplace campaign should be a fun and meaningful experience for everyone, including you.

The Build a Campaign worksheet and following steps will help you keep organized and on track, while running a fun, successful campaign.

Recruit your teamBegin with your committee: a cross section from your workplace, including management and non-management and unionized and non-unionized employees. Some workplaces even reach out to retirees for help. They’ll be essential allies in communicating progress and inspiring participation.

Some of the most important members of your team will be your canvassers who are directly responsible for asking co-workers to donate. They’re easy to find—the outgoing, always-on go-getters.

Half the fun is getting thereWe’re here for youBesides our website (UnitedWayWinnipeg.ca) your Sponsored Executive is a great source for additional resources including:

• Copies of the ECC and Canvasser guides

• Employee brochures and pledge forms

• Frequently asked questions

• Ideas for special events

• Request forms for marketing and promotional materials

• Links to United Way’s campaign video and testimonials

Partnering for a PurposeUNITED WAY and YOUR WORKPLACE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Easy ways to engage and energize your workplace while making a meaningful difference in Winnipeg.

See the Partnering for a Purpose supplement for more ideas and information.

01 MAKE YOUR PLANContact your Sponsored Executive (SE) as soon as possible. They can help map out strategies for a successful campaign and brainstorm ideas for themes, events and activities.

Ensure management understands and has approved the time and resources that will be spent conducting your campaign.

EngagementYour co-workers will be much more invested when they can actually see and feel the difference they are making. Consider the following:

1. Special Events raise money as well as workplace morale. Ask for the Special Events: Putting the Fun in Fundraising supplement.

2. Consider working with one of our agency partners to complete a meaningful community project as part of a Day of Caring or Collection Drive.

3. Host a Living on the Edge poverty simulation, a unique and transformative group experience designed to provide a glimpse into what life might be like for families living in low-income situations.

4. GenNext offers busy young professionals flexible opportunities to get involved in our community.

5. Promote MaketheMonth.ca - United Way’s online poverty simulation

Leadership mattersSeek support from senior management and union leadership (if your workplace is unionized)—influential people who can help kick-start your campaign and stand as examples for others.

Many will choose to become United Way Leadership donors (those who give $1200 or more each year)— an inspiring example for others. In this case, consider running a Leadership Campaign by recruiting a Leadership Champion—an existing Leader who can personally ask colleagues to make a similar commitment.

Together you can schedule a Leadership presentation that gives potential leaders more detailed information on the powerful impact this level of generosity can have.

Schedule Canvasser TrainingThe number one reason people give for not donating is “I was never asked.” Arrange a canvasser training session with your Sponsored Executive.

03 BUILD YOUR CAMPAIGNConsider building in the following elements:

• Have a formal kick-off event which gets employees revved up and ready to participate. Reveal your workplace goal with flare and fanfare to generate even more excitement.

• Invite an impact speaker from United Way’s Speakers Bureau to present at your kickoff. Take it one step further and organize an Agency Visit and see your support in action.

• If there isn’t time for a speaker or Agency Visit, request United Way’s campaign video or distribute the link.

• Promote the wide variety of giving levels and payment options for flexibility and convenience. The campaign posters or Canvasser Guide are helpful resources.

• Provide encouragement using a variety of channels. A regular Did You Know? email, for example. See the Fast Facts supplement.

• Give co-workers regular updates on campaign progress. Track your goals in a central location using the campaign progress thermometer posters.

• People give to people. Commit to a 100% face-to-face ask and give everyone the opportunity to support our community. Since donating is an individual choice, peer-to-peer asks ensure no one feels pressured to give.

• Personalize! We can provide individualized pledge cards which include giving history; a useful resource when soliciting an increase.

• Promote ePledge, our online pledge system as an easy, environmentally friendly way of donating.

02 LAY YOUR FOUNDATIONSet ambitious yet realistic goals using the challenges and successes of previous campaigns as a benchmark. United Way’s Spirit Awards might offer some inspiration and incentives.

580 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1C7 P 204-477-5360 F 204-453-6198 E info@UnitedWayWinnipeg.mb.ca W UnitedWayWinnipeg.ca

unitedwaywinnipeg unitedwaywpg unitedwaywpg unitedwaywpg

04 CELEBRATE!Recognize your donorsTwo of the most important words in fundraising are THANK YOU. Plan a celebration to announce your campaign achievement and thank each and every employee for their support and participation. Consider sharing stories about the impact of their investment.

Recognize your teamReview your eligibility for Spirit Awards and hold an event for your campaign committee and canvassers to thank them for their hard work.

PEOPLE DON’T GIVE IS THAT THEY

WEREN’T ASKED.

THE FOLLOW-UPFollow up with donors whose pledge you haven’t received as your campaign nears conclusion. Schedule a chat or use the “We Missed You” cards.

It’s YOU!You’ve been an important part of the good things happening in our community in the past. There’s still time!

Your gift to United Way, no matter how much, changes lives and helps create a Winnipeg we’re all proud to call home.

Use the enclosed pledge form, call or visit us online and make a difference today.

Phone 204-477-5360 Fax 204-453-6198 Email uway@UnitedWayWinnipeg.mb.ca Web UnitedWayWinnipeg.ca

Learn more about what your gift is making possible.

Join us on Facebook facebook.com/unitedwaywinnipeg

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/UnitedWayWpgAesop

It’s YOU!You’ve been an important part of the good things happening in our community in the past. There’s still time!

Your gift to United Way, no matter how much, changes lives and helps create a Winnipeg we’re all proud to call home.

Use the enclosed pledge form, call or visit us online and make a difference today.

Phone 204-477-5360Fax 204-453-6198

Email uway@UnitedWayWinnipeg.mb.ca Web UnitedWayWinnipeg.ca

Learn more about what your gift is making possible.

“We Missed You” cards