Suggestions for Solicitors
Your Role
Thank you for agreeing to serve as a Washtenaw United Way volunteer solicitor. You are a vital link between people who need help and those who help others. Your role is to tell fellow workers about United Way agency services and to encourage them to contribute to the employee campaign. With your help, United Way’s Funded Agencies and the agencies of our partners, Community Health Charities of Michigan and Earth Share of Michigan, will be there to help your co-workers, family and friends throughout the year.
Be Well Informed
Be sure you know the facts. Study all available materials and acquaint yourself with the services provided by Washtenaw United Way agencies. There are several United Way events throughout the campaign, such as the Idea Exchange, Kick-Off Breakfast, Day of Caring and Volunteer and Campaign Celebration. Invite co-workers to participate and see how much fun United Way can be.
Make Your Own Pledge
You will find it is much easier to ask others for a generous gift if you have already made your own contribution.
Get Started Promptly
Make your contacts as soon as possible. Start with individuals who are known to be supportive of United Way. Then learn about potential contributors. Consider their schedule and choose a time and place to discuss United Way.
Make Personal Contacts
The best way to tell the United Way story is face-to-face. This shows you believe United Way is a priority worth your time and theirs. Please don’t leave a pledge card without speaking to the prospective donor.
Tell the United Way Story
If possible, tell about your personal experience (or a friend’s experience) with one or more of the agencies. Explain that Washtenaw United Way dollars, raised locally, stay in our community.
Stress the importance of the community investment process and the Community Fund concept.
Relate that one gift to Washtenaw United Way helps 34 local health and human service agencies and three community affiliates.
Answer Questions
Knowing the answers to the most frequently-asked questions (FAQ) is one of the most important parts of your job. Call the Washtenaw United Way staff at (734) 971-8200 or your campaign coordinator with any questions you cannot answer, or have the employee fill out a United Way concern card. Make certain that the question or concern is addressed.
Ask for the Pledge
Once you’ve answered questions, you’re ready to ask for the pledge.
If you are calling on annual United Way supporters, encourage them to increase their pledges based on the increasing needs for health and human services in our community.
If employees have never given to United Way, share with them the information in the United Way Brochure.
Encourage employees to give through payroll deduction. The best time to have the pledge form completed, signed and given to you is when you ask for the pledge. If the individual is unable to make a pledge at that time, please follow up as soon as possible.
Say “Thank You!”
Don’t forget to thank all employees for their time and support. Leave the United Way Campaign Brochure with the contributor. Encourage employees to contact 2-1-1 if they need information or a referral for services.
Turn In Your Report
After you’ve received all the pledge cards, return them to your Campaign Coordinator promptly.
