The Mikuska Group  

Culture of engagement – part 2

Second in a series exploring what a culture of engagement looks like.

Engagement starts at home, with your staff, board and volunteers. And not just among those doing fundraising, but everyone. Don’t assume that because they are working or volunteering for you that they  feel engaged.

Start by explaining how fundraising supports what the staff and volunteers do. Talk to them about the committed donors and the difference they make to the organization. Introduce them to passionate donors who can tell their own story about why they support the mission.

Give some examples of how, even in their jam-packed work lives, they can contribute to an environment of engagement:

  • contribute stories from the field so you can share them with donors
  • listen for signs of enhanced interest among those they meet and in their own networks as they may be potential donors
  • volunteer at donor events
  • participate in thank-you calling
  • be involved in cultivation through “show and tell”

Think of your staff, board and volunteers as constituents that you are cultivating. Find out what more about why they are involved and what’s important to them about the organization. In a culture of engagement, asking those closest to you only makes sense.

Julie Mikuska.

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