Sample Basic Solicitation Script- Asking for Donations for End Genocide Action Summit

You: Dedicated and enthusiastic STAND Activist

Target: Your friend’s dad, Steve Jobs

You: Hi Mr. Jobs! You probably know that I’ve been really involved with student activism to stop and prevent genocide. You might remember the lecture my STAND group hosted last year to raise awareness and support for important anti-genocide legislation.

Mr. Jobs: Yes, I do remember you telling me about your STAND chapter.

You: Well, our campus STAND group is actually one of around 100 core student chapters across the country! This October, STAND will bring together a powerful network of students, community leaders, and activists from across the country to Capitol Hill for End Genocide Action Summit, a conference focused around a common theme and purpose: creating a generation without genocide.

Mr. Jobs: Oh really? What will be happening at this conference?

You: The conference is designed to educate, empower, and highlight the work of activists who are driving the movement to prevent and stop genocide and mass atrocities. The conference will empower students through trainings, workshops, panels, networking sessions, and a lobby day to become stronger leaders on their campuses and in their communities while demonstrating the strength of the movement to end genocide to policymakers on Capitol Hill.

Mr. Jobs: That sounds like a very interesting conference.

You: My STAND group is trying to reach our goal of $XYZ to help get us to the conference and we’re asking our peers, families, and communities to help us out. I know you’ve been interested in and supported XYZ over the past few years, and we would love your participation in my effort to become an even more informed activist. Do you think you could help us reach our goal by making a $50 (for example) contribution?

[PAUSE]

Mr. Jobs: Absolutely, I think this is a great cause! Who do I make the check out to?

Responding to Questions or Concerns

When someone raises an objection, criticism or question about STAND, it means they’re engaged and interested. Use it as an opportunity to share your knowledge and excitement with them. If they say they can’t help, don’t take it personally!

Listen to their comments and questions, and respond accordingly. Respect all questions! You’re asking them to be a part of STAND, so you should expect them to exercise their due diligence in making their decision. There are lots of reasons that may keep them from supporting your fundraiser.

Say “thank you” and ask if they have suggestions for other people who might be interested in helping.  

Always, always, always send a thank you letter, no matter what the response! And after the event, be sure to follow up with them about what you learned and how their gift made a difference. They will really appreciate hearing from you and about your experience.

Some Common Questions:

“I want to help, but I can only give $X (less than what you asked for).”

Response: "Thank you so much for that commitment, I really appreciate your support, and every gift makes a difference!"

“It seems like everyone out there is asking for money. You’re the 10th person to come to me this month!”

Response: “I know how many requests you must get, but I would not be coming to you if I didn’t feel so strongly about how important attending the End Genocide Action Summit is, and what a difference it will make for me and my chapter.”

Continue to explain why the End Genocide Action Summit would be such a valuable experience.