Communications Timeline
Download a Comprehensive Communication Guide to Prepare for Embrace a Stream!
Major Milestones
Month 1
The Embrace a Stream Team will:
- Encourage chapters to sign up for Embrace a Stream
- Network with and recruit local community chapter leaders to expand and amplify Embrace a Stream’s message to chapters, donors, and other general supporters
You should:
- Sign up for Embrace a Stream and customize your profile
- Assemble your Embrace a Stream team and involve them in planning how your Embrace a Stream campaign will complement your annual fundraising strategy
- Attend a webinar to learn about Embrace a Stream, how to promote your Embrace a Stream campaign, and how to recruit and utilize peer-to-peer fundraisers
- Discover all the resources available for you to use in your chapter toolkit (email marketing, social media posts, graphics, planning guide, and more!)
Month 2
The Embrace a Stream Team will:
- Work with local newspapers, radio stations, and other media outlets to continue spreading the word to a wider audience about Embrace a Stream
- Continue offering trainings to chapters participating in Embrace a Stream, and those interested in the opportunity, on giving day best practices.
- Develop content for chapters participating in Embrace a Stream to use, and for use on #embraceastream social media pages, Facebook and Twitter.
You should:
- Craft your campaign story. How are you celebrating Embrace a Stream? How will you use the funds raised during Embrace a Stream? Why should donors give to you on Embrace a Stream? Watch our Storytelling Training Video to learn more!
- Recruit fundraising champions for your campaign. You can use your Board, volunteers, or staff!
- Let your volunteers know you’re participating in Embrace a Stream and you need their help in extra special ways! Give them meaningful assignments to fully engage them.
- Develop your messaging plan for the next 2 months to ensure your donors know you are participating in Embrace a Stream on November 4 - 10. Download the email and social media timelines in the Chapter Toolkit to get a head start!
Month 3
The Embrace a Stream Team will:
- Provide more resources to local community chapter leaders to expand and amplify Embrace a Stream’s message to chapters, donors, and other general supporters
- Continue promoting Embrace a Stream to chapters across the region
You should:
- Send out a save the date email and social media post to all of your supporters! Download the Embrace a Stream “Save the Date” graphic from the Chapter Toolkit to make sure your messages stand out!
- Host a fundraising champion kick-off party to teach your fundraising champions best practices on fundraising!
Month 4
The Embrace a Stream Team will:
- Heavily promote Embrace a Stream to all media outlets across the region
- Finalize partnerships with local businesses to benefit every chapter participating in Embrace a Stream
You should:
- Post on social media regularly about Embrace a Stream, using the hashtag #embraceastream
- Email your supporters with additional details about Embrace a Stream. How do they give? Why should they give? When should they give?
- Ensure your campaign story and messaging are ready to go. Make a test donation to make sure you understand the process.
Day of
The Embrace a Stream Team will:
- Heavily promote Embrace a Stream to all media outlets across the region
- Provide 24-hour support to all chapters and their supporters
You should:
- Post on social media regularly about Embrace a Stream, using the hashtag #embraceastream
- Email your supporters with updates and how they can help your Embrace a Stream campaign
- Thank your supporters in real-time on social media, in emails, or give them a call!
- Celebrate!
Beyond
The Embrace a Stream Team will:
- Share statistics from Embrace a Stream, including chapter success stories, and describe the powerful change that will happen as a result of the generous donations to local chapters.
You should:
- Share the results from your Embrace a Stream participation and what those results mean.
- Thank your donors and let them know exactly what their donations mean for your program.
- Send handwritten notes to your fundraising champions and your Board for their assistance.
- Send periodic updates on how the donations you received are being used. Keep your donors engaged by letting them know how their money is benefiting your chapter and your cause.
- Engage with your donors on GiveGab after Embrace a Stream by posting volunteer opportunities, fundraising, and hosting events!