Start by choosing a theme with the rest of your team, and incorporate it into your materials. See Campaign Ideas section.

Next, include a plan for publicity in your campaign plans. Incorporate the message strategy contained in The Case for Giving section. Work with your company communicator or other person(s) responsible for communicating to employees in your organization.

There are many inexpensive ways you can communicate, so get your creative juices flowing. Try some of these popular ways to spread the news about United Way:

• Posters
• Banners
• Inexpensive Flyers
• Company Newsletter
• E-Mail, voice mail, Internet or public address system
• Bulletin Board Posters

The information contained in this campaign kit should give you most of what you need to prepare your campaign publicity.

Use the How You help, Partner Agencies, What Your Dollars Do or Success Stories sections of our web page:
 

• "Filler" articles in your company newsletter or in payroll stuffers.
• E-Mail or voice mail "Did you know..." teasers.
• United Way "Trivia Contest."

Make the United Way Message a Personal One

Your fellow employees are your most powerful allies in communicating about how United Way helps.

• Ask your employees, in a survey, if they have been involved with a United Way agency (be sure to give them a list!). This can generate stories for your newsletter or a speaker for your rally.
• Conduct "person on the street" interviews with supportive employees:
  • "why do you give?"
  • "Why do you volunteer?"
• Get employee's reactions to agency tours.
• Publish in a feature article.
• Run a regular column of commonly-asked questions and answers about United Way (see Questions & Answers).
• Use United Way facts as fillers set in boxes throughout your newsletter.
• Send a daily e-mail with a "Did You Know" facts about United Way.
• Report on campaign activities, publicize campaign events and results in employee newsletter.
• Send a personal letter to your employees from your company CEO in support of your campaign.

Looking for a article for your next newsletter? United Way success stories provide heart-warming stories of how your United Way dollars help real people every day. There's never been an easier way to promote United Way year-round! Click here to read success stories.

Sample Letters:

• CEO Letter
• Labor Letter
• Retiree Letter
• Thank You Letter

Dear Colleague:

As we enter the fall of the year, our company is gearing up for its first company-wide United Way campaign. We challenge you to personally renew-or begin-your focus on the United Way and to remember the tremendous job this organization does channeling our dollars locally to the people who can benefit most from your generosity.

Company X's United Way campaign theme is "Lead the Way!" We selected this theme because, by working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of others. And it's also a way to help ourselves, since you or someone you know may have directly benefited from the services of United Way agency during the past year.

We've planned a strong United Way campaign this year. You will be hearing about new campaign activities through articles in our company newsletter plus special activities being coordinated at our different buildings.

It's important to remember that the goal of all this is helping those in need. While such crises as natural disasters tend to rivet our attention, and deservedly so, it's also important to realize that for some people, each day represents a personal crisis. By supporting United Way of Southeastern Idaho, you can actually see your dollars at work throughout our community. And remember, United Way is there for you too!

You'll find information on our new automated pledge system and other aspects of this year's campaign in the United Way packet. While considering this year's pledge, you may also want to think about giving a gift of appreciated stock because of the potential tax savings.

We need your help to achieve this year's United Way goals. When you give, give generously. Every dollar is important to your community and the many people served by United Way.

Sincerely,

Jack Smith
President & CEO
Company X
Campaign Chairman

Labor Letter

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Throughout the years, the members of the (insert union name) have contributed generously to United Way of Southeastern Idaho. Our contributions have made it possible for United Way to provide support for a wide range of ongoing programs, like aid to the sick and youth programs.

Today, United Way of Southeastern Idaho also plays a vital role in helping families and individuals survive difficult economic times. Countless citizens in Southeastern Idaho, young and old, need United Way; and as always, United Way needs us. By supporting our local United Way programs we can be assured that our contributions continue to help people in need in our communities each and every day.

Our support is key to the success of United Way of Southeastern Idaho.

Fraternally,

Stephen Smith
President

Retiree Letter

Dear Retiree:

Donations to United Way of Southeastern Idaho are very important for the human service agencies in our community. Donations stay in our community to help fund 21 nonprofit agencies. We are thankful for the excellent services that the agencies provide. It is comforting to know there are meals for homebound seniors, a blood bank in the event of a health crisis and scouting programs for children. A list of the agencies receiving United Way funding can be found in the enclosed brochure.

United Way continues to be a strong supporter of programs for seniors. Meals-On-Wheels, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Foster Grandparents will receive $59,000 of United Way funding in 2004.

You can help seniors, youth and people in need by making a donation to United Way. Please complete the enclosed pledge card today and mail it to United Way of Southeastern Idaho. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

On behalf of the individuals and families in Southeast Idaho who will benefit from your assistance, thank you.

Sincerely,

Jane Hampton
Retired Employees Coordinator

Thank You Letter

Dear Employee:

Thank you very much for your generous donation and ongoing support for United Way of Southeastern Idaho. The nonprofit agencies truly appreciate your gift.

If you have any questions about the member agencies, please don't hesitate to call me or contact United Way.

Thanks once again for supporting our community through United Way and all that you do for the community.

Sincerely,

Jane Smith
Campaign Coordinator

and/or

Kevin Kennedy
CEO