ASKing someone to consider becoming an OB-PS Member
Remember the WHY
- The Mission of OB-PS is to inspire generosity and sustained financial support for the advancement of girls and young women through the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
- WAGGGS has Member Organizations working in 153 countries and has 10.8 million members – reaching even more girls and young women through innovative programmes and activities.
- WAGGGS has 5 World Centres, in United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ghana, India and Mexico – centres of excellence in delivering international leadership opportunities to young women from across the globe.
- WAGGGS is the world’s largest voluntary movement dedicated to empowering girls and young women.
Telling the story of the WHY:
Use stories and examples of the impact of WAGGGS and its Member Organizations. Check out the OB-PS Annual Review pages for specific examples of how girls and young women across WAGGGS are leading changes that are important to them – building better futures for themselves, their families and friends, and their communities.
It’s not about you!
You may not be comfortable asking someone for money. Remember:
- The money is not for you. It is for a very worthy cause.
- The money will magnify the ability of WAGGGS and its Member Organizations to empower girls and young women to learn, grow and lead – steps toward a better future for all.
- Joining OB-PS is about supporting this work and contributing to the growth of individuals who will make important, positive differences in the future.
- The WAGGGS supporters who join OB-PS are joining a network of almost 2,000 like-minded individuals across 62 countries.
Why People Give
- Fundraising/Recruiting is about making an emotional connection and finding the “spark” to help inspire people to change the world.
- People want to feel a sense of connection and a have a sense of purpose.
- They give to something they care about. People give to people.
- Donors think of themselves as change-makers – making a difference to something they regard as important or essential.
- Many love the amazing opportunities of being part of the OB-PS global network, such as keeping in touch through webinars and face-to-face events and seeing the evidence of the impact of their donations.
Elements of a Successful ASK
Connecting – to increase donor’s trust and confidence.
- People don’t give or join if they have not been asked.
- Ask those potential donors with whom you feel you have influence.
Ask those potential donors who have demonstrated support for or belief in the cause.
The Case – why support is needed.
- Speak to the impact of the support OB-PS provides for WAGGGS’ work. What will be different? What will be better?
- Back up the emotion with facts: share emotional stories and support the stories with data.
- Tell about empowering, exciting and unique programmes for girls and young women – WAGGGS’ Leadership Programmes.
- Support to Member Organizations as well as the New Countries Fund, supporting Guiding associations working towards membership in WAGGGS.
Advocacy for girls and young women all over the world, e.g., as part of the Advocacy Champion program bringing delegates to the UN Commission on the Status of Women, annually.
Share your sense of urgency – “Now, more than ever, is the time to strengthen leadership skills and empower young people to lead.”
- Your Personal Story and Your Commitment
- Be ready to tell your own story about how you decided to support this cause.
- Share your personal motivation for being committed to supporting the empowerment of girls and young women everywhere
- Remember that decisions about giving money are often based on emotion.
Amount of money that you are seeking.
- You are inviting people to join you and together enable girls and young women to develop their full potential as responsible citizens of the world – the Mission of WAGGGS.
- Know about the options, e.g., lump sum vs instalments, opportunities to gift memberships.
- Make a specific request (the ASK), for example,
“Could you join us and support the advancement of girls and young women by making a £6,000 commitment to become an OB-PS Member?