Campaign 101 — What every ECM should know

Review last year's campaign and set your goal

Find out how much your company raised last year, how many employees you had, how many contributed, which departments had low participation rates, and how many payroll deductions. Based on this information, set a reasonable goal.

Involve Everyone

Everyone should be included in your campaign. When you plan your activities, remember to invite everyone to participate. Include part-time and contracted employees as well.

Recruit and Train Your Campaign Team

Having a strong campaign team will help make your campaign more successful. Recruit and train at least one volunteer for every 10-15 employees. Don’t forget to solicit part-time staff, new hires and contracted employees.

Publicize Your Campaign

Make your campaign visible with use of posters, banners, e-mail messages and printed materials.  Post information in prominent locations such as employee break rooms, cafeterias, back of restroom doors, pop machines and public bulletin boards.

Kick-off Rally

Your kick off event should not only generate enthusiasm, but educate the employees about the Cedar Valley United Way as well. At the rally show the Cedar Valley United Way video, invite Success Story speakers or a Cedar Valley United Way representative to speak, secure management and labor endorsements and invite them to speak, educate your peers about the Cedar Valley United Way and how they help meet needs within the community and share your company’s campaign goal and timetable.

Report Results and Thank Donors

Provide updates throughout the campaign to your donors, accounting departments and the Cedar Valley United Way. Return the completed campaign envelope to the Cedar Valley United Way office as soon as your campaign is completed. Be sure to thank all donors and participants.