Maximize Your Board's Capacity and Impact-Board Engagement Activity

Pdf Summary

The document outlines a workshop designed for CCA Foundation Board and Leadership to enhance engagement, communication, and fundraising effectiveness. It begins with the "Why Do You Care Activator," an exercise where participants pair up to share personal motivations for serving on the board, reflecting on the emotional connection to CCA’s mission. This activity encourages storytelling and helps participants refine how they articulate their passion.<br /><br />Next, the workshop focuses on crafting an effective "elevator dialog," a concise pitch intended to connect emotionally and intellectually with listeners. The elevator dialog is structured into three parts: Intro (15-20 seconds), Body (30-60 seconds), and Close (15-20 seconds). The Intro includes stating your name and role and delivering a conversational mission statement. The Body shares CCA/CCA Foundation’s impact, unique attributes, key statistics, favorite success stories, volunteer opportunities, and future goals. The Close involves a specific ask and follow-up plan. The guidance emphasizes simplicity, avoiding jargon, not overwhelming listeners, and inviting participation with passion and storytelling.<br /><br />The final section introduces the "High Low Exercise," which helps board members understand donor motivations by reflecting on gift amounts they might consider for a specific campaign. Participants identify factors encouraging higher donations, such as personal asks, matching gifts, impact clarity, expectations for board members, and connections to beneficiaries. Discussion explores applying these insights to improve fundraising asks and promotional materials.<br /><br />Overall, the workshop aims to deepen personal connection to CCA’s mission, sharpen communication skills, and enhance fundraising strategies by combining authentic storytelling with clear, compelling messaging tailored to donor motivations.

Asset Caption

A guided exercise to help board members craft a concise, compelling message about your institution’s mission, value, and impact.

Keywords

CCA Foundation Board

Leadership Workshop

Engagement Strategies

Communication Skills

Fundraising Effectiveness

Why Do You Care Activator

Elevator Dialog

Storytelling Techniques

High Low Exercise

Donor Motivation