Are You on Autopilot With Your Supporters?

Recently, I heard a first hand account of a story that gave me pause to watch for an unintended risk in nonprofit work.

A friend was contacted by a political campaign who just opened up operations for a long-out campaign, consistent with the trend that running for office is starting earlier and earlier. 

The new staff member who contacted her was polite and positive. This person asked for an easy entry and involvement point, which she declined, citing personal circumstances. Overall, the interaction was positive. 

Despite these positives, she left with a sense of disappointing "auto pilot" mode. The assumption was made in the call that she must again be supportive of the candidate. There was no confirmation of her continued support or request for her input on the call. Her support was assumed as being on auto pilot, despite the years that have passed since the last campaign.

This approach is a good fit for a large volume of activity demanded by political campaigns. However,

Is the nonprofit community on auto pilot with established supporters? 

Is your nonprofit on auto pilot when it comes to conversations with your established supporters?

When was the last time you communicated with an established supporter, just to check in and not ask for anything?

Photo credit above: http://www.flickr.com/photos/curveto/