Does Your Message Soar?

Photo credit: www.cedarpoint.com

It's a warm September afternoon. You're enjoying family time at Cedar Point. You and your family are thrilled to get right on the Skyhawk, the ride pictured above. 

As the ride takes, off, happy, energetic Josh gets on the broadcast system, "Hello and welcome to the Skyhawk. You are about to enjoy the world's  tallest and fastest swing. With today's fun at Cedar Point, you will reach speeds of 60 miles per hour and heights of 125 feet. It's what you imagined you might do on your swing in the park as a kid. Welcome to the fun!"

Josh's deep smile transferred to his message. His message added depth, breadth and credibility to the Skyhawk swinging experience.  Josh and his message soared.

How are you transferring your passion for Fire and EMS service to those around you?

What message that soars are you sharing about the lives your mission saves and changes? 

Are you able to communicate the value you bring in three sentences or less? 

Share your thoughts, ideas and experiences below.

FlashPoint offers communication services to help your message soar. Email us or call us at (319) 775-5210 to discuss options for  taking your communication to new heights. 

United Way Campaigns in Your Community: A Fundraising Opportunity?

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amodiovalerioverde/

As fall approaches, today's topic explores a potential fundraising connection that may benefit your good work for the community.

If your community and/or employer conducts an annual United Way campaign, chances are you will be hearing about your opportunity to give during 2012 soon. 

If your fire or EMS organization or association  is an IRS-recognized 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, did you know you can participate in your local United Way campaign? 

United Way focuses on human service needs in the community. Because of this, it is not widely advertised that those who pledge to each campaign have the option of designating their gift to any 501 (c) (3) organization that the donor chooses. 

If you weren't aware of this and it applies to you, here is a list of recommended action items with your new knowledge:

• Make sure your members and supporters are aware that if they are pledging to a United Way campaign, they have this option.
• If possible, work with those who conduct your local United Way campaign to learn exactly what steps a donor needs to take to designate their contribution to your organization.
• Know that there will be an administrative fee that applies to pledge payments when they are processed by United Way. There will be also be some delay in the payments being transferred to you by United Way due to operational realities of payroll processing. 
• When you receive pledge payments from United Way, thank your donors with either a phone call or note. Work with your local United Way campaign to identify the donors if this information is not provided to you.
• If your organization receives pledge payments from United Way, respond to any requests from the local campaign for more information or reporting promptly.  

The United Way moves human service needs forward in communities across the country. As admirable as that is, the final decision on where a most generous gift of treasure goes should always rest  with the donor. If you or others you know are so inclined, use the upcoming United Way campaign to donor designate to your favorite 501 (c) (3).

Please share any United Way campaign experiences you have in the comments section below.