“People are drawn to your relationship with your message.”
— Dr. Sandy Goldberg
   Founder & Chairman, A Silver Lining Foundation

Stories are about people.

It’s never about just the facts. The people you’re talking to have already judged the situation even before you uttered your first word. And no amount of proven data will change their minds about you and your intentions.

But if you tell a story about your journey that led to that particular moment when you have this important message to deliver, something else starts to happen in how your audience sees your message. You’ve just created a unique context that they cannot help but relate to. Because the journey you’ve described is the same path they’ve taken. You’ve just built a bridge. They’ve just felt a connection.

It’s never just about the words. They may comprehend what they hear, but do they understand the truth in what you’re saying? Are they giving you the look that asks, “What does it all mean?”

Does your audience see themselves in the characters of your story? Is there something familiar about the situation that can draw them into the plot? What conflict or challenge are you presenting that they can potentially solve? Are your words creating a vivid enough experience to spark an emotional response?

So, what does it all mean?

It’s never just about the mission. It also has to be about the people who care enough to make it theirs.

Does Your Fundraising Letter Tell a Compelling Story?

Thursday, August 22
5:30–8:00pm
Open Books
213 W. Institute Place, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60610

Nonprofit organizations constantly juggle a variety of tools to fundraise. One tool that many nonprofits have been using for generations is the appeal letter. How can we transform this into a more powerful medium that, once in the hands of donors, will move them to give?

Our workshop will focus on writing your next appeal letter to include a compelling story about how your program impacts the lives of people you serve. We will cover story selection, building a vocabulary that is potent with meaning and intention, and overall presentation.

View and share this video clip from our last appeal letter workshop.

5:30pm – 6:00pm   Introductions
6:00pm – 7:30pm   Workshop
7:30pm – 8:00pm   Networking

Coffee and tasty nibbles will be served

REGISTER EARLY and get a great value.

Hope you’re enjoying the summer!