We have seen a significant uptick and effective use of video in pledge drives over the last few years. People record simple testimonials, create more highly produced videos about the goals and theme (usually with the help of youths!), or even record video sermons.
Here is a great example: the Olympia Brown UU Congregation (OBUUC) in Racine, Wisconsin reached out to Chuck Collins, a lifelong UU from Wisconsin, and asked him to record a message for the congregation during the pledge drive.
Collins will tell you more about himself in the video, but he has been fighting against economic inequality for a long time from a position of financial privilege. Let’s not spoil any of it by previewing the content. Just watch it yourself.
This is really inspiring and connects to our congregational stewardship and justice goals. Thank you to Diane Lange at OBUUC for reaching out to Collins for permission to repost the video (granted!).
If you hear a great story about someone who is using their money to build a more just world and support their congregation, reach out to them – even if they are a National figure like Collins – and ask if they would record a message for you. That could be an author, a newsmaker, a UU from another congregation, or a member of your congregation. Videos are very effective and will help achieve your goals. Post them on your website, send them out in a weekly e-blast, and show them during worship. You have to start planning early, like now, if you want to make that happen in time for the drive.
Do you have a great video to share? Feel free to share it in the comments so other folks can see it! And speaking of which…
Pledge Drive 101
This three-session webinar is designed for stewardship teams engaged in a spring pledge drive, and will explore current giving trends, pledge drive practices that are working, and examples of what has worked in specific congregations. Facilitated by Sharon Dittmar and Art Nava (of the NERegion team). Registration is limited, and you must register as a three-person team from your congregation. Registration for a team is $50, $75, or $100 based on the size of your congregation. Tuesday evenings October 8, 22 and 29. Read more about registration and Pledge Drive 101
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Mark Ewert is a stewardship consultant, a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), and a professional leadership and philanthropy coach (PCC) certified with the International Coaching Federation.
His experience includes founding a nonprofit, working as a fundraiser, and leading a national organization. Reach Mark at Team@StewardshipForUs.com
Thanks for amplifying this Mark!
Chuck Collins was fantastic to work with. Appreciation to our OBUUC church member, Susan Binzel, for making this connection possible.
Diane
Hi Diane, Yes in fact you can get a transcript in two ways (at least!). YouTube has a transcript you can see if you click on the grey box below the video that says “More…” This is good if you want to grab just a few good quotes. You can also open a Zoom meeting (with just yourself), start the video, open Captions, then View Full Transcript. At the end of the video, you can save the transcript. As always, please credit the source!