Welcome to the United Way Speakers Bureau!

2010 United Way of the Midlands Campaign Facts
The Basics of Speakers Bureau
Build Your Speech - Outline
Tips for Creating a Powerful Story about Your Program
Preparing for Your Presentation
"Do's and Don'ts"

2010 United Way of the Midlands Campaign Facts

2010 Chairs:  Gary and Barbara Rodkin - Gary is the CEO of ConAgra Foods, Inc.

2010 Goal:  $21.5 million

Campaign Kickoff & Day of Caring:  September 2, 2010
(11:00 am to Noon - ConAgra Foods Campus, 10th and Harney St)

Campaign Ends:  November 5, 2010
Total Announce:  Late March 2011

HELP ONE - AND INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL.
Together, we advance the common good of all who live & work here.
(Douglas, Sarpy & Pottawattamie counties)

United Way focuses on the building blocks for a good life:

The Basics

Below is a brief overview of how the Speakers Bureau process works

1. Speaker Request.  The host company requests speakers for workplace campaign meetings through United Way's loaned executives.  If the company does not request a specific nonprofit, United Way offers engagements to registered Speakers Bureau participants that match the request.  We make an effort to contact as many partner agencies as possible during the drive.  But, if you're willing to do a rally speech and haven't yet been contacted, send an email to jolson@uwmidlands.org.
2. "Request to Speak" Email.  When you receive a "Request to Speak" email from United Way, please respond as soon as humanly possible, whether your answer is "yes" or "no."  That way we can confirm the request quickly for our host company OR we can contact another agency.  Please note:  although we ask host companies for two-week's notice of a rally, we frequently must try to accommodate shorter lead times.
3. Confirmation.  Once a match is confirmed, the Speakers Bureau Coofdinator send a detailed confirmation via email to the speaker, the host company and United Way's campaign staff, who will also be present at the campaign rally.
4. Speech length.  Speaking engagement usually range from one minute to 15 minutes.  Be prepared with speeches of multiple lengths in case there are last-minute changes - i.e., you were told 10 minutes but end up with three.
5. Meetings.  Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled campaign rally.  By arriving early, you'll have ample time to check in with company security, meet the Untied Way campaign staff member (loaned executive) and the host company's representative.  You'll have time to get settled before the rally begins.
6. Cancellations.  Company cancellations sometimes happen, often without much warning.  Please provide an emergency phone number so we can reach you promptly should there be a last-minute cancellation.  And of course, sometimes speakers need to cancel too.k that you please give us as much advance notification as possible.  You should contact the company and United Way's speakers bureau as soon as possible, so we can attempt to find another speaker

We honor comanies' requests for specific speaker or agency if possible.  But we will work hard to offer speaking engagements to as many partner agencies as we can throughout the drive.

Please let us know if you have not yet been contacted and want an opportunity to speak on behalf of your funded program/agency.  Thanks very much for  your participation!


Build Your Speech - Outline

The section contains an outline that you can use to create you presentation.  Simply type your own information into the spaces provided below.  When you are done, you can print out talking points to bring to your presentation.

The most effective speeches explain how your organization partners with United Way of the Midlands to improve the community on a challenging health and human service mission.  This helps add context to your speech. 

United Way's campaign team, in partnership with our speakers bureau participants, serve as a vital link between donors and nonprofits that may not otherwise have the opportunity or resouces to ask for support.

Feel free to cut and paste this speech outline into a Word document you can print out and take withy you.

Hello, my name is ______________________________.  Thanks for inviting me here today and for your past gifts to this annual campaign.

[Your Agency Name] is a proud partner of United Way of the Midlands.

[A couple of sentences about your agency's mission/history/focus area/client population]

The success of the United Way campaign is critical to the "safety net" of services across our community.  Together, we advance the common good for all who live and work here in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area.

I'm here today to tell you how your gift to the United Way campaign helps [Your Agency Name] improve lives in our community:

[Use examples of the following:]
A story of programs at your agency that are funded by the United Way.
A story of an individual whose life was improved.
If appropriate, a story of collaboration with another agency/program funded by United Way.

Your gift helps people change their lives for the better, and that makes our community stronger.

DON'T FORGET TO ASK:  "Please give to the United Way campaign."


Tips for Creating a Powerful Story About Your Program

Here are some guidelines to help you create a powerful story about your program.

1. Think of a program at your agency funded by United Way.
   NOTE:  Certain programs receive annual funding at UWM partner agencies; pleaes determine which of your programs benefit from UW donations before you build your speech.  (Community Health Charities agencies may speak about any of your agencies' programs)
2. Think of a recipient from that program.  What is his or her name?
3. What brought them to the program/what was their life situation/what were their struggles?
4. How does this issue affect others in the community?
5. What are some of the statistics that outline the problem?
6. How does your program work?  How is it solving the problem?
7. How did the program help your recipient?
8. What are the overall results or goals for the community or population you serve?

Preparing for Your Presentation

Your speech will usually be part of a longer meeting that often features a United Way video, remarks from a host company representative and from the United Way Campaign staff.

Here are a few steps to help you prepare:

1.  Become familiar with United Way videos and marketing materials in advance.  They can be seen at www.uwmidlands.org in our Campaign Toolkit.

2.  It's a great idea to develop a short, 2-3 minute speech as well as a longer, 5-10 minute speech.  That way you'll be prepared for any speaking engagement.  The Speakers Bureau Coordinator will tell you how much time you can expect to have, so you can practice your presentation to fit the allotted time.  The Build Your Speech outline can help you prepare talking points for your remarks.

3.  Learn basic information about the company - what they do, etc.  The United Way Speakers Bureau will tell you what type of audience you'll be addressing and how many will be in attendance.  The UW staff member/Loaned Executive's contact information will also be provided to you in the meeting confirmation that you receive from the Speakers Bureau Coodinator.

4.  Know where to go, which entrance to use and when to be there.   Again, this information should be provided by the Speakers Bureau Coordinator, but if you have questions, pleae don't hesitate to contact us at (402) 522-7911.  Remember, it's best for you, for the company and your audience if you arrive on-site 15-20 minutes prior to the scheduled rally time.


"Do's and Don'ts"

DO:

DON'T: