"Making the Ask" is by far the most important United Way responsibility you will undertake as an ECC. The number one reason people don't give is because they were never asked. It is important to allow every employee to make an educated, personal decision about giving to United Way.

Educate through employee meetings

• The best way to communicate the community’s needs and make the ask is by inviting a United Way staff member and agency representative to speak with your employees during existing staff meetings. If staff meetings do not already exist, consider a special campaign kickoff or smaller meeting to educate employees about United Way.
• Ask your CEO to attend and publicly endorse the campaign.
• Keep the meeting or event lively, brief and informative.
• Encourage questions.
• Make the ask! It’s important that your ask is heartfelt and specific. People generally give what they are asked for, whether it’s $5 per pay period, a 10% increase, 1% of salary or a Leadership or Tocqueville gift.
• Thank employees for their participation, and most importantly, thank them for considering a gift to United Way.

Educate one-on-one:

• Some companies individually ask their employees to consider giving. Be sure to be sensitive to each person's personal interests and questions about United Way. Your staff partner can help you prepare for a personal or individual ask.

Quick tips that Make Asking Easier

Make your pledge first.
If your co-workers know that you believe in and support United Way, they’ll be more likely to make a pledge. Be prepared to share your story about why you support United Way, or how United Way has benefited you or someone you know.

Know the facts.
Review United Way materials and our website thoroughly. That will help you feel more comfortable when you tell the United Way story. www.unitedwaydallas.org

Make personal contact.
People give to people. It’s important that every campaign volunteer reaches out to their assigned employees one-on-one.

Be positive.
Explain the benefits of giving to United Way. Stress the importance of each person’s contribution to our community, every gift makes a difference!

Ask co-workers that you know first.
Approaching people you know will help you refine your presentation skills. The positive responses you get will boost your confidence.

Make it a two-way street.
The ask should be a dialogue, not a monologue. Be prepared for questions and comments. If you don't know the answer to a question, that's okay! Explain that you'll get back to the person posing the question after you've had a chance to get information from United Way. Also, be sure to listen with care and sensitivity to any concerns that come your way.

What's your thing?
Part of your dialogue should include asking the potential donor what her interests are and how she wants to Live United. Connect the dots between the donor’s interests and the work of United Way.

Say thank-you!
Whether your co-worker indicates that they will make a gift to United Way or not, thank him for his consideration. Remind him that his commitment to giving back is still part of the call to "Live United!"