Libby Post
Advocacy Specialist
Library Advocacy Services
http://commservices.net/index.php/libraries/
Why be an advocate?
Your advocacy message is the most important thing.
- Be Bold, Clear and Concise
- Need your values
Communicate how the library is an essential service
Strong message=Strong advocacy
Get people emotionally attached to your cause (e.g. the library is a strong and important part of the community)
Always be advocating for the library, have your elevator speech ready.
Message should be: Emotional and compelling, have an emotional hook, how to take action through giving.
Basic tools for fundraising: Have your lists, understand who gives and why, 72% of all giving in the US comes from individuals rather than grants/foundations.
Volunteers and people who advocate for the library are most likely to give.
Where to start?
Have a plan, determine what to do, and how much you'd like to rais.
Have a plan, determine what to do, and how much you'd like to rais.
Years 1-3
Special Events take the most planning and most time consuming (get corporate support, event journal, invitations, event checklist -- she has one she will share)
Direct Mail
Online giving (through social media, even a facebook campaign!)
Social meedia
Handwritten thank you notes
