Why Managers Should Champion Their Campaign Coordinators
The core pitch: Campaign coordinators are volunteering their time to do something that benefits the whole community and reflects well on the manager’s team. Supporting them is low-effort, high-impact leadership.
Key Messages by Motivation
For managers who care about team culture
“Your campaign coordinator is building something your whole team can be proud of. A few minutes of your visible support — attending a kickoff, sending one email, making a gift yourself — signals that giving back is part of who your team is.”
For managers who care about employee development
“Running a workplace giving campaign builds real skills: project management, communication, peer influence, event planning. When you back your coordinator publicly, you’re investing in their growth and showing the team, you notice initiative.”
For managers who respond to business framing
“Departments with strong leadership participation consistently see higher campaign engagement. Your endorsement is the single biggest predictor of your team’s participation rate — more than any raffle, event, or incentive.”
For managers who are time-constrained
“We’re asking for three things: one email to your team, one conversation in a team meeting, and your own gift. That’s it. Your coordinator handles everything else.”
Specific Asks to Make It Easy to Say Yes
Make the request concrete and low-burden:
- Send one email to your team introducing the coordinator and the campaign (provide a draft they can use as-is)
- Give 5 minutes at a team meeting for the coordinator to present
- Make your own gift — visible leadership giving is the most powerful signal
- Publicly thank the coordinator at least once during the campaign
Addressing Common Objections
|
Objection |
Response |
|
“I don’t want to pressure my team” |
“Your role is to open the door, not push anyone through it. Acknowledging the campaign makes it safe to participate — not mandatory.” |
|
“My team is too busy right now” |
“That’s exactly why we have a coordinator — so it takes almost nothing from your team’s time. We just need 60 seconds of your voice.” |
|
“I gave last year and participation was low anyway” |
“Campaigns with a manager who actively introduces the coordinator see 2–3x the participation of those where it’s just an email blast.” |
The One-Line Elevator Pitch
“You don’t have to run the campaign — you just have to make it okay for people to care.”
That’s really the essence of what you’re asking managers to do: normalize generosity, validate the coordinator’s role, and get out of the way.
Would you like help drafting a specific recruitment email to send to managers, or talking points for a manager briefing session?
