Mission in Motion

By Rose Reinert
Guest blogger

It was years into my role as Executive Director at a youth serving agency that it became crystal clear to me that helping people see could help them believe. Hands down, I encouraged board members to bring people in for tours, which often ended in an ask for an investment in our mission.

There is no argument that a story rich in description — sharing colors, smells, and sights — is gripping and engaging. There are countless opportunities for our beloved elevator speeches, and organization overviews, but there is no doubt, when you can provide someone the first hand look at the mission in motion, your sales pitch gets much easier.

This is the concept of Chapter 10 — “Got Video? (Video Sharing)” — in Lon Safko’s book, The Social Media Bible.

It is very easy nowadays to capture your “Mission in Motion” through various strategies. Consider utilizing some of these:

• Client Testimonials
• Board Member Orientation & Engagement
• Donor Highlights
• Organization Overview

It is sometimes difficult to get prospects for a tour or even to an event. So, why not utilize a short video via e-mail to share your mission and introduce them to your services? One of my favorite stories is a video that was made especially for a donor that highlighted a youth of the program thanking them for their investments.

How impactful!

Another great one was another youth agency that featured youth inviting guests to attend a benefit event through a short video invite.

Another great way to stand out to supporters!

Of course, the most simple online video is the simple case for support message like the one you see in the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) video about stopping the ivory trade and supporting their efforts to save the elephant population. Click here or on the video below to check-out this example.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FB2doKRl94&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL0WSjIIFKH_gUaKCS6M1jfMP8PE1q0H_t]

In addition to reading Lon Safko’s book, here are a few additional links you might find helpful in developing your agency’s “picture” to share with prospects and donors:

• 4Good.org: “How to use you Home Video Camera to Film Nonprofit Testimonials“
• YouTube’s CitizenTube: “Secrets to making a great nonprofit video“
• The Case Foundation: “How to Shoot a Video Testimonial — 5 DIY Tips“

So how can you capture your mission to share your story best? How have you used video to engage donors or volunteers?