Engaging Networks Community Conference 2022
Rachel Kottler was recently at the Engaging Networks Community Conference with folks from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) presenting a case study that showed how a broadcast text program can help you:
- Raise money at key moments
- Conduct local and national advocacy campaign
- Get out the vote
- Bond with your donors
Joining Rachel from HRCwere Zoey Mcshane, Digital Strategy Coordinator, David Salisbury, Associate Director, Online Strategy, and Marcus Lee, Associate Director, Online Strategy.
A Brief History of the Program
HRC’s broadcast SMS program launched in 2007. The primary purpose was to create a mobile way to check HRC’s buyer’s guide and a company’s LGBTQ+ equality rating. Soon after, text to call legislative actions quickly became key piece of program. Fundraising was added in 2017, but the ask frequency has ramped up in the last 5 years. Today HRC has over 740,000 mobile subscribers.
Use Text for Fundraising
Start By Incorporating Text At Your BIG Fundraising Moments such as:
- At Giving Tuesday and Year-end
- During “Giving Months”
- During sustainer pushes
Use Texts to Fundraise Around Breaking News. Tips:
- Incorporate a match if possible
- Get out fast
- Reference news
Use Text for Advocacy
SMS can help with local advocacy. Frequent use cases:
- Call elected officials
- Organize around state bills
- Join in a rally or attend a local event
SMS can help with national rapid response
- Call Congress
- Submit comments
- Sign petitions
SMS Makes it Easy to Contact Elected Officials
Use Text to Get Out The Vote (GOTV)
A few ideas:
- Pledge to Vote
- Polling locator
- Early Vote reminders
- Volunteer asks
- Recruiting friends to vote
SMS On Election Day
- Reduce the barriers to voting by sending polling information.
- Create social pressure to vote
Use SMS To Bond With Donors
A few ideas:
- Thank donors
- Invite them to live events
- Share organizational updates
- Ask them to share their stories with you