Board members and volunteers are Super Heroes in our book! We believe that if you can spot the Super Hero archetypes on your board and volunteer teams, then everyone wins. Fundraising that supports and elevates these Super Heroes will allow them to operate in their comfort zones and help the organization benefit from their talents.
Can you spot these types on your team?
The Connector.
The Connector Super Hero is energized by making introductions for your organization. Connectors are the folks who have had 15 conversations with guests before the gala starts and have introduced you to at least half of their new friends. They are typically multi-taskers, talkative and outgoing, and have large networks (which doesn’t mean that all of the people they know are wealthy or that they know them deeply - it simply means they know LOTS of people).
Leverage the Connector’s super power:
Ask them to send a quick, gratitude email to a list of donors.
Celebrate when they plant the seed with a connection about a possible partnership or group volunteering opportunity.
Have them review donor lists to help you identify connections.
The Ambassador.
The Ambassador Super Hero loves to share the good work that is happening at your organization. Ambassadors are natural persuaders and promoters, and the best Ambassadors are also those who are considered trustworthy by their peers. They are the ones who love having an organizational overview "one-pager" to share with others, who repost and like your content on social media, and who ask for a few extra copies of your newsletter to drop off at their house of worship.
Leverage the Ambassador’s super power:
Ask them to lead a peer-to-peer fundraiser on social media.
Provide them with stories, data, and materials to share.
Celebrate their involvement by having them share their “why” on video or in print.
The Inviter.
The Inviter Super Hero is generous with invitation and inclusion. Often natural “askers”, they want to make sure that everyone receives an invite to the party! Inviters are typically social, affable, and like creating positive, engaging environments.
Leverage the Inviter’s super power:
Ask them to host a house party.
Brainstorm with them on all guest lists
Engage them in follow-up with their event guests or other guests who may have come on their own.
The Caretaker.
The Caretaker Super Hero is a natural helper. They are generous with support for others, good listeners, attune to the needs of others, and sometimes shy and reserved. Caretakers often feel most confident and comfortable in behind-the-scene roles. While a Caretaker may not host a table, they are going to be there early to help you set up the event or stay late to tear it down.
Leverage the Caretaker’s super power:
Engage them as an extra set of eyes and ears at a donor conversation or in a group setting.
Ask them about a prospective donor they know (they will likely have insight on life circumstances that might impact when you should ask or what you are asking for).
Give them critical assistant roles (e.g., checking in volunteers, managing a silent auction process, or brainstorming donor appreciation strategies).
Just like in Marvel movies, Super Heroes and their super powers complement one another and work best in a team.
Here are some winning combinations:
Connector + Caretaker: A great conversation starter + An excellent listener.
Inviter + Ambassador: Fills the seats + Shares the message.
Connector + Inviter: Plants the seed + Makes the ask.
Ambassador + Inviter + Caretaker: Inspires action + Creates an opportunity + Attune to donor engagement and readiness
Keep these Super Heroes in mind as you fill your board and observe your volunteers in action. Continually consider how you can encourage your team to put their super powers to work, and you will see the incredible results!
What other super powers do your board members have? What combination is your favorite?
Fundraising Sol prepares teams and boards through workshops, trainings, and coaching calls. Interested in learning more about our training options?
Reach out at hello@solfullfundraising.com