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Communication Tips & Sample Messages

Learn about the strategy behind volunteer communications, read texting tips and view sample email messages for class agents and reunion volunteers.

Sample Messages and Templates

For Class Agents

Select a type of communication to view a sample message.

For Reunion Committee Members

Select a type of communication to view a sample message.

Communication Strategy

Kenyon volunteers help strengthen the bond that alumni have with each other, with the College and with the extended Kenyon community. Peer-to-peer fundraising is the foundation of the Kenyon annual fund, and sustains the long tradition of alumni taking direct responsibility for Kenyon’s continued success.

Peer-to-Peer Communications: The most effective forms of communication with your classmates are personalized messages that reference the time you shared at Kenyon. Some class representatives prefer to send a letter, call, text or post on social media. Any of these peer-to-peer solicitation methods can be used to reach out to your classmates about the Kenyon annual fund. Scroll down for sample email templates on which to base a more personalized message.

Make your message stand out: When you send an email, make sure the subject line grabs their attention and shows that it’s a personal contact from a classmate, such as "Will I see you at reunion?" or "Please join me!" 

Solicitation Content: Whether composing an email or making a phone call, there are a few items of information you should be sure to include when asking for a gift: 

  1. Introduce yourself as a classmate from Kenyon and a volunteer/class agent.
  2. Make the case for giving to the Kenyon annual fund.
  3. Outline your class gift goals.
  4. Ask your classmate to make a gift and include the link to Kenyon's online giving page: gift.kenyon.edu.
  5. Thank your classmate for their time.

Share why you support Kenyon: By inviting your classmates to join you in making a gift, you are leading by example and serving as an inspiration to others. Sharing your personal reason for supporting Kenyon will help your classmates understand the importance of alumni giving. Your story can be a powerful step in reigniting someone’s passion for Kenyon. 

Texting Tips

  • Keep it short. 120-200 characters is a good range — longer messages can seem impersonal.
  • Keep it casual. "Hi/Hey/Hello <First Name>" is a good way to start.
  • Take advantage of talking points. We'll usually provide a short sentence or two about an upcoming event ("Kenyon's Giving Day is right around the corner!") or a timely reminder ("The trustee match finishes tonight!").
  • Put your own spin on it. People can usually tell whether a text message is genuine or not. Take advantage of the the ability to connect on a closer level with your classmates.
  • End on a high note. Final comments like "I hope we can count on your support" or "Thanks for your time!" help messages seem more personal.
  • If someone responds negatively to a text, reply with "Sorry to bother you, my role as a class agent is to spread awareness about this opportunity. I’ll take you off my list."

Permission-based Giving

In this type of texting, you will send a total of two messages if the receiver is amenable. The first message will be a question like "We’re raising funds to support a new CDO initiative, would you mind if I sent you the giving link?" If the response is positive, you'll send the link with a message like "Thank you so much!" a "We really appreciate the support!"

Typically when people receive a message from an unknown number, they assume that it's an automated message or a "bot." Asking if you can send a link emphasizes the fact that there is an actual volunteer on the other end, not just a automated service.

Event-based Information

In this type of texting, you will send a single message that contains a link. For example: "Hi John! This is Rebecca Rodgers, your class agent! Kenyon is hosting a tailgate for the football game in D.C. next month! Here's the RSVP link: <Link>" Whether it’s a casual gathering or a large campaign event, an invitation can get people excited about the College!

The benefits of informational texting are that it conveys the message quickly and provides the option to give upfront. One drawback is that some people might perceive it as an automated text and respond negatively. An easy way to avoid this is to introduce yourself: "It's Parker, your class agent, texting to let you know…"