Pioneers asked to Answer the Call
for fund-raising campaign
As a public charity, fund raising is a critical activity for the Pioneers. TelecomPioneers Headquarters is currently implementing an Answer the Call campaign to help raise funds to support the work of Pioneers. Through this program, Pioneers are provided with and asked to distribute letters requesting a financial contribution from those within their network of family and friends. Participation in this campaign will help us expand support in the communities we serve. and If you are phoned to participate in this campaign, we hope you will Answer our Call! See below for more information.
2008 Answer the Call Campaign Who is administering this campaign? Which Pioneer groups are participating? How is a Pioneer selected to participate? Why are the kits returned to Topeka, Kansas? Are postage stamps included in the kit materials? What is the toll free number that appears on a Pioneer’s caller ID? How will this campaign potentially benefit Pioneers? Are gifts made in support of this Campaign gift tax deductible? What if a Pioneer does not wish to be telephoned? What if a Pioneer does not wish to participate in the Answer the Call campaign? What if I have a question about Answer the Call not addressed here? Have a general question about Pioneers not addressed here?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Answer the Call campaign?
Answer the Call is a "friends and family" campaign in which select Pioneers are telephoned and asked to encourage family and friends to support Pioneers with a financial contribution. Pre-printed letters are provided for Pioneers to distribute within their social network. Fund raising is a critical activity for any non-profit organization and necessary for Pioneers to sustain programs that have such positive impact in our communities.
Why is the campaign being administered?
The campaign, which was originally piloted in 2006 with New Outlook Pioneers, is intended to:
TelecomPioneers – the worldwide headquarters for all Pioneers and located in Denver, CO has employed the assistance of Infocision, a leading provider of in and outbound call center solutions that specializes in nonprofit fund raising. TelecomPioneers works closely with Infocision on the development of campaign phone scripts, program logistics and campaign materials, in addition to intermittently monitoring the calls Infocision makes on our behalf to Pioneers.
Select Pioneers from all U.S. Pioneer groups are participating including AT&T, Qwest, Verizon, and New Outlook Pioneers.
There are several criteria used to select prospective Pioneers to request their participation. These include Pioneers who have been responsive to past direct mail campaigns, have a valid phone number in the Pioneer data base or a phone number we are able to identify and are not marked "Do Not Phone. "
When is the campaign being administered?
Initial phoning began on February 7th. These calls will continue through the end of February. In early March, Pioneers who have volunteered to participate in the campaign will be mailed a postcard reconfirming their participation and informing them that their campaign kits will be mailed next. During the middle of March, kits will be mailed to participating Pioneers. These kits contain pre-printed letters requesting financial support for Pioneers. Also included are step-by-step instructions for distributing these letters in the envelopes provided to friends and family and when and how to collect contributions. Pioneers may also have friends and family return contributions individually, but it is suggested that they collect all contributions and return these to our caging facility in Topeka, Kansas. All kits should be returned by April 30, 2008. If kits are not received by this date, a follow-up reminder is sent to the Pioneer.
Security and cost savings. Expenses are minimized and net proceeds are maximized when all donations are handled by a small number of trained people in one central location. The individuals that process donations and get them safely to the TelecomPioneers’ bank, are thoroughly screened and bonded to ensure the highest level of security.
No. Postage for the preprinted letters is not included. When asked to participate, volunteers are asked to provide stamps or use the option of personally handing out letters to friends and family.
This number (866-306-5226) is TelecomPioneers’ dedicated toll free number provided by Infocision for this campaign. When a Pioneer phones this number, a recorded explanation is provided for why they are being contacted. Pioneers are given the option to indicate whether they wish to be added to the "Do Not Phone" list. They are also provided with the Pioneer Member Resource Center toll-free number for any questions or requests not related to this campaign.
Funds raised are used to support the volunteer work and projects of Pioneers in their local communities. Additionally, by identifying additional supporters outside of the Pioneer membership, we expand our base of financial support.
TelecomPioneers is a 501(c)(3) public charity and gifts made by U.S. donors are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
The Pioneer simply needs to inform us when they are called that they wish to be coded "Do Not Call." We will update their record in the Pioneer data base and respect their preference not to be phoned.
They simply decline the request to volunteer when phoned. They will be asked if they wish to consider giving a gift themselves by phone as an alternative way to support the campaign.
Feel free to contact Kristine Mazzullo, Development Manager, at TelecomPioneers Headquarters at kristinem@telecompioneers.org or 303-571-9266.
Please email Pioneer headquarters at info@telecompioneers.org or phone the Pioneer Member Resource Center toll free at 800-976-1914.
1-800-872-5995