Missed our recent Fundraising Refreshments webinar on people-first language? Here's a recap:
- 2:49 Examples of people-first language
- 4:21 How do we make the shift?
- 5:08 Putting this into action
If you work in the area of human services, you’ve probably heard the term “people-first language” when dealing with fundraising and marketing. People-first language is certainly not a new concept, but it’s one that has been receiving more attention in recent years.
So, what exactly is people-first language? Really, it boils down to humanity. Treating people with respect and dignity. Recognizing that someone’s current circumstances are not due to a “flaw” in their character.
Sometimes people simply need help, and people-first language strives to reflect that humanity in the messaging we write for fundraising materials. And it requires us to change our perspective a bit.
Here are a few quick examples:
Ultimately, we all know philanthropy is about connection. It should never be about sensationalism or exploitation. As fundraisers, we must present people with the problem and show them how they can help make a difference.
The challenge, at times, is finding the right balance between being thoughtful about the messaging while still motivating donors emotionally to give to your organization.
I recently hosted a quick 10-minute webinar to dive into this topic, and I shared a few copy examples on how to make the shift in language. Check out the recording above, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
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