Written by: Web Team
You have three sentences to tell a person that has never heard about Compassion what it is we do, what we we’re about and how we’re different.
Can you?
What do you say?
That’s your Compassion elevator speech.
PrintRead these related posts:
Subscribe in a Reader
July 25th, 2008 at 7:47 am
It’s too early in the morning for me to tax my brain, but this is my short intro’ to Compassion:
Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working primarily through individual child sponsorships to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.
I’m eager to hear what other people say!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Aw gees, you are making my head hurt! It’s too early in the morning for this! The dog ate my homework?…alright, enough excuses…here goes.
Compassion International is a child development ministry whose goal is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. They minister to children holistically, making sure their physical needs (food, clothes, health) eduactional needs (help with school) and spiritual needs (introducing them to Jesus) are met. The unique thing about Compassion is the special one-to-one approach they take, meaning that you as a sponsor get to have a real connection with a real child, writing letters and even visiting your child if you would like.
Ok, so my 3 sentences are up. The only thing I add when I share with someone about Compassion is their integrity, which I share that over 80% of the sponsors money goes directly to the program, and that they can check out Compassion on charitynavigator.org.
Is that what you were looking for?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Compassion International is a Christian child development ministry working to release children from poverty through individual child sponsorship. It is unique in that, although American based, Compassion works through the local church with native staff in each country. Children do not receive money directly from Compassion, but by being enrolled in Compassion’s programs, children are equipped for the future by having their core needs met (physical, economic, social and spiritual).
Or something like that…..
July 25th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I laughed when I read this. Mainly because I sat the other day trying to tell my blog readers about Compassion. I wanted to keep it short, but there were so many things I wanted to say. 847 later, I was finally finished writing it. Hopefully, someone took the time to read it.
In three sentences…..
Compassion International is an organization that’s ultimate goal is to release children from all over the world from poverty in Jesus’ name. Through a one-on-one sponsorship, they recieve food, healthcare, education, and have an oppurtunity to learn about Jesus and his mighty love for everyone. Sponsors are able to encourage their child through letters and the ability to visit them-which teaches that that child they are someone and that Jesus’ love is real.
Okay, that was hard! I think maybe my last sentence was a runon.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:16 am
9 words… “Anybody in here want to save a kids life?”
My 2 follow up sentences are:
1) “No really, I’m serious.”
2) “Inhale, release…every time you exhale a child living in poverty takes his last breath.”
*Hopefully by this time you have at least one person’s attention.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I sometimes use a similar approach as Dave. I might say something like, when someone asks what I do: “I found a way that I can truly help children in poverty.” The sentence will create a question in someone’s mind. Then they start asking me more questions and I almost make people discover Compassion.
Kees
July 25th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Here goes something:
We are a ministry called by God and by choice to give children a start in life by releasing them from the oppressive grip that poverty has on them. We want to fill these children with the grace response that they do matter to us and to God. We are unique as Christ was unique in that we deal with one child’s cares at a time – and through these small rain drops – we make an ocean of a difference.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
We love God. God says to help the poor. That’s what we do.
July 25th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Two variations of a common theme:
Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty, and equips them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. Today, Compassion International helps over one-million children in 25 developing countries, connecting children in need with sponsors in a one-to-one relationship… one child… to one sponsor. Through the local Christian church, sponsored children are provided educational assistance, basic medical care, social development skills, and the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
ALT:
Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that equips children with skills they need so they may have a quality and sustainable livelihood, and enables them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. Today Compassion International serves over one-million children in developing countries, connecting children in need with sponsors in a one-to-one relationship… one child… to one sponsor. Compassion’s sponsored children participate in a church-led program where they receive life-changing benefits that include educational assistance, basic medical care, nutritional support, and—most importantly—the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
July 25th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Love it Becky…nice and simple!!!
I also really like Compassion Dave’s approach…
July 25th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone. It is letting God move your heart to actively try to alleviate (someday eliminate)suffering. Compassion is my offering of God’s money multiplied to reach a broken world.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
We have some good pitches here.
Which do you think are most effective? The most informative?
Which would get you to do something – anything – other than breathe a sigh of relief when the elevator doors open?
July 28th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
It’s sad to say, but if you don’t grab someone’s attention in the first 10 seconds, regardless if it is in an elevator or a cathedral, you spend the rest of your time and effort playing catch-up. While that might sound somewhat gimmicky, it doesn’t negate the truth.
Therefore, it is necessary to captivate our audiences with a phrase or activity that leaves them wanting more — in this case the ‘more’ is ‘information’.
I had a Compassion event this past weekend and I tried something very different, at least it was different for me, and I believe more children (than average) were sponsored as a result.
Instead of asking…
“Would you like to sponsor a Compassion child?”
to the folks walking by our table, I instead did NOT ask a question, but made a statement…
“Please sponsor a Compassion child.”
It was a subtle difference, but MORE people stopped and chatted with me (and I believe) MORE people sponsored children. The thought process behind this personal change was, if I were asking a stranger to save MY child’s life, would I politely ask, “Would you like to help,” or would my simple plea be, “Please help.”
I know I would be more direct if it were my own, therefore it is only right (as an advocate for these voiceless children) that I plea for them as if they were my own.
May 29th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Compassion Dave – That’s awesome. As the help children need becomes more real everyday to my slow-moving mind, the ownership of the children’s needs grow.
I agree, asking for help is a good step, but a simple plea is far more honest to my desire. Thanks for commenting.