People like succeeding at personal goals, which is why setting up levels for people to reach is enticing…even when they’re volunteering their time with you. There’s an interest, which naturally happens, through curiosity and the desire to be the best. 

In multi-level marketing the image below would be considered a down line. One person invites multiple people to join them in accomplishing a goal.

Through fundraising at SOAR we talk about our downline as ADVOCATES who are members of a team. Once an Advocate comes on board the goal is for them to invite others to become advocates alongside them. This involves inspiring people through LEVELS of accomplishment. An Advocate becomes a Major Advocate, Progressive Advocate, Competent Advocate and at the highest level – a Distinguished Advocate when they accomplish goals.

Adding value for involvement

Begin by making a list of twenty marketing benefits your advocates will receive because they tell people about you. Narrow your list of twenty down to the most important and beneficial. The reason you list twenty to begin with is because a long list allows ideas to develop. It is a creative strategy for thinking outside of the box. You can do this brainstorming process with a group of people. SOAR recommends staff and volunteers working on it together.

Advocate levels include marketing opportunities. The list below is an example of the first two levels:

Advocate (telling people about your organization)

• Printed nametag for events
• Invitation to quarterly event
• Mentioned on social media

Major Advocate (2 advocates in down-line)

• Printed nametag for events
• Invitation to quarterly event
• Mentioned on social media
• Opportunity to be involved with events as a greeter
• Ribbon added to nametag (“Major”)

As you expand your program to the higher levels of advocates you continue to increase the amount of benefits a person receives.

Learn more about two new programs with SOAR, which are meant to help you stand out among other organizations in relation to how you give back. This 9-minute video helps to explain!

Your ability to give back in productive ways makes a huge difference in results when it comes to creating awareness about your program.