TSN ambassador events
Overview
Purpose
The Stewardship Network (TSN) has begun to invite friends and supporters to host small, informal “ambassador events” that introduce others in their circles to our mission and impact.
These gatherings are an opportunity for nature’s advocates and caretakers to connect with like-minded people, learn about TSN’s work, and move forward from their pre-event position down the road of Awareness > Consideration > Donation / Engagement with our organization. While these are indeed short-term fundraising efforts, ambassador events also help us strengthen relationships with longtime friends, expand awareness in new communities, and grow our base of engaged supporters – all of which enhance our ability to connect, equip, and mobilize nature’s caretakers.
Goals
These ambassador events are designed to:
- Broaden awareness, enthusiasm, and support for TSN
- Encourage sufficiently bought-in individuals to support TSN through a donation today
- Share opportunities to engage in stewardship through TSN programs, including:
- TSN Conference (annual)
- The Spring Challenge (every April – June)
- TSN Webcast (monthly)
- Stewardship events listed on TSN’s online calendar, opportunities listed on our TSN Job Board, TSN Gloves for Good, etc. (always on)
- Listen and learn: What excites people about TSN? What questions do they have?
Host Responsibilities
Plan the Gathering
- Select a date and location
- Personally invite 10–20 friends, neighbors, or colleagues
- Plan for a 1–1.5 hour informal event (successful events range from 5–6 people to several dozen)
Create the Experience
- Share your personal connection to TSN and why you chose to host
- Introduce TSN CEO, Lisa Brush, who will briefly speak about TSN’s mission and work
- Provide simple refreshments (coffee, tea, light snacks, etc.)
Encourage Connection
Invite guests to connect with and support TSN by:
- Subscribing to our emails
- Complete the short, online form (preferred) at stewardshipnetwork.org/email
- Or complete a printed sign-up sheet (name, email, affiliation if relevant)
- Making a donation:
- Online by credit card at stewardshipnetwork.org/donate
- Or by check payable to The Stewardship Network
- Subscribing to our emails
Coordinate with TSN
- Share event details with Lizzy Courtois (lcourtois@stewardshipnetwork.org), our Business Operations Manager
- Request any additional materials or talking points
TSN Will Provide
Lisa will bring:
- A one-page overview of TSN
- Sponsorship/donation flyer
- QR codes for newsletter sign-up and online donations
- Printed email sign-up sheets
- Talking points and key facts
- Name tags for all attendees
- In-kind donation forms
Event Format
Where
A host’s home, community gathering space, or another comfortable setting conducive to conversation
What
An open-house style gathering with light refreshments. At a natural point in the event, the host and TSN CEO will share a brief (approximately 15-minute) overview of TSN, followed by time for questions and conversation.
Sample Invitation
You/Your family is invited to join me at (location) on (date) from (time) to (time) for (refreshments, optional).
This gathering is an opportunity to connect with others who care about nature as we do and to learn more about The Stewardship Network. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, TSN is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit with more than 20 years of experience caring for our natural world. Their mission, which I firmly support, is to “connect, equip, and mobilize nature’s caretakers.”
I have personally benefited from participating in (TSN activity) and believe deeply in the value of what they do. While a donation is not required or expected, please be aware that I will make an ask and encourage guests to give to the organization before the end of the event. Whether that makes sense for you at this time or not, I hope you’ll join us and learn more about this group and their wonderful work.
Please RSVP so I can plan accordingly.
After the Event
Hosts are encouraged to:
- Follow up with attendees who expressed interest
- Send a brief recap to Lisa and the TSN team, including:
- Number of attendees
- Highlights of conversations
- Questions raised
- Areas of particular excitement
- Complete an in-kind donation form for hosting expenses