Volunteer Call Guide

Be honest: "Your number is from our community list — you or your family shared it with our organization or affiliated community projects at some point. If you prefer, I will mark it so nobody calls you again — just say the word." Honesty plus instant opt-out defuses tension better than any persuasion.

"That is wonderful, and I am not asking you to change anything. Campus is an addition: we are building a place where Jewish seniors can spend summers — Shabbat, friends, nature. May I simply text you a link to look at when you have time?" Never argue or compare organizations.

"Every amount matters — people give $18 and people give $1,000. What matters most is joining: the first hundred supporters lay the foundation." Do not name a big number first. If they ask what people usually give, mention $36 or $100 as examples.

"You are absolutely right to be careful. I will not ask for any card details over the phone — ever. Write down our name: Education On The Go, website edonthego.org — our EIN is there and you can verify us in the IRS registry. You can donate on the website yourself once you are comfortable." Never pressure a hesitant person.

"I understand, and thank you for listening. May I mark you as a friend of the project? When our first Shabbaton happens, we will send an invitation. And if you know someone who might care about this — we would be grateful for an introduction." A person without money today is a volunteer, guest, or donor tomorrow.

Briefly, in your own words: "We are raising money for land in Upstate New York. It will be a summer campus for Jewish seniors: Shabbat together, learning, nature, friends. Many of our volunteers are seniors themselves, and for them the place will be free or discounted. I am a volunteer myself, and I call because I believe in this." A personal reason beats any statistics.

"Education On The Go Corp is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 92-1172505. All donations go through official processors — Zelle, PayPal, Square — to the organization's account, and you receive a tax-deduction receipt. I, the volunteer, never touch the money."

"Of course! When works better — this evening, tomorrow, or next week?" Schedule it with the "Call back" button — the system reminds you personally. Calling exactly when promised is a powerful trust signal.

Do not take it personally. Calmly: "Sorry to disturb you, have a good day" — and end the call. Mark "Did not support" or "Do not call" and add the quick note "Was upset". Your calm is the face of the project.

That is not an obstacle — that is the heart of our project. Give them a few minutes; listen. Then gently: "You know, this is exactly why we are building Campus — so there is a place, and people nearby." Mark "Interested" with the note "Potential program participant". That call is a success even without a donation.