No Thanks – Release3

MAKE A SHORT ANNOUNCEMENT IN CHURCH

Just a 45-second announcement can make all the difference!

Tell people where to find your display. Invite them to take a child sponsorship packet home with them and begin sponsoring a child.

Plan your announcement for the first Sunday that your display is set up.

Make it simple and easy — something like this:

Hi, I’m (name). This morning I want to introduce you to the child I sponsor in (country) through Compassion International. His name is _____ and he lives in a very poor part of (country). I’ve been sponsoring him for ____ years. I believe so much in sponsorship, and in Compassion, that I want to invite you to also sponsor a child.

I have set up a Compassion display just outside the sanctuary (give location). You’ll see photos and info about three kids who each need a sponsor right now. (Perhaps hold up one of the three child sponsorship packets.) You can choose to sponsor one of these kids today.

Talk to me if you have any questions. I’d love to talk with you. This is a really rewarding ministry that gives you the opportunity to share your love and faith in a unique and powerful way. Thanks so much!

Make follow-up announcements as needed.

A short reminder the second or third week can make a big difference to keep people aware.
You can also ask to have your announcement put into the church bulletin.

Sign Up Today!

Fill out this form to receive your Release3 kit, including three child sponsorship packets assigned uniquely to you for four weeks.

All fields marked * are required.

Name*
First Last
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Email*
Sponsor Number (Optional)

Please note, materials for Release3 can be sent only to addresses in the U.S. We are unable to ship to PO boxes.

By filling out this form, you agree to receive emails from us with tips and resources to help you along the way.

SHARE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA AND EMAIL

Social media is a great way to connect with potential sponsors who you can’t meet with one-on-one.

Tips for finding a sponsor through social media and email:

Be sure to post on your own timeline that you are volunteering to help find sponsors for three deserving children in poverty. Share why you feel compelled and invite others to ask you about it.
Post regular updates and pictures of the other avenues you are using to find sponsors. If you are able to host a table at your church, take a picture of your setup and share about it with your social media friends. Same goes for home gatherings.
Remember all of those unique things you asked God to show you about each of the children? As you find those unique things, share them as timeline posts and direct people to message you if they feel led to sponsor.
Direct people to Compassion’s website and let them know there are so many other children who need a sponsor. That way, if they don’t feel led to sponsor one of the three children you’re helping, they can choose for themselves.

DECIDE WHERE TO SHARE

At Your Church - Best Choice!

Ask to make a short presentation or an announcement during your church services, then have your table set up in the foyer where you can share the unique child packets with people face-to-face. This lets you directly ask and answer questions and make associations and recommendations for who might enjoy sponsoring which child. See the Make a short announcement section for a script on what to say.

Tips for finding sponsors at your church:

Remember to smile and greet anyone who comes to your table.
Decorate your table and neatly arrange the display, Compassion information and child packets so the materials are eye-catching and inviting. A tablecloth adds a nice touch.
Bring photos and letters from your own sponsored child. Be open to sharing about your sponsor experience and let people see the kind of fulfilling relationship they can develop with a child living in poverty.

At Your Home

Inviting people to the more intimate setting of your home is a great way to deeply engage and show them how much fun it can be to sponsor. You’ll have to be a little more selective, though, so try to invite people from your church, work, and associations who you feel have the ability and the heart to sponsor.
Tips for finding a sponsor at your home gathering:
1. Plan a theme night around one (or all) of your entrusted children’s home countries. Make drinks and snack foods that people from those countries would eat and drink. To really tie into the idea of finding each of them a sponsor before their next birthday, what if you made your home gathering a birthday party? Perhaps you could even sing “Happy Birthday” in each child’s language! Go to compassion.com/ Release3 for recipes.
2. Watch the videos on the Release3 resource page together. Show the people at your home event the stories of children’s lives being completely changed by a sponsor’s love and encouragement.
3. Share your photos and letters from your sponsored child. Tell the group why you decided to sponsor your child initially, and then speak about how you’ve been personally fulfilled by sharing love and encouragement into your sponsored child’s life.

One-to-One

If you already know someone who would be a great sponsor, you should let them know! This is another excellent complement to your church presentation and is the most personal way you can share sponsorship. You can reach out to out-of-town friends by Facebook or email as well.

Tips for finding a sponsor one-to-one:

Choose a place to meet that is quiet and free from distraction. Meeting over coffee or lunch is a great choice.
Tell the person exactly why you though they would make a great sponsor, hand them a child packet and talk about the need and the opportunity to make a difference.
Tell them exactly what to do to sign up to sponsor the child whose packet you handed them.
Let them know that they can come to you for questions and advice on fostering a great sponsor-sponsored child relationship.

"GETTING STARTED" VIDEO

Small commitment. Huge impact.

See how easy your Release3 event can be!

Watch this video to learn how to get started and receive tips on finding sponsors for your three children.

Inspiring others to change lives with you.

If anyone knows how to inspire someone to sponsor a child, it’s Compassion Advocates. These volunteers work tirelessly, speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves. Hear ideas from several top Advocates on what works!

GET TO KNOW YOUR THREE CHILDREN

Each child has a personal story.

Take a moment to learn each child’s name, country, age and family situation. Each of these children is facing incredible challenges because of extreme poverty.

Pray for each child by name.

Take a few moments every day throughout the next four weeks to pray for each child as God leads you. If you have children, involve them in your prayers too.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Luke 18:16, NIV

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU CAN USE

Want to do more? Here’s how to use resources you’ll receive in your Release3 kit:

Poster. Use this to draw attention to your display.
Planning Guide. Find instructions and tips on how to successfully find sponsors.
Compassion Information Cards. Share this essential information about Compassion.
Display and Child Packets. This display can be set up on a table and holds all three child packets.

Compassion has a variety of other resources you can explore as you plan your Release3 month! Consider asking your church if you can show a video during the service, or use your Facebook and Twitter feeds to promote your event.

Sign up to receive your three child sponsorship packets and promotional materials.