File Name: sponsorship-letter-writing-tips.pdf
File Size: 386.27 KB
File Type: Application/pdf
Last Modified: 6 years
Status: Available
Last checked: 1 days ago!
This Document Has Been Certified by a Professional
100% customizable
Language: English
We recommend downloading this file onto your computer
WRITING TO YOURSPONSORED Photo: Save the Children in the Philippines CHILDEvery letter you send goes a long way!Letter writing is the most exciting aspect of sponsorship to many sponsors. If you choose, you can start a friendshipwith your sponsored child through letters and cards throughout the year. Letters might have to take multiple trains,planes and automobiles to reach your sponsored child, and just as many forms of transportation for their reply toreach you! Please be patient as this whole journey can take up to 4 months
1 You send a letter to your sponsored child through email or by mail, starting your letter’s long journey
7 You’ve got mail! Hopefully your child’s letter puts a huge smile on your face, too! 2 Your letter is received and translated by our local staff
6 We carefully translate the letter, wave goodbye 3 We deliver your letter — no matter how remote and send it Following the the area — putting a huge smile on your child’s face! on its way journey of a to you
sponsorship letter 5 Your child’s letter takes the journey back to our headquarter office
4 After helping your child read the letter, we also help him or her write one back to you
Tips for success Letter writing is one of the best ways for you to develop a bond with your sponsored child that you can both cherish forever. We know that writing to a child you’ve never met, in a country you may not know, can be challenging. Here are a few simple tips for making every communication a positive experience for both you and your sponsored child
1 Sask how genuine interest. Respectfully and enthusiastically about your sponsored child’s family, friends, daily life, favorite activities and goals for the future
Photo: Save the Children in Bolivia 2 S hare something about yourself. Kids are curious
There’s no better way to build a bond than by sharing interesting details about your own life and interests
3 sponsored S how you care. Words of encouragement go further than you realize. Your letters show your child that someone cares and is invested in his or her life and future
4 Esponsored ncourage your child. Many children lack a supportive, positive voice in their lives. Celebrate your child’s achievements and root for his or her dreams
5 difficult W rite simply and clearly. Use language that’s free of slang or complicated ideas that may be to translate or that your sponsored child may not understand. Also remember, your child may still be learning to read
6 Linearn about his or her culture. Research and ask about traditions, holidays and special occasions your sponsored child’s country. Share details about your own traditions. Since we serve children of many religions, please refrain from asking about or sharing any personal religious beliefs
7 Fcommon ind common ground. The best way to build a friendship, and bridge a culture gap, is by finding ground. Emphasize shared interests and experiences with your sponsored child
8 shoulder Listen and accept. Sometimes kids just need someone they can share their feelings with. Be a to lean on. Let your sponsored child know you hear and accept him or her. 9 Lthree ess is more. Avoid possible confusion by limiting the topics and questions in your letters (two or is good), and don’t expect your sponsored child to always address every comment or question
We also recommend limiting the number of letters you send to three or four letters a year
10 Be sensitive. Keep in mind that your sponsored child is likely living without many things we may take for granted, so try not to focus on materials items. Please avoid religion, politics or culturally sensitive subjects, and don’t share last names or contact info
What to include with your letter When you’re ready to send your letter, make sure to include the following information to ensure delivery: • On the envelope: The name and address of your sponsored child’s country office (available in your welcome kit or online account)
• Within the letter (or email): Your donor ID, your first name, your sponsored child’s child ID and your sponsored child’s first name
Please note that if you’re sending an email through your online account, this information will be filled in for you. If you can’t find the info you need, you can retrieve it through your online account (sponsor.savethechildren
org/myaccount) or by contacting your donor services team at [email protected] or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday Photo: Save the Children in Vietnam 8am-5am (EST)
Sending photos, cards and giftsIncluding photos in your letters is another great way to bond with your sponsoredchild. Please be sure all people in photos are fully and conservatively dressed
In addition to encouraging you to write letters, we will occasionally send youcolorful greeting cards that you can personalize and send to your sponsoredchild for special occasions, such as his or her birthday. Children love readingthese festive messages, so please be on the lookout for these mailings
If you wish, you may also show your support by sending your child modest,non-monetary gifts. We encourage you to send gifts a child can share withtheir friends, such as stickers, activity sheets or coloring books, so long as theyare unwrapped, fit into one 10” x 13” mailer envelope and each individual itemdoesn’t exceed $10 in value. For more info on gift guidelines, visit the FAQsection of your online account
About postage Photo: Save the Children in ZambiaPostage for your sponsored child’s letter or package will vary based on weightand size. For more info, visit the USPS website at https://postcalc.usps.com/ to calculate postage
Sample lettersHere are two sample letters to help get you started thinking about what to write to your sponsored child— and how to write it: SAMPLE INTRO LETTER TO CHILD SAMPLE RESPONSE LETTER TO CHILD Dear Anna, Dear Anna, My name is Matt, and I’m so excited to be your Thank you for your letter. I shared it with my sponsor and learn more about you. own kids, and they would love to learn even more I live in New York in the United States. We have about you! a very beautiful river here and many parks that I It was nice to hear about your town and your enjoy visiting with my wife Pam and our children family. I’ve included a picture of me, my wife Pam Cindy and Steven. We like playing soccer and and our two children Cindy and Steven, so you sitting by the water under the trees. can see what we look like
Can you tell me about where you live? What are I was especially glad to hear that you like learning your favorite hobbies? in school. My favorite class in school was writing, because it inspired me to become a journalist
Sincerely, What’s your favorite class? And do you know Matt what you want to be when you grow up? Your Friend, MattNeed more help?If you need additional ideas for writing, can’t find your account information or need any other assistance,your donor services team will be happy to assist you. Contact us at [email protected]or 1-800-728-3843, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (EST). You can also access your online account atsponsor.savethechildren.org/myaccount
Your letter’s long journey. 1 Your letter is received and 2 translated by our local staff. We deliver your letter — no matter how remote the area — putting a huge smile on your child’s face! 3 4 …
When you become a Save the Children sponsor, you can be sure you’re joining a growing, global community dedicated to doing whatever it takes for children, empowering their lives and the future we share. 4. Can I write or email my sponsored child? Yes!
E-letters are the fastest, easiest way to correspond with your sponsored child. Just log into your personal account on ChildFund.org, click on the “My Correspondence” tab and start writing. You can even upload photos and choose from different backgrounds. What should my letter say?
DonateSponsor A ChildGive Monthly Website will be unavailable from 9:30 PM Saturday to 1:30 AM Sunday Eastern time due to scheduled maintenance. Writing To Your Sponsored Child Home> Get Involved> Other Ways to Give> Writing To Your Sponsored Child TweetShare
What You Receive When You Sponsor a Child: 1 A welcome kit, including a photo and information about your child. 2 The opportunity to write letters back and forth with your child. 3 Annual updates and ongoing print communications highlighting the impact of your sponsorship on your child and other children in the community. More items...