Do – Making Contact – Cold Calls

Making cold calls was something we were not very comfortable doing in the beginning of the project, but over time they became easier. We contacted agencies that served people with limited literacy as indicated from the assets and gaps assessment.

To prepare for a cold call:

• Gather information about the agency or service such as the person’s name and title of whom you want to contact, and the agency’s programs and services.
  
  
• Write down what you plan to say.

Hello, I am ___ from _____ and we have initiated a professional development service for community agencies to help staff and volunteers better serve clients with limited literacy. We developed this service for community-based organizations because adults with low literacy most likely access community services such as yours, and ideally should be able to access programs and services without having difficulty with filling out forms and reading brochures.

It is often a good idea to mention what work you have done with other agencies, that the service is free (or if there is a fee), and any connection you have with agencies that they partner or collaborate with. Acknowledging relationships, such as those you have with another agency that has a connection with this agency, will convey a sense of legitimacy and relevance.

You may want to write a letter prior to making the first phone call (see Appendix D – Invitation letter).

We learned that when we contacted agencies we had to follow their pace. This meant that sometimes an organization was not ready to engage in the project and it might be months before this agency requests a workshop or presentation. Making the first contact with a spirit of openness and availability that fits the needs of the organization was an important lesson for us.