# 5 things fundraisers can learn from Jeremy Corbyn

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/06/15/5-lessons-for-fundraisers-from-jeremy-corbyn/
- Published: 2017-06-15T18:07:39+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**For a party leader who did not win a General Election Jeremy Corbyn MP still made
some remarkable gains for the Labour party and its supporters. Indeed, his achievement
against substantial opposition includes some useful lessons for fundraisers.**

 

## 1. It’s your job to speak out against injustice

 

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Jeremy Corbyn has stood against social injustice by refusing to give in to a more
centrist approach. Every charity was set up to support or advocate for those left
behind by the mainstream. If we don’t speak out and tell our donors about the injustices
those we help face, we are neglecting our duty as fundraisers.

 

Don’t be afraid to talk about the problem. Better yet, always start with the problem.
The problem is always more obvious to you than it is to your donors.

 

## 2. Never underestimate the power of face-to-face communication

 

In contrast to Theresa May, one thing Corbyn has not been accused of is hiding from
his supporters.

 

As a fundraiser who works in an office, I know how easy it can be to instinctively
contact supporters via email. Yet recent research has found that [face-to-face communication is up to 34 times more effective than making a request via email](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/05/12/face-face-requests-34-times-effective-email-research-finds/).
With around 55 % of communication being non-verbal, by relegating the important 
communications to email you risk missing out on almost half the conversation!

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT31kbNgsId/?taken-by=uklabour

 

 

 

## 3. Listen

 

Corbyn has previously stated some unpopular views, such as abolishing the monarchy
and scrapping Trident. Crucially though, during the election Jeremy listened to 
his supporters and adjusted his policies to match. As a fundraiser, listening should
be just as important as persuading someone to donate.

 

Do not assume you know what your supporter wants – most fundraising problems I have
seen have happened because of wrong assumptions. Ask and then listen. Be receptive
to donor need. Be flexible. Always ask for feedback.

 

## 4. People give to (or vote for) people

 

The word Corbyn tweeted the most during his campaign was ‘people’ (May’s was Brexit).
Corbyn shifted the vote by showing himself to be genuine, relaxed and human. Personality
was key to Corbyn’s growing popularity. Authenticity and likeability are also key
traits of being a successful fundraiser. We are more influenced by people we like
and perceive as being like us. Whilst this is common sense it should not be underestimated
by fundraisers. Be the best version of yourself with your donors. Always smile and
be warm. Find common ground.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVB1rLCAFcM/?taken-by=uklabour

 

 

 

## 5. Never give up

 

Improving the Labour Party standing in the General Election didn’t look possible
a month ago. Internally Corbyn faced leadership challenges and critics. Externally
Corbyn was consistently attacked by the press and public opinion polls were low.

 

Unfortunately this environment is one recognisable for many fundraisers. Internally
fundraisers can struggle to garner support from other teams within their organisation
who may see fundraising as a “necessary evil”. Externally we can struggle to cut
through the noise of the right wing press. Like Corbyn we must not give up.

 

Talk to other fundraisers and create communities. Share the positives and your successes.
Be proud that every day you are taking steps to create a positive impact in the 
world!

 

Jeremy Corbyn is awesome, you are awesome!

 

 

 

_Main image: Jeremy Corbyn MP, from [uklabour on Instagram.com](https://www.instagram.com/p/BTlZ0GKg2Mo/?taken-by=uklabour)_

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## Comments

### By: Laura Croudace

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/06/15/5-lessons-for-fundraisers-from-jeremy-corbyn/#comment-3010
- Published: 2017-06-16T14:44:00+01:00

What a fantastic piece, and very important lessons to be taken on board
 Congratulations
Joelle on a fantastic article!

### By: Giles Pegram CBE

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/06/15/5-lessons-for-fundraisers-from-jeremy-corbyn/#comment-3011
- Published: 2017-06-16T19:11:00+01:00

Hi Joelle,
 I have never voted Labour in my life. And Jeremy Corbyn’s stance and
behaviour when he was first appointed confirmed my view. Recently, as you have suggested
in your blog, he has changed. In all the ways you suggest. And the change is so 
significant we should all, as you say, learn from him. Although I detest his fundamental
views, he has emerged as a warm human being, whom I could trust. In the next General
Election (soon, I predict) I could very well vote for him As you say, ” People give
to (or vote for) people”. I agree with you that there is an important lesson there
for all of us. Best, Giles Pegram CBE

### By: Joelle Fitch

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/06/15/5-lessons-for-fundraisers-from-jeremy-corbyn/#comment-3012
- Published: 2017-06-17T10:48:00+01:00

Thank you for your thoughts Giles – really interesting to hear you may well vote
for Jeremy Corbyn in the next election despite not being a usual Labour supporter.

Best, Joelle