Quick Toolkit Links
Thank you, Safe Shores Board Members, for helping us get the word out about The Power of Play! this April, and sell tickets. Your support is vital in filling the room with people who truly care about children!
Below, you will find a robust toolkit with graphics, sample emails and texts, suggested talking points, and more to assist you in your outreach efforts. You can also find a suggested timeline to keep you on track.
How do I download the images and files in this toolkit?
There are two ways to download the images and files in the toolkit to your computer.
- Click on the “Download” button below the images. It will take you to a Sharepoint page. Click the icon, and the image will be saved on your computer’s downloads folder.
- Click on an image to enlarge it, then right click and choose “Save As.” Save the image to a folder in your computer.
If you have any questions about any piece of this, or need something that is not included in this toolkit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Safe Shores Communications Team by emailing Whitney and Micah at communications@safeshores.org.
Safe Shores Board Member Individual Goal
Your leadership and networks are essential to making this campaign successful! Your personal goal is to secure 10 attendees for The Power of Play! That can be through:
- Having 10 individuals purchase tickets
- Offering to cover 10 tickets for others
- Ask attendees to bring guests
The Power of Play Campaign Basics
Event Name: The Power of Play! Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center’s 30th Anniversary Event
Tagline: 30 Years of Keeping Children Safe, Seen and Heard
When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm
Where: Capital Turnaround 770 M Street, SE, Washington, DC
Landing page:
Suggested 45-Day Board Outreach Plan
March 6th, 7th and 8th – Outreach Kickoff
- Update your email signature.
- Update your social media cover photos.
- Update your social media profile pictures.
- Identify your top 15–20 prospects
- Post your first social media post.
- Send 2–3 warm personal texts.
March 9th – March 15th
- Send first 5–8 personal outreach emails
- Make 2–3 direct phone calls
- Get your physical invitations at the Board Retreat.
- Post this week’s social media post.
- Reshare Safe Shores’ social media posts.
- Goal by March 15: Have at least 3-4 commitments in progress
March 16th – March 22nd
- Send second wave of outreach emails (5-7 contacts)
- Mail or deliver your physical invitations to your selected 10 contacts.
- Mention event in any professional meetings
- Follow up with anyone who hasn’t responded
- Post this week’s social media post.
- Reshare Safe Shores’ social media posts.
- Goal by March 22: Confirm 5 attendees
March 23rd – March 29th
- Follow up individually with soft responders
- Encourage confirmed attendees to bring a guest
- Reach out to two corporate contacts about sponsorship
- Post this week’s social media post.
- Reshare Safe Shores’ social media posts.
- Goal by March 29th: 6-7 confirmed attendees
March 30th – April 5th
- Send follow up emails to anyone undecided
- Text 2-3 warm prospects
- Post this week’s social media post.
- Reshare Safe Shores’ social media posts.
April 6th – April 12th
- Make final corporate/sponsor outreach
- Post this week’s social media post.
- Reshare Safe Shores’ social media posts.
- Goal by April 12: 8 confirmed attendees
April 13th – April 19th
- Final personal email push
- Direct texts to warm prospects
- Follow up on any pending maybes
- Post this week’s social media post.
- Reshare Safe Shores’ social media posts.
- Goal by April 17: 10 confirmed attendees
Do not use the word “Celebrate” when talking about The Power of Play! or Safe Shores 30th Anniversary
Words to use instead of Celebrate:
- Commemorate
- Observe
- Mark
- Recognize
- Honor
- Spotlight
- Reflect on
Other ways to promote The Power of Play!
- Write about it – publish a post on Substack, LinkedIn’s “article” feature, etc., faith community bullets, HOA or community listservs, book clubs/social groups, etc.
- In-person asks – coffee meetings, lunches, after meetings, networking events
- Ask your employer to support
- Share with event calendars, list-serves, networking groups, etc.
The Power of Play! Key Messages
When you’re talking to the people in your network about Safe Shores and The Power of Play! keep these key messages in mind. This can help you explain why The Power of Play! and Safe Shores matters. Tailor your messages based on the interests of your audience.
- Safe Shores provides child-centered services and support for children affected by abuse in DC and works to end child abuse and neglect as the DC Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. Safe Shores is the only organization in DC that does this work.
- Through trauma-responsive care, forensic services, advocacy, and therapy, Safe Shores helps children reclaim what abuse tries to take: safety, stability, healthy development, play, and the freedom to simply be a child.
- Through trauma-responsive care, forensic services, advocacy, and therapy, Safe Shores helps children reclaim what abuse tries to take: safety, stability, healthy development, play, and the freedom to simply be a child.
- The Power of Play! is a “playdate (for grownups) with a purpose” marking Safe Shores’ 30 years of keeping children safe, seen and heard. This will not be your average gala! There will be thoughtfully crafted play and art stations, music, food, and exhibits that highlight the healing power of play in children’s lives while shining a light on the hope and healing Safe Shores’ mission provides for child victims of abuse.
- The event will feature a live musical performance by The String Queens!
- 100% of your gift (tickets purchased and/or any gifts made onsite) will go directly to Safe Shores’ work with children impacted by abuse.
- The Power of Play is more than an event. It is a reminder to adults of how crucial it is to center children’s needs. One of those needs is play. Play is not a game — it is an essential building block of healthy human development.
Board Member Outreach Ideas
Update Your Signature Block
- Download one of the signature block images and add them into your email signature.
- Link the image to safeshores.org/30th
- Add the following copy below the image:
Copy and Paste:
Join me at The Power of Play! Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center’s 30th Anniversary Event on April 21, 2026. Learn more at safeshores.org/30th or ask me for more information!
Invite Your Networks
Spread the word using email, texts, and physically mailed invitations. Aim for 15-25 invitations over the next 45 days.
Who should I invite?
- Colleagues
- Clients
- Friends
- Civic leaders
- Corporate contacts
- Ask your employer to support
- Media contacts
Physical Invitations
One of the best ways to connect with your networks is by making a personalized, unique ask. With that in mind, Safe Shores Comms Team has created printed invitation packets for you to mail to invite your networks. Every board member has 10 invitation packets available (and can request extras).
Your invitation packets will be provided to you on March 13th at the Board Retreat. If you’re unable to attend the board retreat, please drop in to the Bundy Building during regular business hours to pick them up, or coordinate with the Communications team to have your 10 invitations mailed to you.
Email Invitations
The Power of Play! Infographic Invitation
The Power of Play! Email banner
Send emails to your network to invite them to The Power of Play! Use the template for the initial email to reach out, then 2-3 weeks later, use the follow up email if you haven’t heard back.
You can either download the email templates below, or build your own email using the images and copy in this section. If you choose to download the email template, follow the link below and then click the button. This will download an .eml file, which if you open it, will open in your email software of choice. To use it, press “Forward” or “Reply” and edit the email.
Otherwise, download the images in this section, and copy and paste the email copy below.
Show the Intial Email to Copy and Paste
Subject: Join Me in Commemorating 30 Years of Protecting DC’s Children
Hi [Name],
I’m reaching out because I serve on the Board of Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center, a nonprofit that provides child-centered services and support for children affected by abuse in DC. This year, Safe Shores is commemorating a powerful milestone: 30 years of keeping children safe, seen, and heard.
On Tuesday, April 21, we’re hosting our 30th Anniversary event, The Power of Play!, from 5:30-9 pm, at the Capital Turnaround, 770 M St. SE. Through thoughtfully crafted play and art stations, music, food, exhibits, and a lively performance by The String Queens, this event will highlight the healing power of play in children’s lives.
While The Power of Play! promises to be an evening of fun, joy, and whimsy, it isn’t just a fun night out. 100% of funds raised will go directly to Safe Shores’ work with children impacted by abuse. This helps ensure that Safe Shores can continue protecting DC’s most vulnerable people, children and families, for the next 30 years, and beyond.
I would truly love for you to join me. Would you consider attending as my guest or purchasing a ticket?
You can find details here: https://www.safeshores.org/the-power-of-play-safe-shores-30th-anniversary-event/
Thank you for considering supporting this incredible work.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Show the Follow Up Email to Copy and Paste
Subject: Are you joining me at The Power of Play?
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up on my original note below about Safe Shores’ 30th Anniversary event on April 21, from 5:30-9 pm, at the Capital Turnaround, 770 M St. SE.
We’re just a few weeks away, and it’s shaping up to be a meaningful and inspiring evening. I would be honored if you joined me in supporting this work.
Please let me know if you’d like more details, or you can register here: https://www.safeshores.org/the-power-of-play-safe-shores-30th-anniversary-event/
Thank you again,
[Your Name]
__
FORWARD ORIGINAL EMAIL
Flyer for Print
Download and print this flyer on regular printer paper to hang it in your office, in common areas, on bulletin boards, etc.
Text Message Invitation
Send a quick text to those within your network, with or without the included image.
Copy and Paste:
Hi [Name], quick note: I’m helping host Safe Shores’ 30th Anniversary event on April 21 at 5:30 at the DC Capital Turnaround. It supports children healing from trauma here in DC. Would love for you to join me! You can read more about it at safeshores.org/30th.
Post on Social Media
We know that you, our Board Members, can be some of the most powerful Safe Shores ambassadors! Use the following to update your social media pages, create your own social media posts, and repost Safe Shores’ social media posts.
Update Your Social Media Cover Photo
Update your cover photo on your social media pages so that your connections can learn about The Power of Play!
Make sure you add a caption with a link to The Power of Play! landing page. Copy and Paste the following caption:
Copy and Paste:
I’m proud to serve on the Board of @SafeShoresDC. For over 30 years, Safe Shores has helped children who have experienced abuse in DC heal. We are honoring Safe Shores’ 30th anniversary with an event like no other: The Power of Play!
Join us on April 21, 2026, 5:30 pm at Capital Turnaround, for an evening of purposeful fun for grown-ups, designed to spark joy, inspire action, and invest in the childhood every child deserves.
Will you join me? Every ticket helps provide trauma-responsive services for children and families, and prevention programs across DC.
Say yes to play — and to protecting children.
Register here: safeshores.org/30th.
We have correctly sized cover photos for Facebook, Linked-in, and X/Bluesky. There are at least two options: both with and without The String Queens.
Or, download the images by the social media platform you use.
Update Your Social Media Profile Picture
Use these branded profile picture frames to update your social media profile picture. These frames are built in Canva, and can be uploaded to any social media profile. You will need a base social media profile picture to drop into these frames.
How to Use the Canva Profile Picture Frames
- Choose whichever profile picture frame below, and click the “Use this” link.
- The frame will open in Canva. Click “View Template,” and login. It is free!
- Once you login, click “Use Template” and you’ll be taken into Canva.
- Click this symbol on the left-hand side of the page, called “Uploads.”
5. Click the purple “Upload Files” button and select the image you want to put into the frame.
6. Select the photo. It should show up above the frame.
7. If your picture isn’t already a square, select the corner of the image, then click and drag to make your image fill the square.
8. To move the image into the frame, select the three dots, then click “Layer” and click “Send to Back.”
9. Now, your picture is in the frame! To download your image, click the “Share” button at the top, then click “Download.”
10. The set download settings will work for your profile image! Click download, and then your profile picture is ready to upload to your social media pages.
Make sure you add a caption with a link to The Power of Play! landing page. Copy and Paste the following caption:
Copy and Paste:
I’m proud to serve on the Board of @SafeShoresDC. For over 30 years, Safe Shores has helped children who have experienced abuse in DC heal. We are honoring Safe Shores’ 30th anniversary with an event like no other: The Power of Play!
Join us on April 21, 2026, 5:30 pm at Capital Turnaround, for an evening of purposeful fun for grown-ups, designed to spark joy, inspire action, and invest in the childhood every child deserves.
Will you join me? Every ticket helps provide trauma-responsive services for children and families, and prevention programs across DC.
Say yes to play — and to protecting children.
Register here: safeshores.org/30th.
Post on Social Media
Use the social media images and sample captions below to post on your own social media pages. Please also like, comment, and share Safe Shores’ social media posts! find links to our profiles below.
Social Media Post for March 6th, 7th or 8th
Social Media Suggested Copy:
I have been serving on the Board of Directors for Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center since [1ST YEAR OF SERVICE]. @safeshoresdc has been providing hope, healing, and intervention to child victims of abuse and their families in DC for 30 years.
We are honoring Safe Shores’ 30th anniversary with a unique event: The Power of Play!
📅 April 21, 2026
⏱️5:30 pm
📍Capital Turnaround
The evening will feature large scale games, art and creativity stations, food and drinks, and a performance by @thestringqueens!
Join me for this playdate with a purpose and help invest in the childhood every child deserves. Every ticket goes directly toward providing trauma-responsive services for children and families, and prevention programs across DC!
Get your ticket at safeshores.org/30th
#ThePowerofPlay #ProtectKids365 #30Years
Social Media Post for The Week of March 9th
Social Media Suggested Copy:
I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors for Safe Shores – the DC Children’s Advocacy Center. For 30 years, Safe Shores has been serving children impacted by abuse in DC, and their families.
@SafeShoresDC is an organization with a mission that is deeply important to me.
[ Add a few sentences here about how you were connected to Safe Shores, and why you serve on the board. Some prompts:
I first heard about Safe Shores …
I serve on the board of Safe Shores because …
I remember the reason I was drawn to serving on Safe Shores’ board initially was …]
Join me in honoring Safe Shores commitment to keeping DC’s children safe, seen and heard over the last 30 years by attending their 30th anniversary event: The Power of Play! Every ticket goes directly toward providing trauma-responsive services for children and families, and prevention programs across DC.
I would love to see you there! Get your ticket at safeshores.org/30th
#ThePowerofPlay #ProtectKids365 #30Years
Use the Canva template above to upload a throwback (or recent) photo of your time serving on Safe Shores’ board.
How to Use the Canva Template
- Click the “Use the Canva Template” link.
- The frame will open in Canva. Click “View Template,” and login. It is free!
- Once you login, click “Use Template” and you’ll be taken into Canva.
- Click this symbol on the left-hand side of the page, called “Uploads.”
5. Click the purple “Upload Files” button and select the image you want to share.
6. Click and drag the photo of your choice into the large rectangle square in the middle of the template. It should automatically fit inside this frame!
7. Now, your picture is ready to share! To download your image, click the “Share” button at the top, then click “Download.”
10. Click download, and then your social media image is ready to upload to your social media pages.
Social Media Post for The Week of March 16th
Social Media Suggested Copy:
On April 21, join me for The Power of Play! @SafeShoresDC ‘s 30th Anniversary Event, featuring the musical highlight of the evening, a performance by @TheStringQueens!
Praised for their authentic, soulful, orchestral sound, The String Queens — Kendall Isadore (violin), Élise Sharp (cello), and Dawn Johnson (viola) — carry audiences from the Baroque and the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100. They have won numerous awards and have played across America, including for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration and for The Wimbledon Championships.
Their performance promises to be immersive, uplifting, and flat-out fun — the feature of the evening! The best part is, your ticket prices goes directly toward providing trauma-responsive services for children and families, and prevention programs across DC.
I hope you’ll join me! You can purchase your tickets at safeshores.org/30th
#ThePowerofPlay #ProtectKids365 #30Years
Social Media Post for The Week of March 23rd
Social Media Suggested Copy:
We are one month away from The Power of Play! An evening honoring Safe Shores’ 30 years of keeping children safe, seen, and heard.
Join me for this playdate with a purpose, featuring a musical performance by @TheStringQueens, an arcade full of retro games, art and creativity stations, dinner, drinks and most importantly, connection with a community that is committed to preventing child abuse and giving children the childhoods they deserve!
The best part is that by attending, through your ticket purchase you are directly supporting the life-saving work Safe Shores does for child victims of abuse and their families in DC.
📅 April 21, 2026
⏱️5:30 pm
📍Capital Turnaround
Purchase your tickets at safeshores.org/30th
Social Media Post for The Week of March 30th
Social Media Suggested Copy:
When I think of Safe Shores, the word [YOUR WORD] immediately comes to mind. One of the reasons I am so proud to serve on the board for Safe Shores is because their commitment to [YOUR WORD] in their day-to-day, life-saving work with children impacted by abuse in DC that they have been undertaking for 30 years.
[Add any anecdote here about your time serving on the board of Safe Shores!]
Join me on April 21 to honor this milestone at @SafeShoresDC ‘s 30th Anniversary Event: The Power of Play! Tickets for this playdate with a purpose are an investment in children – every ticket sold goes directly toward Safe Shores’ trauma-responsive services. Purchase yours at safeshores.org/30th and I will see you there!
#ThePowerofPlay #ProtectKids365 #30Years
Some word ideas to get you started:
- Child-centered
- Hope
- Healing
- Intervention
- Prevention
Use the Canva template to add your own word to the social media post. Or, download and use one of the the sample words, here.
How to Use the Canva Template
- Click the “Use the Canva Template” link.
- The template will open in Canva. Click “View Template,” and login. It is free!
- Once you login, click “Use Template” and you’ll be taken into Canva.
5. Select the “word” text box, and double click on the text. Delete it, then type in your own word.
6. If your word is too long, make the font size smaller.
7. Your post is now ready to share! To download your image, click the “Share” button at the top, then click “Download.”
10. Click download, and then your social media image is ready to upload to your social media pages.
Social Media Post for The Week of April 6th
Social Media Suggested Copy:
Safe Shores 30th Anniversary Event, #ThePowerofPlay! Is happening April 21 at 5:30 pm at Capital Turnaround. Get ready for an evening of:
🕹️ Play! – Get ready to beat your old high scores on the nostalgic, large-scale games that make up the Safe Shores arcade, then enjoy the musical highlight of the evening with a performance by @TheStringQueens!
🎨 Creativity! – Tap into your creative side at our art stations, watch @KhalidThompson paint the moment, and have a chance to learn how art therapy helps heal children.
🥘 Food and Drinks! – Enjoy childhood-themed drinks and food but with an upscale twist. From adult juice pouches to a buffet provided by Windows Catering, your tastebuds are in for a treat!
🧩 Connection! – Most importantly, join with other Safe Shores supporters, like myself, to connect as a community committed to preventing child abuse and keeping children safe, seen and heard.
I can’t wait to see you there! Purchase your tickets at safeshores.org/30th
Social Media Post for The Week of April 13th
Social Media Suggested Copy:
The Power of Play! is next week and there are still tickets available!
The full price of your ticket to The Power of Play! Safe Shores’ 30th Anniversary Event goes directly toward providing trauma-responsive services for children and families, and prevention programs across DC.
Your attendance at the event can make a real impact. Join us on April 21st, at 5:30 pm at Capital Turnaround for a playdate with a purpose. Play, create, and connect alongside fellow Safe Shores supporters.
Purchase your tickets at safeshores.org/30th
