ACRES | ACRES Quarterly

Letter from the

Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Most days, I wear a shirt with an ACRES' logo on it. I drive a truck with a personalized license plate that says ACRES. I write articles and give interviews as an ACRES' spokesperson. Every day I represent ACRES in ways both blatant and obscure.

I pay close attention to my conduct and attitude while representing ACRES, including how I drive my vehicle that advertises ACRES, how I shop for groceries in an ACRES' shirt, etc. When I'm representing ACRES, I am always aware of the added responsibility.

Even though many people associate me with ACRES, many more people associate ACRES with someone else - like you. You are the ACRES' spokesperson to your friends, colleagues and family. Your ACRES' membership, the static sticker on your car, your ACRES' clothes, or
this Quarterly on your coffee table identifies you with ACRES. Your friends don't call me to learn about ACRES. They ask you.

ACRES' new and ambitious strategic plan goals (acreslandtrust.org/plan) cannot be achieved without more ACRES' supporters. We will try to attract new supporters, but you personally have a greater ability to influence than we as an organization do. You as a collective group of ACRES' supporters can reach a huge number of people. Think about the number of people you associate with - that you could reach out to, then multiply that by all the other ACRES' members reaching out. You, and those like you, are ACRES' greatest spokespersons.

So I ask that, as an ACRES' spokesperson, you share some of the responsibility I feel. When someone asks about your ACRES' hat, seize the opportunity. Rather than "yeah, it's a good organization that preserves land," guide them into a conversation about why you are involved. No sales pitch needed - they already respect you and will respond to your enthusiasm. Your explanations of the value of ACRES are exactly the words they need to hear.

No marketing firm could create a slogan to rival the sincere words you share with a friend. You have a unique and powerful ability to help ACRES. Your reasons for supporting ACRES are compelling - please share them.

Sincerely,
Jason Kissel
jkissel@acreslandtrust.org

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