Thank you for helping us recruit businesses to participate in Shop United! On this page, you will find tools to help you make the ask, whether that's by text, email, or in person.
Contact kholder@unitedway-norman.org if you have any questions.
Key Messaging
What is Shop United?
On September 9, we're asking Norman businesses to donate a portion of their sales to United Way of Norman. It turns an ordinary shopping day into something that gives back to our community.
Core Talking Points
- It's their choice, their terms. They pick a percentage of sales or a flat amount that works for them. ($100 minimum).
- It brings people through the door. Shoppers who want to give back are actively looking for participating businesses that day. This is exposure AND generosity.
- Marketing is easy. We provide a free toolkit with social graphics, flyers, email copy, and digital signage ready to use.
- They get featured. Participating businesses are promoted in United Way's event marketing and social media. This includes a visit from United Way on September 9 for a photo op and social media promotion. Businesses are added to the United Way website when they sign up. Social media promotion for participating stores begins August 26.
- Everything stays local. Every dollar raised supports United Way of Norman helping improve health, financial security, and youth opportunity here in our community.
Responses to FAQs
"We're a small business, we can't give much."
Every business gives what makes sense for them.
"We're already stretched thin this time of year."
This is one day, and United Way handles the promotion.
"What's actually in it for us?"
New foot traffic, free marketing, and public association with community impact. This is genuine goodwill that customers remember.
Making the Ask
Printable Sign Up Form
Take this form with you when you visit a business in person to recruit them for Shop United. They can fill it out while you are there, or you can leave it. You can follow up with a return visit to pick up the form or they can mail or email it to United Way.
Printable Shop United Sign Up Form
Online Sign Up
Businesses can also sign up online at unitedwaynorman.org/shopunited#signup
These templates offer three options for texting someone to sign up for Shop United. Make sure to replace the [Name] and [Business Name] placeholders.
We've also created an image you can share with your message, but it is optional.
Image
Text Message Templates
Option 1
Hi [Name]! We'd love [Business Name] to join Shop United on Sept 9. A portion of your sales that day supports United Way of Norman's local programs. Quick sign-up, free marketing toolkit included. Interested? unitedwaynorman.org/shopunited#signup
Option 2
Hi [Name], United Way of Norman is inviting Norman businesses to Shop United on Sept 9. It’s a great way to bring in shoppers who want to give back. Sign up takes 2 min, you choose the donation amount. Details: unitedwaynorman.org/shopunited#signup
Option 3 (Short & Casual)
[Name] — got a minute? We're recruiting Norman businesses for Shop United (Sept 9) — customers shop, you donate a % or set amount to United Way of Norman. Sign up here: unitedwaynorman.org/shopunited#signup
Email Template
Subject: Join United Way for Shop United on September 9
Body: On September 9, businesses across Norman are coming together for Shop United - a one-day event where local shopping directly supports our community. We'd love [Business Name] to be part of it.
How it works: You choose a portion of your sales (or a set amount) from September 9 to donate to United Way of Norman. That's it. Your customers shop like normal, and your business helps power local programs improving health, financial security, and youth opportunity right here in Norman.
Why businesses join:
- New customers who are actively looking to shop with purpose that day
- Free marketing toolkit: social graphics, flyers, digital signage, and sample copy, ready to use
- Featured promotion: participating stores are highlighted in our event marketing and social media
How to sign up: Just reply to this email to let me know you are in! Or you can register online here - unitedwaynorman.org/shopunitedregister
Thanks for considering joining us! Every business that raises its hand makes our community stronger!