The Activist for Activists. Author of Make a Difference with Mental Health Activism and The Happy Activist: Journey the 5-Step Activism Path to Focus Your Passion and Change the World. Teacher, Psychologist, Environmental Activist, Animal Lover.
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Last Updated on January 25, 2025
You must be prepared to use your influence to impact your cause. An activism elevator speech, also called an elevator pitch, can do that. In this post, I include examples of elevator pitches. And learn to write yours with an elevator speech template.
In the world of paid work, people use their influence to sell ideas. Imagine you are a new, low-level employee working in a multinational organization’s headquarters in a high-rise building. You are on the elevator with the CEO and have a minute to pitch yourself and an idea. You must catch her attention and sell her on why it’s a great idea and, of course, why you are the right one to implement it.
This is an elevator pitch. Of course, these conversations can take place anywhere, but the key to this elevator pitch is you have 30 seconds to a few minutes with an influencer. How will you bring that person into your cause?
Now imagine you are an activist who runs into a potential donor on an elevator. Are you ready to deliver your elevator speech?
You can use the elevator pitch to let others know about your cause and what you want to accomplish. An elevator speech can help you recruit others, fundraise, and lobby.
Create Your Activism Elevator Speech
An elevator speech is simple, memorable, and convincing. The template for an elevator speech is:
- identify the problem
- talk about your solution to the problem
- show why your solution to the problem is unique
Use this elevator speech template to write your speech. Use relatable language. You should be able to give your speech to a CEO or the kids next door. And be yourself; just let your enthusiasm for your cause shine through.
[Are you wondering how to find the cause closest to your heart? Check here for more information.]
Example of Activism Elevator Pitches
Here is an example of an activism elevator speech. Deb, who uses her activism skills to fundraise for a nonprofit, runs into a potential donor on the elevator. She is ready.
“Mosquitos transmit malaria, a life-threatening disease that kills a child every 2 minutes. With a focus on prevention rather than treatment, the Against Malaria Foundation provides mosquito nets to at-risk families. The nets have saved more than 7 million lives. I fundraise for the Foundation, a highly effective charity in which all public donations go toward the nets. May I send you information about the Foundation?”
Deb states the problem directly – that malaria is a threat to children. She recommends malaria nets as a solution. Finally, she talks about why her nonprofit provides the best solution for prevention. She also adds an ask!
Here are elevator pitch examples you can use as templates.
Climate Change Activism Elevator Speech
“Hi, I’m Bill, and I fight climate change by helping local schools implement sustainable practices, like increasing energy efficiency. By making small changes, school can reduce emissions and save money.”
Racial Equality Elevator Pitch
“I advocate for racial justice by pushing for policies that promote equity in education. I collaborate with policymakers and grassroots organizations to ensure policies are fair and promote justice. Every voice matters—how do you think our educational system can be more equitable?”
Elevator Pitch for Mental Health Advocacy
“I’m passionate about eliminating the stigma of mental illness, so I share my personal journey with mental health challenges to break the stigma and encourage others to seek help. Through storytelling and workshops, I help people recognize that they’re not alone and that support is available. Would you like to hear more about our upcoming events?”
LGBTQ+ Rights Activism Elevator Pitch
“LGBTQ+ youth need safe spaces, especially when their family throws them out of their home. I work to connect young people with religious communities willing to arrange temporary shelter. Would you like to donate to support a young person needing shelter?”
Here is a site that includes a template for advocacy speeches.
Have you used an elevator speech? Tell us about it in the comments section.
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Check out my other posts on making an impact on your cause.
What a great idea to condense our passions into relatable language. I need to ponder this.
Thanks for stopping by, Michele. I’ll be glad to answer any questions you have as your craft your pitch.
Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us at The Blogger’s Pit Stop!
Thanks for stopping by!