SOCIAL MEDIA & TEXTING TOOLKIT

Social media is a great tool for peer-to-peer fundraising. This toolkit includes social media tips and samples, as well as a texting guide to communicate why you’re taking the Plunge to your friends and family!

MESSAGING TO KEEP IN MIND

Below are some talking points to get you started on drafting your posts! You can also copy & paste one of our pre-written messages further below.

TALKING POINTS

CCAN’s annual Polar Bear Plunge is our biggest grassroots fundraising event – raising ⅓ of our individual donations every year.
The funds raised power our victories to move Maryland, Virginia, DC, and the rest of the country off of planet-warming fossil fuels and towards clean energy and transportation. Here’s a link to see some of our latest victories.
This year, we’re offering a virtual, or BRRR-tual, Plunge in addition to in-person at the National Harbor. That means you can do your Plunge solo or with your friends, so you can get chilly in whatever way works best - GET CREATIVE!
For over 20 years, activists, friends, and families have shown their commitment to fighting climate change – and keeping winter cold – by taking an icy dip in a body of water (or your backyard!). Plungers recruit friends and family to support them, similar to charity walks.
The funds we raise through our annual Polar Bear Plunge help us reach more people and take on new fossil fuel fights.
Through Plunger outreach, we raise tens of thousands of dollars that CCAN counts on each year to secure climate victories in the states surrounding our nation’s capital, and beyond!
Hundreds of CCAN supporters of all ages tap into the chilled thrill of running into icy cold water each year.
Our Plungers’ creativity is unmatched! We’ve seen them play tennis in freezing waters, perform a jingle on the trombone surrounded by ice, and even go for a full-blown swim!

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS

Create a Facebook Fundraiser! Be sure to include your name and “Polar Bear Plunge” in your fundraiser title, set the end date for one week after the Plunge (February 14th), and personalize it for why you are plunging.
Make posts about everything from recruiting your friends to register, to saying thanks for donations (be sure to tag people), to how you’re preparing to take the Plunge!
Add photos, graphics, GIFs, and videos to make your posts stand out. Here’s when I think you should post:
INITIAL POSTS: Right after you register
AWARENESS: Throughout the time between registration and the Plunge, try to get your followers to join in, too!
REMINDERS: Keep that content going so you fundraise to meet your goal and beyond!
THANK YOU’S: Thank people who have already donated and tag them in your posts
AROUND THE HOLIDAYS: Don’t forget to post around New Year’s, from December 29-31
ONE MONTH AWAY POST: January 7
ONE WEEK AWAY POST: January 31
ONE DAY AWAY POST: February 6
Always include a link to your personal fundraising web page or your Facebook fundraiser!!! You can find your personal link on your Plunge Dashboard. Click “Social Media” on the left side, and you’ll find links for your personal Plunge page and your team page.
REMEMBER: Asking for donations is never easy, and it can leave even the most outgoing person with shaky knees. But the number one reason that people give is because you asked! Your circle is often looking for an opportunity to support you or a cause they care about, but aren’t sure how to make an impact. Asking them to support you allows them to do both! Your passion and enthusiasm for fighting climate change are your best assets. And remember, on average, you will have to ask someone 3 times before they donate - we’re all forgetful!
Sharing posts from CCAN is another great way to keep your friends and followers updated on the work they’re being asked to support. And it’s easy because we post the content - all you need to do is share and include your unique fundraising link!

SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

I’m taking the Polar Plunge on February 7th in support of climate action with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network! But before I plunge, I need help reaching my fundraising goal. Will you donate to my Plunge today? Whether you’re able to give $5, $25, $100, every bit makes a difference! {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
I just signed up for the 2026 Polar Bear Plunge to support @ChesapeakeClimate! But, before I Plunge, I need your help reaching my fundraising goal. Please support me AND climate action with a donation today! {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
Want to join me in supporting a great cause? I'm raising funds for the critical climate work of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. You donate. I take the Polar Bear Plunge! Will you support my Plunge? {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
I’m taking the Polar Bear Plunge for our climate! Will you join me by supporting my Plunge and the work of @ChesapeakeClimate? {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
Hi friends! On Feb 7th I’ll be running into icy cold water to fight climate change with @ChesapeakeClimate. Will you donate to support my Polar Plunge? When you donate, you’re supporting climate action in DC, MD, VA, and nationwide! {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
This February, I’m excited to go to the Polar Bear Plunge to “Keep Winter Cold” hosted by @ChesapeakeClimate! Please support me and this important climate work by donating to my Plunge: {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
Are you brave enough to take the Polar Bear Plunge? I am! Help me reach my fundraising goal, so I can be bold and get cold! {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
Young or old, come BEAR the cold. Join me in plunging this year! {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
My winter swim is XX weeks away and I'm $XX away from meeting my fundraising goal for @ChesapeakeClimate. Will you support my Plunge and climate action today by donating to my Plunge? {Insert your unique fundraising page link}
I’ve signed up for the 2026 Polar Bear Plunge with @ChesapeakeClimate! 🐻❄️ I’ll be taking a dip into icy waters to fight for our climate. Will you help me reach my fundraising goal? Every dollar makes a difference! {Insert your unique fundraising page link} #FreezinForAReason
Who’s ready to brave the chill? I know I am! Join me in supporting @ChesapeakeClimate’s mission by taking the Plunge with me. Let’s make a splash for the environment together! If the cold isn’t your thing, help me reach my fundraising goal, and I’ll do the freezing for the both of us! {Insert your unique fundraising page link} #BeBoldGetCold
It’s that time again! 🎉 I’m taking the Polar Bear Plunge for climate action with @ChesapeakeClimate. Help me reach my goal and make a difference this winter! {Insert your unique fundraising page link}

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