I credit Lynda Bowman, one of our remarkable senior instructors, for coining the term Bless and Release, which has now become part of the Benevon vernacular. It refers to the act of letting someone go if they are not interested in continued contact with your organization. It seems so simple and natural, yet over the years, in search of the quick gift, we have overridden our basic intuition that tells us to back away when someone isn't truly interested.

The Benevon Model is a system for building lifelong relationships with individuals who fully understand and believe in the work of your organization. The mission that you hold so dear is their mission too, and like you, they would love to see that mission statement fulfilled—no more hungry children, better medical care, cleaner air, full artistic expression, etc. They are with you for the long-term, whatever the future may hold. They are part of your organization's family.

That description does not fit everyone. The Benevon Model is designed to help you sort out the people who are "just interested" from those who have the potential to become lifelong supporters. That's where "bless and release" comes in.

The Point of Entry^® is a first taste of your organization—the first exposure or introduction. Like on a blind date, you need to put your best foot forward. You want to make a great first impression while making sure you cover the Facts 101, convey your Emotional Hook^™, and Capture the Names of the guests with their permission. Then you wait a few days and make the Follow-Up Call. This is the moment of truth. You follow these five steps:

1. Thank the person for coming to the Point of Entry.
   
   
2. Ask them, "What did you think?"
   
   
3. Stop talking, be quiet, and listen. Right here is where you will learn what you really want to know. Is this person interested enough to pursue a relationship (a second date) with our organization, or is our work not something they are passionate about? It is far better to hear the truth at this point and Bless and Release the person than to spend your time trying to win them over if they aren't interested. Be open and let them tell you (sometimes not so clearly) if they really would prefer not to get involved. By giving them the freedom to say no at this point, ironically, you will have made a friend forever for your organization. Letting someone off the hook is so disarming in this day and age that once people trust that you will honor their wishes and not continue to pursue them, they will remember you and refer others.
   
   
4. Ask them, "Is there any way you could see yourself becoming involved with us?" If they haven't already told you the answer while you were listening to their response above, they may tell you now. Some people are more direct while others are more subtle. People do not like to say no—it makes them worry that you will think they are mean and uncaring. This question easily segues to the final step.
   
   
5. Ask them, "Is there anyone else you can think of that we ought to invite to a similar Point of Entry?" While they may not choose to become involved themselves, if they were inspired and moved by what they saw and learned at your Point of Entry, they will likely know at least one other person who would be interested in your organization's work.
   
   

In other words, just because they are saying no to future contact with your organization doesn't mean they don't have great respect for your mission and the people involved. It's just not their particular "hot button" issue right now.

Let these people go. Wish them well. Thank them sincerely for their time. If they tell you what type of programs they are more interested in, do not criticize, compare, or demean those programs in any way. Simply Bless and Release them, and know that you have made a friend for your organization and freed yourself up to move on to the next Point of Entry guest, who may become that gem of a lifelong friend and donor you are seeking.