75Th Anniversary Talking Pointsexternal Use

75th Anniversary Talking PointsExternal Use

 BIG PICTURE

CRS’ 75th anniversary in 2018 offers a year-long important opportunity to:
recognize and thank our supporters and staff
grow awareness of all we have accomplished over the past seven decades
position us for the future
Our overarching goal is to recognize and celebrate 75 years of life saving and life transforming work of CRS around the world made possible by:
the generosity of our donors (public & private)
the longevity and strength of our partnerships (faith-based and secular)
our talented and dedicated staff around the world

 HISTORICAL CONTEXT

CRS was born of the faith and compassion of Catholics during World War II—founded in 1943 by the Roman Catholic Bishops of the United States as War Relief Services—to provide emergency relief to survivors and refugees.
After the recovery of Europe, CRS began addressing humanitarian needs in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Based on our belief in the God-given dignity of all people, our focus turned to longer-term development that helps people reach their full human potential, helping them recover from disaster, grow food, build livelihoods, provide education, and ensure a healthy and resilient future for themselves and their children.
Motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we continue to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, embody Catholic social and moral teaching, and serve Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.
As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, we work with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality.

 CRS AT A GLANCE

CRS OPERATES IN NINE FIELDS OF EXPERTISE: agriculture, education, emergencies, health, HIV and AIDS, microfinance, peacebuilding, water and social safety nets.
NUMBER OF COUNTRIES:over 110 countries
NUMBER OF PEOPLE HELPED:over 120 million
GOOD STEWARDS OF THE FUNDS ENTRUSTED TO US: Operation expenses for FY16 – 94% goes towards program services and 6% awareness, fundraising and administrative services.

 HELP US CELEBRATE

FUNDRAISE WITH CRS | SOCIAL MEDIA SHARING | SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY UPDATES ON 75.CRS.ORG | WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Fundraise with CRS:

For those who want to hold a fundraiser, encourage having them visit the Fundraise for CRS portal where they can select a topic, special occasion or develop their own way to help us celebrate.

Social Media Sharing:

Use the power of your networks to help us get the word out about CRS’ 75th anniversary. You can share monthly stories or other ways to help us celebrate.

When you sign up for updates on the site, under ‘Don’t Miss Out’ section, visitors will receive a monthly reminder that there are new stories and podcasts available for them.

Write a Letter to the Editor:

If you would like to send a letter to your local secular or diocesan newspaper, please contact Kim Pozniak, Communications Director @ or 410-951-7281 for further assistance.

 75th ANNIVERSARY RESOURCES

75th anniversary microsite: 75.crs.org

The 75th anniversary microsite is a great way to promote CRS’ 75th anniversary across many audiences. This is the primary engagement tool for the 75th anniversary and provides visitors with videos, updated monthly content like podcasts, an interactive timeline and ways to help us celebrate the 75th anniversary.

75th anniversary brandcenter: brandcenter.crs.org/75th-anniversary

2018 marks CRS’ 75th anniversary. From logos to talking points, videos and more, these

resources are here for you to integrate the 75th anniversary message into your

communications. Be a part of the many CRS voices that will help tell the CRS story. Below you will find items that help to do so.Use of these marketing materials below is encouraged throughout the year.