NuStar Energy in San Antonio, Texas, is big on giving back to the community. The liquids terminal and pipeline operator considers volunteering a core value and supports it with up to 60 hours (7.5 days) of paid time per worker per year. NuStar has a pet philanthropic project, the Annual Charity Golf Tournament, the proceeds of which benefit Haven of Hope, a local organization helping the homeless.

As employee relations manager of NuStar Energy, you are tasked with finding employees willing to organize the tournament, obtain sponsorships, create decorations, paint fences and other objects, assemble gift bags, direct the event, coordinate a welcome dinner for more than 1,000 guests, and more. In the last eight years NuStar has helped raise more than $27 million for Haven of Hope.30 Although volunteers keep getting paid by their employer, participating in activities such as the golf fundraiser is not everyone’s cup of tea because workers must pause important projects, or they may perhaps favor other causes. You cannot take them for granted.

Your Task. 

Write a persuasive memo or e-mail with convincing appeals that will attract as many company volunteers as possible to put on and staff the next charity golf tournament.