Here is an example of how a conversation could start (or you can just wing it!):
Hello, I’m [Your Name], I’m a concerned citizen [or Shopify customer/shareholder], and I would like to speak to you about your company's refusal to stop doing business with Breitbart News.
- By continuing to do business with Breitbart, you are literally profiting off of a platform for hate speech.
- Your Terms of Service policy gives you the ability to refuse to do business with companies like Breitbart — and I want to see you adopt a hate speech policy like many other companies have done in response to this campaign.
- 1,250 companies have stopped doing business with Breitbart -- and I am counting on you to add your name to the list.
- Companies cannot be neutral in the face of the sexism, homophobia, and racism that is literally tearing families apart and putting lives at risk.
Thank you for your time.
Tips:
- Be friendly and polite - the person picking up the phone will find it hard to ignore you if you are polite.
- Don’t feel like you have to answer any specific questions if you don’t feel comfortable.
FAQs
What if they ask who asked me to call?
Tell the person that you’re a member of a global organization called SumOfUs, which runs campaigns to keep corporations accountable. Tell them you’re calling as someone who is concerned about Shopify's ongoing business relationship with Shopify.
Do I have to be an expert to call Shopify and express my concerns?
No! Shopify cares what members of the public think and you don't have to be an expert to let them know you're concerned.
What if the person asks me a question you can’t answer?
It’s ok to say you don’t know. Or you might want to say that you will research the answer and contact them back with more information.
What if I’m not connected?
The line may be busy - sorry about that. Please leave a message or try calling again during office hours.