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I am helping a charity and I need to invite my friends to join in. We're not asking for any money or valuables but just their time for some feedback on few questions.

I am struggling at the opening line of the invitation message—what I want to say is that "I need your help in this great work / noble work" but it just doesn't sound that impressive/catchy.

Jihad or movement both describe something too big to describe "answering a few questions."

Please note that it is for non-native English speakers.

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    I would look at this question: what's the opposite word for 'sin'. About the best you can do is "I performed a good/virtuous/righteous/moral/meritorious act/deed." – Zairja Aug 24 '12 at 16:57
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    thx checking tht ques - also - what is a noble cause? – TigerTiger Aug 24 '12 at 16:59
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    also the ones voting down - kindly feel free to vote further down without any explanation - thts great help. – TigerTiger Aug 24 '12 at 17:02
  • If it is for non-native English speakers, why do you need an English word? – Kit Z. Fox♦ Aug 24 '12 at 17:03
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    @KitFox i didn't say non-english speaking – TigerTiger Aug 24 '12 at 17:04
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I would look at this question: what's the opposite word for 'sin'. About the best you can do is "I performed a good/virtuous/righteous/moral/meritorious act/deed."

Again, there's not a single word that does what you want. Since this is for non-native English speakers, you may as well use the simplest, most direct choice of words. If you're really looking for a single word, you could try jihad or movement, but these have all kinds of other connotations and don't work well for your stated purpose

Endeavor, undertaking, task. . . If these words are too big, then stick with "good/great work". It doesn't need to be "catchy" or "impressive" to be effective. Sometimes a clear, simple, direct message is all you need, especially for people who may not know much English.

If you really need some buzzword or catchphrase to make an impact, consider hiring a PR firm!

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  • I'm not sure how "jihad" would come across to your intended audience, but to most people "jihad" means "religion-inspired war". Regardless of what the term really means to Moslems, that's the connotation. If you're trying to change that perception, I'd consider whether an appeal for a non-violent and/or non-Islamic charity is the best place to do that. – Jay Aug 24 '12 at 19:41
  • @Jay Agreed, I just had to throw it out there. Additionally, in emails I get for "calls to action" (i.e. donate) I see wording like this: "The struggle for reproductive rights is ongoing. Your involvement is needed on many issues. Get active and make your voice heard by joining..." The word choice definitely gives off a political vibe, but it suits its purpose since politics are involved here. I think how to frame a "good deed" is really determined by your audience. – Zairja Aug 24 '12 at 19:50
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    I chose "good deed". – TigerTiger Aug 25 '12 at 15:32
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I don't know a single English word that isn't hopelessly archaic. Hebrew/Yiddish has mitzvah, if your fellow-primates are in the Jewish community.

Otherwise I'd go with "I need your contribution to this effort". Contributing to an effort feels gratifyingly strenuous, out of all proportion to the actual energy expended.

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    Similar to how we buy something for $9.99 (look at the savings) but donate $10.00 (see how generous I am). ;) – Zairja Aug 24 '12 at 19:53
  • thanks I like that but as I had already chosen "good deed" before your answer. +1 – TigerTiger Aug 25 '12 at 15:32
  • @HappyApe No sweat, and I appreciate your appreciation. – StoneyB on hiatus Aug 25 '12 at 16:48
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We tend to play greatness down in the UK - it may be a national failing, but results in descriptors such as great endeavour or noble work sounding rather pompous or naive. Jihad and crusade can sound very threatening. We'd probably stick with (very) worthwhile project.

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  • I thought pompous exactly. – Rachel Aug 28 '12 at 1:13
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"Altruistic" is a good word to use as it suggests a selfless act and avoids the moral/political/religious tone of some of the other suggestions here.

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Could you say, "Please join me in this philanthropic opportunity."

Philanthropic is defined as:

showing concern for humanity, esp by performing charitable actions, donating money, etc.

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I'd stick with "good work", "great work", "noble work", "good cause", "important work", etc.

I don't know your audience, but in general, I'd be cautious about trying too hard to sound profound and important. If you try to sound profound and don't get it quite right, you often end up sounding pretentious or just plain silly.

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