It’s a New Year for AFP Triangle – Get Involved in Your Chapter in 2012
As I write this first message as your chapter President for 2012 and reflect on my involvement with AFP Triangle over the last six years, I can think of so many ways that I’ve been enriched through my participation with AFP. perhaps parts of my story are similar to many of yours:
I joined AFP Triangle in 2006 and began attending monthly breakfast meetings regularly. Before becoming a development officer I was a nonprofit program director, writing grant funding proposals to support the programs I managed. When I joined the chapter I didn’t know anyone. Attending meetings and networking with other professionals in the field, I quickly felt that I “belonged,” that these fellow fundraisers, working for all kinds of nonprofit organizations, were “my people,” professionally speaking.
That first year as an AFP member, I met Gail Perry in the elevator on my way to a breakfast program presentation given by Priscilla Bratcher, where we would role play how to solicit major gifts. “Sit next to Dee Blake,” Gail advised, and I did. Soon after, I participated in the mentoring program with Dee as my mentor. In 2008 the Triangle chapter was preparing to host the AFP NC philanthropy conference. I volunteered to help on the logistics committee, and ended up chairing the committee. The following year the nominations committee asked me to consider serving on the board. I learned a lot under past-presidents Eli Jordfald, Dee Blake and MaryBeth Carpenter, and I continue to learn from the people I meet through all our chapter activities.
As we begin the new year, I invite each of you to find new ways to be involved with AFP Triangle. This is your chapter. Join committees, sign up to be a mentor, participate in discussions about how the chapter can better serve both newcomers and longtime professional fundraisers. Communicate with chapter board members and share new ideas, volunteer to help at large events. Be present and active, attending monthly meetings not only to hear excellent presentations on best practices, but also to exchange ideas and network with your professional colleagues.
Among its peers in AFP, the Triangle chapter is highly-regarded and has been recognized for its innovations and achievements. Working together, we will keep our chapter strong in numbers and relevant in its offerings to our professional community.
Philanthropy Forecast 2012 brings in thought leaders from various sectors to comment on how the economic, political and social climate will impact philanthropy in the year ahead. Philanthropy Forecast will be held on Monday, January 30. Register soon.
Thank you for your membership and participation. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you at Philanthropy Forecast and AFP Triangle events throughout coming year!
Genevieve
Genevieve Joseph is President of the AFP Triangle Chapter, and Individual Gifts Officer at NC Prevention Partners.
