Dear AFP-CVA Members,
We kicked off our 2025 programming calendar with a powerful and insightful event on Thursday, March 20th: "Navigating Change Together: A Strategic Partner Dialogue." In today's ever-evolving landscape, the ability to adapt and collaborate is paramount, and our panelists, Casey Emery, Chief Operating Officer of the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, and Carla Willis, Managing Principal at Washburn & McGoldrick, delivered an exceptional session.
Their authentic, vulnerable, and engaging discussion provided invaluable perspectives on navigating these uncertain times. They offered hope and practical strategies for fostering open communication and shared understanding between funders, consultants, and the organizations they support. If you missed this dynamic session, you can catch the recording here.
We hope you'll join us for our next program on April 17th: Power Shift: Building Equitable Partnerships Through Community-Centered Fundraising.
Program Description:
Are you ready to challenge the traditional power dynamics that shape philanthropy? "Power Shift" is a dynamic and interactive workshop designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to transition from donor-centric models to a truly community-centered approach. We'll move beyond theory and delve into the real-world application of redistributing power and resources, fostering authentic relationships, and driving systemic change.
What You'll Gain:
- Analyze Power Dynamics: Understand how traditional philanthropy perpetuates imbalances and impacts communities.
- Master Community-Centered Principles: Learn core principles like shared leadership and dismantle harmful narratives.
- Build Authentic Relationships: Gain practical skills for genuine engagement, co-creation, and feedback.
- Center Community Voices: Learn to prioritize community needs in program design and decision-making.
- Redistribute Power & Resources: Explore equitable models for governance, funding, and leadership.
- Drive Systemic Change: Develop strategies to address root causes and advocate for policy change.
- Utilize Practical Tools: Participate in exercises, case studies, and receive templates for community-centered fundraising.
- Address Challenges & Build Sustainability: Learn to navigate obstacles and create lasting community partnerships.
Who Should Attend:
- Nonprofit professionals seeking to deepen their community engagement practices.
- Fundraisers committed to building more equitable and just funding models.
- Community leaders who are passionate about empowering their communities.
- Organizational leaders looking to shift their culture and values towards community-centered principles.
Outcome:
Participants will leave "Power Shift" with a renewed understanding of power dynamics in philanthropy and a toolkit of practical strategies for building authentic, equitable partnerships with the communities they serve. They will be empowered to drive systemic change and create a more just and equitable future.
Additional event details are forthcoming.
"What's On Your Mind?" - After Program Session: Navigating DEI Mandates in Fundraising (Time: TBD)
Following our program on Moving from Donor-Centered to Community-Centered, join us for an open and informal "What's on Your Mind?" session. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and questions in a supportive environment. Let's delve deeper into the practical implications of these mandates, discuss effective strategies for implementation, and explore how to foster inclusive fundraising practices. This session is designed for peer-to-peer sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
We look forward to seeing you on April 17th as we continue to learn and grow together as a community of fundraising professionals.
Warmest Regards,
Tonya S. Hall
AFP-CVA Chapter President
P.S. Here are quick links to help you navigate our website!
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