What if I Say the Wrong Thing?

Racism and lack of diversity are serious issues we face in our sector. What if I Say the Wrong thing? By Verna Myers is a book that helps readers explore their own personal diversity journey while recognizing how microaggressions and unconscious bias will sometimes show up in our daily interactions. It includes “25 habits for culturally-effective people” that can help everyone move diversity forward. During this workshop we will take a deep dive into 5 of the 25 habits.  The goal is to help participants learn to stop and think about how to be more aware and sensitive to others. Reading the book ahead of the presentation is not required.

Presentation includes anonymous polls, some storytelling, and an opportunity for a few participants to share their own experiences.

Birgit Smith Burton is the executive director for Foundation Relations at Georgia Tech. She is a respected leader in the fundraising profession and a well-regarded speaker on the topics of fundraising and diversity. Birgit has authored articles and co-authored books including The Philanthropic Covenant with Black America.  Recently, she received the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s 2020 Opportunity and Inclusion Award. 

Birgit serves on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) global board and is the Vice Chair for Membership. She chairs the A.E. Lowe Grice Scholarship Fund established in her grandmother’s honor and the Board of Directors of Hosea Helps, a human services non-profit organization founded by civil rights icon Rev. Hosea Williams. Birgit founded the African American Development Officers Network, which for 23 years has provided professional development and networking opportunities for fundraisers of color. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Birgit earned her bachelor's degree in media communications from Medaille College in Buffalo, New York.

This webinar is limited to AFP chapter members in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

$15 REGISTRATION