On August 4-6, AFP Global hosted the ICON Summer Sessions, a condensed version of their huge annual spring conference. In times like these that are rife with uncertainty, both economic and personal, coming together with AFP was certainly appreciated and inspiring. AFP Global has been sensitive to their members’ changing employment statuses. They recognize how important it is for members to feel connected to their colleagues around the globe during a time when most of us are working from home. Their generous scholarships for those of us who are waiting for our next job opportunity was a lift in morale and a reminder of all the ways AFP is supporting our industry during these troubling times.
As always, the content of each of the three half-days of conference was rich and inspiring. Speakers empowered the audience to embrace their online presence, especially when supporters or constituents can tell the stories for you. They even gave examples across generational trends. Our own local fundraising guru Armando Zumaya gave tips about meeting new major donors during this time of social distancing. And, if you have never listened to Bernard Ross talk about storytelling, you are missing out! The re-boot of last spring’s Case for Support presentation was a welcome refresher. Interviews and discussions about diversity were included anywhere they could add them in- AFP is putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to supporting our BIPOC colleagues.
AFP Global is working hard to ensure that local chapters are supported, too! Stay tuned for exciting information about scholarships and our own Be the Cause fundraising efforts. Members should sign in to www.afpglobal.com to utilize the many incredible resources they have developed for topics ranging from fundraising during a pandemic to encouraging your organization to diversify their Boards. If you are not a member of AFP yet, email me (president@afpsbv.org)! I will help you along through the process- there is even a payment plan for those of us whose organizations can no longer support our membership dues.