The Western MD Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is on the move! Here are some highlights:

• We are hosting a workshop on April 19 with world-renowned fundraiser, Jerry Panas, who will discuss the Art of Asking. There are two seats remaining for this opportunity to learn from "the master" in our field!
• We received the 10-Star Gold Award for 2016. Only 20% of all chapters across the USA, Canada and Mexico are recognized with this honor - the highest award for chapters - as well as the 2016 Friends of Diversity award.
• Our chapter is growing! We have more than 70 members, and more fundraising professionals are recognizing the value of the educational and networking opportunities we offer to help them enhance their skills.
• We've started a Happy Hour Book Club to encourage members to read some of the best books in fundraising and discuss them with other professionals over a glass of wine. Our first Book Club took place on April 4 to discuss Jerry Panas' bestseller, Asking: A 59-Minute Guide to Everything Board Members, Volunteers, and Staff Must Know to Secure the Gift. The next Book Club will be June 13th.
• On June 20, we will host Jason Lee, JD, the Interim President and CEO of AFP International, for a breakfast workshop.  Jason will discuss fundraising ethics as well as the benefits of being an AFP member. 

NOW is the time to get involved and be part of our chapter workshops, committees, and networking opportunities. Your career and professional development will be enhanced through involvement.

Phil York, Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity of Carroll County, was introduced to AFP during a graduate course on fundraising. Phil began AFP membership in Central Texas while beginning a career in development with Habitat for Humanity. Phil maintains and values friendships with those he met through his original AFP chapter, including a mentor who provided guidance to Phil as a young professional starting in the fundraising field.

When Phil relocated to his home state of Maryland, he continued membership in AFP by joining our Western MD chapter and now serves on the Board here. "I cannot imagine my career without this solid network of peers, leaders and mentors" said Phil.

Phil remarked on the importance of the AFP training he's received. "As a nonprofit professional, we carry the obligation to not only be advocates for our unique missions but to also ethically uphold the values of our field. AFP trainings offer an opportunity for professionals to learn beside their Board, staff and volunteer leadership so learning is cooperative. AFP trainings allow for that shared training environment where all stakeholders and decision makers can learn beside each other."