Letter from the President-Elect
Jennifer Philpot
AFP Alabama President-Elect

A few months ago, I had the privilege of attending the AFP Leadership Academy . I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it would be an energizing and inspiring experience. What I did not know was what a humbling experience it would be. Not only was I able to spend time with some of the most influential and brilliant individuals in our industry, but I was also able to hear more about the amazing work that this organization – our organization – leads on behalf of the nonprofit sector.

I encourage you to take time to explore the new AFP Global website , read the strategic plan, study the issues facing our industry, and discover all the resources available to you as an AFP member. I would also urge you to take advantage of the programs, networking, and educational opportunities available to you as an AFP Alabama member. One thing I have discovered about AFP, as with most things in life, you get as much out of it as you put into it. So, reach out. Get involved. Get to know the dedicated board members who are committed to serving you and representing our profession in this community. You will be so glad that you did.
Diversity in Philanthropy Event
Diversity in Philanthropy: It’s No Longer One Size Fits All
March 21st, 2019
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Harbert Center ( 2019 4th Avenue North)
Tickets for AFP members: $10

Alabama Association of Charitable Gift Planners invites you to attend "Diversity in Philanthropy: It’s No Longer One Size Fits All." The event is March 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will feature panelists Lula Dawit, Keatley Scroggins, Trina Olidge, and Birgit Burton. The panelists will discuss how to build larger, more sustainable donor and client pipelines by reaching all prospects with activities and messages that attract diverse philanthropists.

AFP members are invited to attend for $10. Click below to register. Contact Brooke Coleman, AACGP Chapter President, at bcoleman@cfbham.org with questions.
NPD Committee News

National Philanthropy Day’s success is dependent on the support of all AFP members! Thanks to everyone who signed on to volunteer for a committee. It’s not too late to join in the fun! If you are interested in helping with National Philanthropy Day, please email  afpalabama1@gmail.com .
 
Also, we've posted photos from the 2018 National Philanthropy Day on the chapter website and Facebook .

Mark your calendars! National Philanthropy Day is November 14th at 11:30 a.m. at The Harbert Center .
Membership Committee News

Please take 5-10 minutes to complete  this survey to help AFP Alabama know how to best serve you this year.

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming an AFP Alabama member? Click here to learn more about the benefits of becoming a member and what different membership levels are available. You can also renew your membership through the link above.

Our AFP Alabama Chapter has more than 130 members, and we want to keep expanding!
AFP ICON 2019

Have you registered for the world's largest conference for professional fundraisers? Join AFP International in San Antonio, Texas, for AFP ICON 2019 from March 31st - April 2nd. The conference features over 100 education sessions, thousands of fellow fundraisers, a massive marketplace, and an unforgettable experience. And don't forget to sign up for a Pre-Conference Workshop . One of AFP's newest pre-conference workshops, "Raise More Money with a Culture of Philanthropy," provides the opportunity to bring along an executive-level colleague FOR FREE! To learn more about this opportunity, click here .

Register for AFP ICON below.
Calling All Artists, Poets, and Photographers!

AFP invites all members to submit their art and poetry to exhibit at the Diversity Art Showcase at AFP ICON this year. The showcase portrays the uniqueness, value, and diversity of people through art. All types of art are encouraged, including painting, photography, drawing, sketches, collage, quilting, computer art, mixed media, and sculpture.

The deadline to submit is March 1st .

Free Webinar for AFP Young Professional and Collegiate Members

AFP International is offering a free webinar titled "Building and Sustaining Relationships: A Fundamental Skill of Successful Fundraisers." The webinar is March 7th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Sure, it's possible to ask for a gift from someone new to you or your organization, but without a strong relationship, that gift is likely to be modest. This webinar will examine how past behavior indicates the potential for a strong, mutually beneficial relationship and how you can initiate, maintain, and enhance that relationship.

Click below to register.
Why You Should Write Your Job Manual

AFP Alabama Chapter member, Karen Griner, CFRE recently wrote an article for Bloomerang titled "Fundraisers, Do Your Successor – And Future Self – a Favor: Write Your Job Manual!" The article shares tips on putting together an instruction manual for your job position and how beneficial it can be – to you as well as your successor. A job manual will also help make the transition smoother for your organization.

Youth in Philanthropy Spotlight
This month's Youth in Philanthropy spotlight is on Jordan Caskey, Aspen Godette, Kira Owen, Grace Ann Wages, and  Jada Winston.
While most middle schoolers are spending their weekends relaxing and spending time with friends, Jordan Caskey, Aspen Godette, Kira Owen, Grace Ann Wages, and Jada Winston choose to spend their time away from school volunteering with a local non-profit – Childcare Resources .

“I love volunteering because it gives us the opportunity to meet and connect with all different types of people,” says Aspen. “We learn that we all have more in common than what separates us.”

Each August, Childcare Resources hosts their annual Fairy Tale Ball, a family-friendly gala that raises valuable dollars to support the Childcare Resources mission. And for the last two years, Jordan, Aspen, Kira, Grace Ann, and Jada have dedicated their time and talents to the Fairy Tale Ball   by dressing as whimsical fairies who make special craft projects with the children in attendance.

Kira, Jordan, and Jada’s favorite part of volunteering at the Fairy Tale Ball is witnessing the smiles and laughter of the children doing crafts and dancing with their favorite characters.

“They thought we were princesses,” says Jada. “They were so happy, which made me happy and thankful that I am part of Childcare Resources.”

When asked what advice they have for other youth in the community when it comes to giving back, Grace Ann has some helpful tips:

“Just get involved. Sometimes you must step out of your comfort zone to participate, but the people you meet and the activities you experience are worth it. When you are young, you feel like there isn’t much you can do to help others, but you would be surprised what a big impact you can have on others by just volunteering your time and showing kindness.”
 
To nominate a "Youth in Philanthropy" for an upcoming spotlight, contact Morgan Hargrove Emahiser, CFRE at  mhargrove@ccr-bhm.org .
Member Spotlight: Raven Knowlton
Raven Knowlton is a new member of the Alabama Chapter. She is the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Samford University . She is also this year's winner of AFP Alabama's Young Professionals membership scholarship.

Tell us about your role in the fundraising field.
As Assistant Director of Annual Giving, I assist in all annual giving across campus, including general fundraising efforts, alumni giving efforts through the Forever Samford campaign, student philanthropy and digital crowdfunding including Samford’s annual giving day. In addition to this, I oversee Samford’s Student Advancement Leaders program and make strategic plans for the program’s success.

How long have you been in fundraising?
I started as a Phonathon caller during my freshman year of college, and I’ve never looked back. This will be my third year in fundraising as a young professional.

Why did you decide to get involved with AFP?
I am looking for ways to grow my network and learn more about fundraising. During my first two years as a fundraiser, I have taken time to become acquainted with my work, and I am now working to expand my knowledge through meaningful opportunities. AFP seemed like the perfect way to do this.

How do you hope to benefit from AFP?
Through AFP, I hope to meet veteran fundraisers who are willing to share their experiences with a young professional. I am always looking for ways to improve what is already being done and make changes if needed.

Tell us a fun or random fact about you.
I enjoy spending time with my 2-year-old dachshund, Rainey.
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