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Note from the President
Year-end appeals, budget meetings, recognition events and galas. This is just a snapshot of what we’re collectively accomplishing in these last few weeks of 2023. Although things can seem chaotic during this period, what remains steadfast is the commitment that AFP WNY has to you, our community, and the profession.
In the spirit of the giving season, thank you for being a valued partner and allowing us to provide resources to the fundraising & non-profit profession. Special thank you to our Board of Directors and our Committee Members – we simply couldn’t do this without you!
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!
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Last month I had the privilege of representing Western New York at the annual AFP LEAD conference in Philadelphia, PA. This conference provides members with tremendous education and networking opportunities, as well as the important task of discussing the business of AFP Global.
A popular topic of discussion was the database transition earlier this year and the lingering difficulties from that process. There was an extended period of time (5+ months) that we did not have access to accurate membership lists, know which members were eligible for renewal, or which members have lapsed. We appreciate everyone’s patience and grace as membership outreach efforts begin again.
If you have not yet done so, log in to the new AFP Global database. Visit https://portal.afpglobal.org, click “Forgot Your Password,” enter your AFP membership email address to receive a password reset link. This will ensure AFP Global and our chapter have accurate contact information.
While in your profile, please consider updating your demographic information. As part of AFP’s commitment to the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) in the fundraising community, gathering demographic information is essential to creating programs that you feel connected to, grow our membership through an inclusive lens, and assess our progress. Your information will remain confidential and is used for data gathering purposes.
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Laura with Keynote Speaker Jen Lim and
AFP Foundation of Philanthropy Board Member, Matthew David Gellin, CFRE.
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I am pleased to spotlight Board of Directors member, Kelly Campbell!
Title and Organization:
Director of Development, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute
How long have you been a member? I have been a member for 12 years.
Committee service? I have served on the Membership Committee, as VP of Membership, and currently serve as Secretary.
My favorite part of being a member of AFP WNY is the networking opportunities and relationships I have been fortunate to develop. I am grateful for all of the wonderful fundraising professionals I have come to know and consider friends. It is wonderful knowing you if you ever need advice or have a development-related question, you have a great group of people who are willing to listen and to help.
Fun fact about yourself: I have an undergraduate degree in Music, studying voice at SUNY Fredonia. I still perform regularly (mostly in musicals) around WNY. This time of year reminds me of fond memories of preparing for holiday choral concerts - you can certainly put me in the camp of those who start listening to Christmas music on November 1!
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Name: Jerilyn J. Hickey, CFRE.
Title & Organization: Chief Development Officer, Girl Scouts of WNY
How long have you been a member? 14+ years
Committee service?: Over the years I have served as a board member, and co-chaired or served on the Professional Development Committee several times.
Why you continue to be a member? I continue to be a member because of the incredible value it brings to my fundraising practice. AFP has been foundational to the success and growth of my career. From my first AFP International Conference in Chicago, to the national and local resources, and the personal and professional relationships I’ve had the good fortune to build over the years, AFP truly is “a community of people bound by the idea that working together, we can create impact that changes the world.”
Fun fact about yourself? While anyone who works in the non-profit field knows what it means to have “other duties as assigned” in their job description, I think fundraisers have the craziest stories about it. Some of mine involve camouflage tents, a kangaroo, and the ability to do most things backwards and in heels!
Why become an AFP member? Here's why!
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RACIAL EQUITY TRAINING
The AFP WNY Board of Directors and IDEA Committee participated in a Racial Equity Impact Analysis (REIA) Training though the Race Matters Institute last month. We engaged in discussions centered around race, policy, and ways we can promote racial equity in our respective organizations and the chapter. We are looking forward to implementing several changes into our chapter in the upcoming months.
If you’re interested in learning more, please contact IDEA Chair, Theresa DeLuca.
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LOBBY WEEK
Members of the AFP WNY Chapter, in collaboration with several other NY-based chapters, met with our elected officials to discuss the Charitable Act (S. 566/H.R. 3435) and its importance of being reinstated. We met with staffers of Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Higgins, Congressman Langworthy, and Congresswoman Tenney.
Thank you to Bob Van Wicklin, Leslie Nickerson, Pamela Chrzanowski & Jeff Mendola for proudly representing the AFP WNY Chapter.
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SCHOLARSHIP & MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
The AFP WNY Chapter is pleased to provide several opportunities within the chapter.
Scholarships - Available for Young Professionals, IDEA Scholar, New Chapter Membership, and Renewals. Applications must be received by Friday, December 1st at 5:00pm.
Mentorship - Whether you are just beginning your career or enjoy sharing your expertise with others, the AFP WNY Mentoring Partnership Program will be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to engage with your fellow peers. Mentee Application must be received by Friday, December 1st at 5pm.
To be a mentor, please email VP of Membership, Katheryn Ross-Winnie.
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DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!
If you are an AFP WNY member, your vote matters!
Please be sure to cast your vote for the AFP WNY 2024 Board of Directors slate. If you have not received an email containing your electronic ballot, please email us.
Interested in being on the slate of the Board of Directors next year? Be sure to join a committee to learn more about our chapter, how we’re organized, and where your talents can be utilized!
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Thank you for participating in our chapter and global programs! | |
Board Members Alexis Webster, Krystina Burow, AnneMarie Haumesser and Kelly Campbell representing at a Buffalo Niagara Partnership event
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November Professional Development Session featuring Anna Schlia | | | | |
