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Dear Friends,
A couple of months ago, my family was walking through the Fort Worth Modern Art Museum. As we rounded one corner, we were taken aback by what appeared to be a rather large wooden ladder. Immediately, my eight-year-old daughter wondered aloud if we could climb it—but remembering this was not the children’s museum, she wisely refrained! Then we read the title of the piece: Ladder for Booker T. Washington. That sparked a conversation about Booker T. Washington himself and the symbolism ladders often carry—aspiration, progress, and the climb toward something greater.
As fundraisers, our work can often feel like climbing a ladder. We set ambitious goals, push ourselves to reach higher, and sometimes compete with our own past successes. Yet, as we climb, it’s essential to have people at the bottom holding the ladder steady. That support—encouragement, advice, and shared experience—often comes from our peers and our AFP community.
One of the best ways to “hold the ladder” for one another is by joining a Peer Learning Group. These groups were once called mentoring groups, but the name evolved to reflect their true spirit: collaboration, mutual support, and shared growth. This month, members will have the opportunity to join a Peer Learning Group and begin a year-long journey of learning, encouragement, and connection. Together, we can hold the ladder for one another—and climb to new heights.
Warmest wishes,
Trey Harper, CFRE
2026 AFP Fort Worth Metro Chapter President
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