Member Update – 10-14-08
Dear AFP Members:
I’m sorry I am not able to join you today, as I am representing our chapter and your interests in Nashville, Tennessee for the AFP International Leadership Academy.
Membership, Member Benefits, and Rates
Earlier this year, 40 of members of our chapter completed a survey through our website. 100% of respondents listed your membership in AFP as “Valuable.” The reasons for this “value” that were listed included:
• Chapter Networking Opportunities (85%)
• Code of Ethics and Professional Standards (62%)
• Increased Credibility (44%)
• Access to Resources (44%)
• Mentorship Opportunities (41%)
I’m happy to report that these programs will continue with our chapter with an even greater focus on member services.
AFP International announced in your recent Advancing Philanthropy magazine an 11% increase in dues. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is AFP has worked to keep dues at the same rate for several years now. This dues rate will take effect in April 2009.
With the current economy, there is an increased demand on professional fundraisers to increase donations and cut expenses – but I hope you’ll agree with our chapter leadership when we say that membership in AFP is NOT something to consider on the chopping block – quite the opposite. The resources AFP International and your chapter provide to make you a better, more effective fundraiser are worth the cost of membership and much more!
AFP membership provides you with a virtually unlimited amount of resources for increasing your productivity and success as a professional fundraiser through both (1) Educational programs on Innovative Fundraising and (2) an extensive network of professionals available to provide sage advice.
Mentoring Program
For our local chapter we are re-launching our professional mentorship program that has been re-structured to promote growth of both the mentor and the protégé. Carol Maculloch has researched fundraising mentoring programs from across the nation and will be heading up this program. More on this from Carol and many thanks! For more information – mentoring@afpnepa.org.
New Dues Structure for our Chapter
Starting in January, our local dues are increasing from $25 to $30. When you join or renew your membership our local chapter will allocate the entire amount of your local dues to your chapter member account. You’ll redeem the $30 at lunch and learn programs or for other chapter activities, so in essence you’ll directly benefit from your chapter dues. So in essence, you can get your $30 chapter dues back by participating in chapter events.
For those of you not-yet-members, we are offering a limited number of 50% scholarships on the AFP New Member rate ($100 for your first year) for qualifying new members. So, you’ll pay $80 instead of $130 – again, $30 of this you’ll get back by participating in chapter activities.
For information about membership, please contact Barbara Vitcosky at 602-3600 or membership@afpnepa.org.
Chapter Board Nominations for 2009
Today, at our business meeting Kathleen Matthews, our Immediate Past President and Chair of the Chapter Presidents Council will announce the roster of nominees for the 2009 AFP Chapter Board of Directors. We have taken into consideration the things you asked for in the aforementioned survey. They include:
• More representation of our diverse organizations (especially small shops)
• Inclusion of more executive directors who also serve a development role
• Increasing the number of active board members in order to foster additional involvement
Kathleen will go into the nominations more. Kathleen and her committee have done a phenomenal job. Thank you Kathleen! For more information: kmatthews@janepa.org
New Library of Fundraising Materials
In order to increase the resources for professional fundraisers in NEPA, your chapter has purchased the 40-volume collection known as the “AFP Pierpont-Weld Library” that is available for review from the Luzerne County Community College library and via the PA Access Interlibrary Loan program to any participating library in the commonwealth.
The Pierpont-Weld Affiliate Library Collection includes 36-40 selected works on fundraising and philanthropy, representing the fundamental knowledge base of the profession. The collection is maintained in public libraries, university libraries, and nonprofit resource centers throughout the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
We will present that library to LCCC as part of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber’s Nonprofit Summit that will be held on November 6, 2008.
Nonprofit Summit – November 6th at LCCC in Nanticoke
AFP will have a table, and I encourage you to learn more and attend the summit. More information was e-mailed earlier this week. If you have not received information please e-mail john.dawe@afpnepa.org or visit WBNonprofitSummit.org.
Philanthropy Day – November 22nd at The Waterfront Banquet Center
The Greater Pocono Northeast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals invites you to join us as we recognize National Philanthropy Day in November. Our annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 21, 2008 beginning 11:30 a.m. at the Waterfront Banquet and Convention Center in Plains, Pennsylvania. Each year this day provides a time where we can honor those who have made a difference in our community. Our chapter encompasses a region steeped in generosity and we are proud to acknowledge the following community leaders who have shown their commitment to philanthropic interests throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.
Awardees include:
Outstanding Volunteer Fund Raisers – Theresa and Clayton Karambelas
Outstanding Corporation – Pennstar Bank
Outstanding Foundation – Maslow Family Foundation
Lifetime Achievement – Helen Bernstein Miller
For tickets e-mail mdolon@luzerne.edu and for information about getting involved: pday@afpnepa.org.
New Website Format
The AFPNEPA.org website has been retooled and redesigned in a blog format. That means that we’re looking for writers to provide resources, articles, ideas, and content for the website! If you’re interested let me know. The new format also allows for a member-only discussion list and member-only resource session. E-mail me if you’d like to be involved. john.dawe@afpnepa.org.
Philanthropy Forum
Our chapter’s Philanthropy Forum will be held in the Spring in late April or early May. The date is still under consideration pending the selection and availability of a keynote speaker. If you are interested in being part of this bi-annual event focused on bringing a major conference on fundraising to YOU, and those in our profession unable to attend national and international conferences – please e-mail forum@afpnepa.org. We are looking for speakers, planning committee members, etc.
Warm regards,
John Dawe
Chapter President