THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER

OK, I’ll admit it.  I’m a fan of reality TV. Especially those programs that seem to relate most personally to me.   In other words, I don’t watch much of Dancing with the Stars, since I have the grace of a rhino, and I’m not one for American Idol because I can’t carry a tune.  I do, however, tune in pretty regularly to The Biggest Loser and to Discovery Health’s National Body Challenge.  That last one is an annual event for me in order to help inspire me, yet again, to lead a healthier life.  I also watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition and lots of home shows on TLC, A&E and HGTV because my husband and I always have grand plans for a major home renovation.  Hasn’t happened yet.  Guess we’re still planning.

So what does all this have to do with AFP and fundraising?  I’m not exactly sure, but stay with me here for just a minute, and I’ll try to get somewhere with this idea.

Why is reality TV such a hit?  How can we use our world’s obvious obsession with watching others live their lives to help build stronger organizations and a stronger community?

Why don’t we share our own reality with our donors?

I have in the past couple of years found myself on the mailing list of a lot of non-profit organizations, both local and national.  I don’t know how it happened, but for some reason, they think I have money to give, so here come those solicitation letters and free address labels.  I’m amazed at the number of these solicitation pieces that are NOT steeped in reality.  I’m often bored to tears (and to trashing the piece) before I’ve completed the first paragraph because I have no idea what some of these organizations are REALLY doing. I know they need my money for something, but I don’t really know what my money will do.

Don’t get me wrong.  Some of you guys are really good, and I, surprisingly, broadened my giving reach this year as a result.  But, let’s be honest, most of us are way too wrapped up in the fantasy of the numbers rather than sharing the reality of all the wonderful things we’re doing to make our city, our state and our country a better place.

Hey, I may be preachin’ to the choir here, but one of the things my donors ask for the very most are the REAL stories of our success, and, yes, sometimes even our failures, so they can have a better feeling for what we are accomplishing, or trying hard to accomplish, with their dollars.  They don’t really care that much about the square footage of our latest building, how many pieces of fitness equipment we have or how many kids are enrolled in our childcare programs.  They want to know the real stories about real people for whom their donation made a real difference.  In the case of the YMCA, they want to know about real kids who learned to swim at the Y, who had a safe place to go after school, who had a great life-learning experience at camp during the summer.  They want to know about the real family who benefited from living healthier and the dad who was able to recover from his heart attack, lose weight and lower his cholesterol.  We tell these stories, protecting the privacy of those who wish us to do so.  We tell these stories at civic club meetings, in elevators, at luncheons, at church.  We make sure our Board members know these stories and can share them wherever they go, too.  We have to be storytellers for our organizations in order to make sure our stories are told.

Become your own reality show because I bet your own reality is pretty good stuff.  Don’t be the biggest loser (unless, like me you’re on a diet--again); be the best storyteller and win big with your donors!

Sally Ray

 

FEBRUARY LUNCHEON - Please RSVP!

February 6, 2008

Sportsman’s Club

11:45 a.m.

The cost for the luncheon is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.  You will pay at the luncheon.  Please RSVP by Monday, February 4th to Martha Stone at afpoklahoma@gmail.com.

On Wednesday, February 6 at the Sportsman’s Club, Jack Fesler and Phil Norton of Executive Service Corps of Central Oklahoma (ESCCO) will discuss the organization’s new Executive Coaching Program.  ESCCO’s new program will provide high quality coaching to nonprofit executive directors, executive staff and board chairs to develop their leadership skills.  Jack Fesler and Phil Norton lead the project for ESCCO.

Jack Fesler held various financial management positions at Procter and Gamble Co. before moving to Sara Lee Corporation, where he retired as vice president finance and chief financial officer of the company’s Hillshire Farm Division.  He was active in a variety of civic activities in Cincinnati and is doing the same in Oklahoma City since returning here.  He was raised in Oklahoma City and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma.  He and his wife, Bobbie, live in Edmond.

Phil Norton is president of Norton Management Group LLC and has served as a technology transfer specialist for Oklahoma State University.  He was on the faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma and Phoenix University.  He has served in many capacities in manufacturing and engineering consulting since receiving degrees from the University of Kansas (BA), the University of Southern California (MS) and University of New Haven (MBA).  He and his wife, Carol, live in Oklahoma City. 

ESCCO is a group of professional women and men retired from business, government, education and nonprofits who volunteer their time and talents as consultants to nonprofit agencies, health organizations, schools and government entities.  Generally working in teams, more than 60 consultants provide a wealth of experience in management, organization, finance, human resources, marketing, technology and other areas.

In March, Dave Maloney, former retired University of Oklahoma Vice President for Development, will present on major gifts.

LUNCHEON & EDUCATION SURVEY

By now, you should have received an email regarding a survey about our monthly luncheons and topics you'd like to have presented.  Your opinions are important to us and we appreciate your participation in gathering this information.  To access the survey, please visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=52p2ip93B_2fK8TgZRPk48MQ_3d_3d or use the link in your email.

AFP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT…MANDY ELLIS

Position and Organization – Director of Major Gifts, United Way of Central Oklahoma

Years in Fundraising – 4 years as of April 1 – no fooling!

Best fundraising tip received – Ask!  The worst thing anyone can say is no.

Most useful fundraising resource – People are the best source of information I have found.  Friends, volunteers, and fellow fundraisers are always willing to share helpful hints and experiences. 

Why I love non-profit work – I love how flexible and dynamic non-profit work can be.  I get the chance to learn and develop so many different skills because resources are limited.  And, as corny and cliché as it sounds, at the end of the day it feels good to go home and know that I am a part of making our city a great place to live for everyone.

Favorite quote – I am not a quote person so I had to do some searching.  I know I should probably select something profound and moving but that is a lot of pressure.  I do enjoy this one by Maya Angelou (short, sweet, and to the point):  “Nothing will work unless you do.”

Hobbies – My hobbies include being really active or being really lazy.  I love to dance and have for years recently moving into ballroom dancing.  I enjoy working out and going to movies.  But, I have a deep appreciation for spending the day on the couch with no plans to move except to the kitchen!

Family – My husband, Ryan, and I have two cats, Cleo and Eddie, and one rather large chocolate lab, Burton.  We love them and talk about them like they are our children. 

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

On Thursday, February 21, the AFP Mid America Chapter will present a one-day seminar on Donor Centered Fundraising with Penelope Burk.  Donor-Centered Fundraising is the break-through concept in fundraising and communication that identifies the most effective strategies for maximizing donor loyalty and gift value while minimizing expenses that simply drain charities' budgets.  Penelope's seminar examines some of the primary communication and market strategies used by not-for-profit organizations following a Donor-Centered model and identifies those approaches that ultimately lead to increased giving and greater donor satisfaction.

Penelope Burk's topics will include:

• The relationship between marketing and fundraising.

• Getting boards more involved in fundraising.

• Online fundraising.

• Effective stewardship.

• Timing in turning annual donors to major gift donors.

• How to ask annual donors for planned giving.

• Professional burnout.

• How to involve all staff members in fundraising.

Seating is limited. Register TODAY!

Early Bird (by February 1, 2008)

• AFP Member - $125

• Non-Member - $150

Regular Registration (after February 1, 2008)

• AFP Member - $150

• Non-Member - $175

Visit www.afpkc.org for more information or to register for the conference. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

If you’re looking for a new challenge in the development arena, visit the AFP Oklahoma website at http://www.afpoklahoma.org/JobOpportunities.asp for complete descriptions of exciting opportunities with a number of organizations.  Below you will find just a few of the development-related positions currently available.

American Red Cross, Central Oklahoma Chapter

Director of Chapter Development

The Director of Chapter Development provides leadership to plan, organize, direct, coordinate, implement, and evaluate all aspects of financial development, and public relations for the Chapter under the direction of the CEO and in conjunction with the Financial Development Committee Chair.

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic^® (RFB&D^®), Regional Unit of the South Central States

State Director

The Regional Unit of RFB&D is seeking a State Director to provide leadership, management and coordination of the fund raising, program development, recruitment, public relations, outreach and communications for the State.  The position supports the Regional Unit’s mission, policies, procedures and goals by implementing said policies on the state level and works towards furthering RFB&D as One Organization.

Alzheimer's Association

Associate Director, Major Gifts (OKC-based)

The National Office located in Downtown Chicago is seeking an Associate Director, Major Gifts to be responsible for managing a core list of 80 major gift prospects, each capable of giving $25,000 or more.

 

 

 

e-mail: afpoklahoma@gmail.com

web: www.afpoklahoma.org

PO Box 217

Oklahoma City, OK 73101

 

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