January 2006 President's Message
Patricia Moran
Dear Colleagues:
 As I begin the leadership of the Greater New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, I want to share my goals for 2006. During the year, I will periodically update you on our efforts to reach these goals. So I present my “Six for ’06”.
1. Increase Member Involvement in Local, Regional, and International Activities.
The Greater New York Chapter is the founding member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and we proudly announce this on our letterhead and brochures. In addition to being the first chapter, we are one of the three largest chapters in the organization. As the Greater New York AFP chapter represents a large, diverse, and experienced group of fundraisers, each of us can be an important resource to all AFP members in the US and Canada and members in international chapters. I ask you to consider giving six hours of volunteer service to the Greater New York Chapter this year. Your six hours could be spent participating in a professional workshop, planning the curriculum for other educational programs, serving on an International Association Task Force, or encouraging your colleagues to join AFP. Get involved—it will expand your fundraising knowledge and help the Greater New York AFP Chapter.
2. Promote the Greater New York Chapter and our members within the International Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Each year fundraisers, chapter programs, volunteers, and philanthropists are recognized by the International Association of Fundraising Professionals for their commitment to philanthropy efforts in their community. In the past few years, the Greater New York chapter has not been included in this important recognition. Our chapter sponsors outstanding programs and anyone who attended our celebration of National Philanthropy Day at Rockefeller Center in November can attest to the high quality and innovation of our programs both for fundraisers and philanthropists. I will work with several chapter committees to insure that our chapter programs and our members are recognized on an international level for their service and commitment to our profession.
3. Become the Largest Chapter in the International Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Is bigger really better? I say yes. Our chapter membership has hovered at 1,000 members for several years. Considering the number of fundraisers in the metropolitan area, our membership level is too low. There are senior level fundraisers serving in medium to large nonprofit organizations who should join AFP as a commitment to their profession and to endorse the code of ethics. Many young and innovative grassroots organizations employ fundraisers who are unaware of the programs and services of our chapter. During 2006, we will outreach to non-member fundraisers to encourage their participation and hopefully end the year as the largest chapter in AFP.
4. Provide an Annual Series of Educational Programs that fit Fundraisers’ Individual Career Plans.
In New York City fundraisers have a host of educational programs from which to select. The Greater New York Chapter’s hallmark is its high-quality and low-cost educational programs facilitated by senior-level fundraisers with extensive “on-the-job” experience. During 2006, we will introduce an educational “series” that will allow a fundraiser to personalize an annual educational program that will advance his or her career. The “series” will provide discount prices to some of the most popular programs that our chapter sponsors. Stay tuned for announcements about our series program in 2006.
5. Promote our “Star” Programs: Fund Raising Day in New York and National Philanthropy Day.
Twice a year, our chapter shines because of outstanding special programs. Each summer, we present Fund Raising Day in New York, which we have sponsored for more than 25 years. Most chapters in the United States model their educational programs on our flagship one-day conference. In the fall, we celebrate National Philanthropy Day by honoring philanthropists and volunteers from nonprofit organizations in the Greater New York area. Both of these programs are rich in history and conducted by a cadre of dedicated volunteers each year. These programs, combined with other on-going programs, position our chapter to be the organization for information on philanthropy.
6. Have More Fun.
Although we provide an extensive catalog for educational programs, we will add more opportunities to network with other fundraisers, learn about new professional openings, and meet potential AFP members. Please check our Web site to find the dates for our no-agenda AFP receptions.
I look forward to serving as the President of the Greater New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. I hope to see you at one or more AFP events in 2006.
Patricia A. Moran, CFRE
Fordham University
This message is part of this month’s newsletter, which is available online. Please click here to read Fundraising News.
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