Amy O’Sullivan, CFRE
President - 2023
AFP Greater Arizona Chapter
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January -
Happy New Year! As nonprofit professionals, the last few months of the year are extremely busy. Events, year-end fundraising campaigns, thanking our donors, and participating in activities specific to the communities and causes that we serve lead us to burning the candle on both ends. I hope that you have had the opportunity to relax, recharge, and are ready to make an impact in 2023.
My name is Amy O’Sullivan, and I am honored to be serving as the President of the AFP Greater Arizona Chapter this year. I am lucky to be surrounded by a dedicated and talented Board of Directors - we have lot of great things planned for you this year!
I want to start the year by encouraging you to get further involved with our chapter by joining a committee. We have openings on our Career Services, Education, IDEA, Marketing/Communications, Membership, National Philanthropy Day, and Sponsorship committees. Getting involved has been an essential part of my professional growth, and I have made invaluable friendships along the way. To learn more about one of these exciting opportunities, you can email admin@afpaz.org.
If there is anything I can help you with, don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to seeing you all at an AFP event this year!
February -
2023 started strong with two awesome Chapter events in January.
We gathered at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona for a Membership Mixer featuring our Past Chapter President Jessica Whitney. It was wonderful to learn about her career path and more about their critical mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
A week later, our Education Committee planned a fascinating workshop featuring Greg Warner the CEO & Founder of MarketSmart. He challenged us to think outside of the box of the traditional major gifts processes and institute a more innovative and modernized approach. It was wonderful to see new and old friends at both of these events!
Speaking of educational opportunities, did you know that all AFP members qualify for a $100 credit to use on any of AFP Global’s webinars or conference recordings? Click here to learn how to take advantage this often-underutilized benefit of our AFP membership.
Wishing you all a wonderful February, and I hope to see you at a Chapter event soon!
March -
I would like to start by congratulating our Chapter for earning the 2023 IDEA Champion Designation! AFP Global recognized 98 chapter this year that they feel accomplished many of the key objectives in the goal of advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA). As the year goes on, you will hear more about education events and affinity groups that focus on our IDEA initiatives.
You should have received an email from AFP Global announcing their new membership database. Be sure to take a moment to follow the directions on how to activate your login and reset your password. While there, peek at your profile and ensure that your information is up to date.
And finally, thank you to all members who have volunteered to serve on one of our committees. We still have room on our Advancement and Membership Committees. If you want to get involved, please reach out – we would love to have you!
I hope you have an opportunity to take a break, enjoy the beautiful weather and take advantage of the many things that our state has to offer this time of year.
April
The AFP Arizona State-Wide Conference is Coming to Phoenix!
This July, our Chapter is thrilled to be hosting the annual state-wide conference. This is an awesome opportunity for us to network, learn, and have fun with fundraisers from across the state. Here are a few details but stay tuned for more information to come!
· The conference will be held at the Wild Horse Pass Resort. If you want to stay the night, the conference rate is $109 and can be booked online here. The deadline to book a room is June 30, 2023.
· On July 25, we are offering an official CFRE approved test prep course followed by a welcome reception for all conference attendees.
· On July 26, we will be offering plenary speakers for breakfast and lunch as well as 12 workshop options for both seasoned and new fundraisers.
· Are you interested in leading one of our workshop sessions? If so, please complete our speaker request form found here. Call for Speakers
· Finally, we are looking for sponsors! The conference is a perfect opportunity to support our industry while also gaining exposure and making connections with fundraisers from across the state. Please contact Nancy Mitchell at nmitchell@azhumane.org for details, also visit our sponsorship page.
· Ready to register? Click here for pricing and a link to register.
I hope that you are saving the date(s), and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
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May
Greetings, Fellow Fundraisers and Non-Profit Friends!
Last week, I spent some time enjoying sessions from the Responsive Nonprofit Summit put on by our friends and generous sponsor, Virtuous. There were several sessions that discussed the high level of burnout that is being felt among those in our industry and ways to combat this. Besides taking a much needed break this summer, one idea discussed was to spend time in community with others who may face common challenges. I’ve always known how grateful I am for the people that I have met through AFP, but now I know why. Having someone to go to when I feel frustrated or celebrate my wins with who really understands what it’s like to be a fundraiser is such a gift!
I encourage you gather with us this summer at one (or all!) of our upcoming Chapter events described in this month’s newsletter. And if you don’t have anyone to commiserate with or give a high-five to when you have a great day, don’t hesitate to reach out, I am happy to be that person who just gets it.
Thank you for being part of our community!
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