Dear AFP-CVA Members,
We kicked off our 2025 programming calendar with a powerful and insightful event on Thursday, March 20th: "Navigating Change Together: A Strategic Partner Dialogue." In today's ever-evolving landscape, the ability to adapt and collaborate is paramount, and our panelists, Casey Emery, Chief Operating Officer of the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, and Carla Willis, Managing Principal at Washburn & McGoldrick, delivered an exceptional session.
Their authentic, vulnerable, and engaging discussion provided invaluable perspectives on navigating these uncertain times. They offered hope and practical strategies for fostering open communication and shared understanding between funders, consultants, and the organizations they support. If you missed this dynamic session, you can catch the recording here.
We hope you'll join us for our next program on May 15th: Power Shift: Building Equitable Partnerships Through Community-Centered Fundraising.
Program Description:
Are you ready to challenge the traditional power dynamics that shape philanthropy? "Power Shift" is a dynamic and interactive workshop designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to transition from donor-centric models to a truly community-centered approach. We'll move beyond theory and delve into the real-world application of redistributing power and resources, fostering authentic relationships, and driving systemic change.
What You'll Gain:
- Analyze Power Dynamics: Understand how traditional philanthropy perpetuates imbalances and impacts communities.
- Master Community-Centered Principles: Learn core principles like shared leadership and dismantle harmful narratives.
- Build Authentic Relationships: Gain practical skills for genuine engagement, co-creation, and feedback.
- Center Community Voices: Learn to prioritize community needs in program design and decision-making.
- Redistribute Power & Resources: Explore equitable models for governance, funding, and leadership.
- Drive Systemic Change: Develop strategies to address root causes and advocate for policy change.
- Utilize Practical Tools: Participate in exercises, case studies, and receive templates for community-centered fundraising.
- Address Challenges & Build Sustainability: Learn to navigate obstacles and create lasting community partnerships.
Who Should Attend:
- Nonprofit professionals seeking to deepen their community engagement practices.
- Fundraisers committed to building more equitable and just funding models.
- Community leaders who are passionate about empowering their communities.
- Organizational leaders looking to shift their culture and values towards community-centered principles.
Outcome:
Participants will leave "Power Shift" with a renewed understanding of power dynamics in philanthropy and a toolkit of practical strategies for building authentic, equitable partnerships with the communities they serve. They will be empowered to drive systemic change and create a more just and equitable future.
We look forward to seeing you on May 15th as we continue to learn and grow together as a community of fundraising professionals.
Warmest Regards,
Tonya S. Hall
AFP-CVA Chapter President

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