MONTH

THEME

May

Legislature, Advocacy and Public Policy

Advocacy 101 (Rebroadcast from Legislative Action Day 2021) – Learn why advocacy should be part of your work, and how to do it. It is our pleasure to share this paid content at no charge. Please consider becoming a member of AFP or making a donation in support of this programming.

AFP Global Public Policy and Advocacy Priorities (Rebroadcast from Legislative Action Day 2021) – Hear from Adrienne Longenecker, CFRE, a veteran fundraiser in Central Texas who serves as the Vice Chair of External Relations for the Board of Directors at AFP Global, and others, about how our parent organization is advocating for fundraising and philanthropy at the national level.

June

Equity and Representation

An introduction to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) at AFP Greater Austin from Heather Henry, Director of Outreach

July

Career Development

View this interactive conversation between local veteran and next-generation fundraisers. Topics covered include: representation in the industry; work-life balance; working with program delivery staff; the value (or non-value) of formal education and professional training; which standards in our field should remain standards, and which should be ended; and lessons learned.

Take a moment to watch Getting a Seat at the Table - Kimberly Lewis, MS, CE gives some tips on how to overcome uncomfortable situations in order to advance in your career and get a seat at the table. (Content restricted to AFP members only.)

Check out Christine vs. Work - a series of short videos where Christine tackles a real-life problem related to work and brings you along for the ride.

August

Engaging Your Board of Directors

AFP Ready Reference Guide on Building an Effective Board of Directors and Statement of Understanding for Board Members - Download this members-only toolkit from our global parent organization to help you build an effective board of directors.

Pathways to Greater Diversity on Nonprofit Boards - Revisit these study findings from 2018 that highlight the value that diversity adds to boards of directors, as well as tips on how to improve the diversity of your board.

Building a Culture of Philanthropy - Do you struggle to get your board involved in fundraising, or to make personal gifts to your organization? You are not alone! Watch this members-only micro-learning video from AFP Global for tips on how to create a culture of philanthropy on your board.

Getting your Nonprofit Board Members to Commit to Fundraising Efforts - From Virtuous, the sponsor of the inaugural season of the Values and Skills Institute, use this extensive guide to engage your board of directors in fundraising. 

September

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

How to: Giving Tuesday with I Live Here I Give Here

What is Giving Tuesday? How can participating benefit your nonprofit? Christine Herlin, Director of Nonprofit and Customer Relations at I Live Here I Give Here, joins the Institute this month with a primer on the global movement. Participants can expect to leave the session with real-world examples and creative ideas for implementing their own campaigns. This session is free and open to the public.

New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World—and How to Make It Work for You

Published in 2018, this national bestseller is a must-read for anyone interested in spreading ideas, building movements or just remaining relevant in our chaotic, noisy society. Because it is co-authored by one of the founders of the Giving Tuesday movement, the principles and examples provided speak directly to third-party fundraising for nonprofits. Come prepared for breakout groups and interactive sharing. Attendees are encouraged to read the book before the session, but that is not required. This session is free and open to the public. More information about the book and its authors can be found at www.thisisnewpower.com.

October

Ethics in Fundraising

The Ethics of Job Searches in a Time of Pandemic

Attendees will discuss relevant, timely issues related to transparency in recruiting, selecting candidates, interviewing, and hiring. Specific scenarios for discussion could include when an employee is terminated for performance issues or when an employee was let go because of budget cuts (especially during Covid). The presentation will be facilitated by Jonathan Ball and a member of the AFP Austin Board. 

November

Events

A Conversation About Hosting Events in 2021 and Beyond - How have the past 18 months changed how nonprofits introduce supporters to their missions and raise money through events? Which tried-and-true methods still work, what are the new trends and what is on the horizon?

December

Engaging Your Supporters