Let’s be honest, there’s nothing magical about January 1st. (Here’s a great blog from author Jon Acuff on making any day New Year’s Day https://acuff.me/2015/02/today-january-1st-want/.)
But since this is a January blog and we are starting a new year, we have all set some goals – both personal and professional. There are many paths to reaching your goals. I’ve got a hunch that serving on an AFP Suncoast Chapter committee could help you reach at least one of your goals. Here are some suggestions:
If your goal is…
- Add a skill that’s missing on your resume – Maybe you see a need to increase your experience in communications, we have a committee for that. Maybe you want more experience in asking for money, we have a committee for that. AFP committees cover a broad range of activities that could fill those gaps.
- Sharpen a skill you have – If you are already good at something, share that skill with your professional association. You’ll be better for it and so will we.
- Find a new job – Serving on a committee is a great way to network so if you think that a job change is in your future, you’ll have a chance to hear about openings from colleagues. You can also get the inside scoop on what it’s like in a variety of organizations.
- Add staff to your development department – maybe it’s time to grow your department. Volunteering with someone is a great way to audition them for a job. You’ll see first hand how they relate to others and if they do what they say they’re going to do.
- Find a colleague who can understands what you’re going through – Sometimes fundraising is lonely work. You might feel like you’re the only person in your organization who understands what you’re going through. When you join an AFP committee, you’ll meet a group who knows exactly what you’re going through.
- Provide guidance to those who are new to fundraising – If you’ve been at this a while, it’s time for you to guide others who are new to fundraising. Service on a committee makes an immediate impact on your colleagues.
- Give back to your profession – If you’ve benefited from the leadership of others, here’s your chance to give back.
- Have fun – the AFP Suncoast Chapter is full of fun people. I know this firsthand. I’ve laughed with them (and laughed at them a few times, too). Committees have fun while they work.
- Qualify for a scholarship – One of the criterion for our professional development scholarships is service on a committee. Sing up now so you can qualify later.
- Improve the fundraising profession right here in Tampa Bay – everything we do is focused on improving fundraising in our community. When you volunteer with us, you join us in that mission.
These are the 10 reasons that come to mind for me. Do you have others?
Just in case you are thinking, ‘I’m already busy so how could I fit in one more thing?’ Everyone serving with you is busy, too. Our committee chairs understand that and insure that tasks are manageable for busy professionals (that’s all of us, right?).
To sign up for a committee or to learn more, click here: 2018 Committee Volunteer Opportunities
Thanks for all you do to make our profession strong. I’ll see you at a committee meeting soon!
Sara Leonard, MBA, CFRE
2017/2018 President – AFP Suncoast Chapter
Sara Leonard Group
www.SaraLeonardGroup.com
(813) 310-2364