Hello everybody,
AFP is at its core an organization for people who are professionally helpful. Our Southern Arizona chapter stands out because not only are we a bunch of really caring people, we also like to ask questions like, “How long will this help?” and “How do we get this help to the people who need it most?”
I have seen enough of the nonprofit world to know that although we work in an industry that tends to attract empathetic people, we still don’t know everything and are just as easily swayed into comfort zones and echo chambers. That kind of complacency stagnates organizations and blocks personal growth. If we really want to help, and if we really want to change, we need to get outside of our comfort zone and invite new voices to the table.
It has been the mission of our chapter’s Board of Directors to diversify not only the board, but to bring principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) to every aspect of our work. I hope you’ve noticed that in the topics and faces that we shine our spotlight on. We do this because this is how you make the world a better place.
If you told me seven years ago I would be president elect of this AFP chapter I would have laughed you out of my wood paneled office in a haunted firehouse. I thought this organization (and all of fundraising) was the realm of rich white people. The only reason that is changing is because of all the myriad targeted efforts to include new people and channel resources to them. The only reason I’m here is because I saw a real opportunity to make a difference in my community by supporting the most ride-or-die helpful people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet: nonprofit workers (who are by default all fundraisers, sorry).
I want you to help support our chapter in this work. Money is great, if you can donate that – scholarships are probably the best way to get new folx in our community involved, and we have a match from a generous donor up to $1,500. If you have non-monetary resources, we would love that too: send people you know our way, donate your skills or materials, share some event space you have, join our Peer Connect program. You can see more details on the attached list.
Locally Grown is about contributing what you can to help our community. Right now, I meditate on the process of growing, and how important our environment – our place – is, for what we grow into. Thank you for all that you show up with to this place, and for how you’ve helped our chapter grow.
In Solidarity,
Elise Christmon
President-Elect
Non-monetary ways to contribute to Locally Grown:
- Social connections
- Introduce us to potential speakers
- Nominate a new board member
- Invite new members
- Remember, we have scholarships!
- Donors & sponsors
- Annual sponsors (community foundations)
- Spreading the word and representing AFP
- Emotional support (therapy, wellness services)
- Physical wellness (massage, acupuncture, etc)
- Skills
- Presentations/Skill-sharing
- Translating
- Tech
- Art/Craft (photography, graphic design, baking, etc)
- Materials
- Event supplies
- Educational materials – for the library
- Fundraising
- IDEA
- Space
- Advocacy
- Being involved in nonprofit policy making
Support the AFP Southern Arizona Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
● Your funds will help offer not only scholarships for young professionals now, but into the future as well.
● AFP has been challenged to raise at least $1,500, at which point our generous donor will match those funds dollar-for-dollar.
● Donations can be made at afpsoaz.org/donate or directly through CFSA.
Want to know more? Have a great idea or something to share? Reach out to us at info@afpsoaz.org and get connected with a Board member.
