Association of Fundraising Professionals/
Washington DC Metro Area Chapter

E-Bag
January 2005

E-Bag Sponsored by Donor Strategies Inc

Table of Contents

Message from the President (May also be viewed on our website.)

As we begin the New Year, the world is grappling with one of the greatest natural disasters in human history. As expected, the world's citizens are responding with their generosity and the world's charities (many based here in the U.S.) are responding with expertise and compassion. It's a time to be proud to be part of the nonprofit sector.

We must not forget, however, that we are also a sector facing tremendous change and challenge. In its first issue of 2005, The Chronicle of Philanthropy's special report noted that the total number of charities rose by 5.6 percent in 2003 to nearly 800,000 organizations now listed with the Internal Revenue Service. And forty percent of those organizations have been added within the past decade.

As more and more organizations are created, competition for dollars becomes even more intense. Consequently, the skills and expertise of fundraising professionals should be more highly valued as well. But sadly, in too many organizations, professional fundraisers are still marginalized or under-appreciated.

As the incoming President of the AFP's DC Chapter, I urge us to remember that our “association as fellow professionals” is the greatest benefit of being part of this organization. Beyond the educational programs, beyond the code of ethics and beyond the networking opportunities, our greatest strength is found in standing side by side to enhance the image and reputation of the fundraising profession and the sector.

How many times have you and I heard people say, “I had no idea such an organization of fundraisers existed”? Yet our chapter is nearly 1,000 members strong and growing. Our membership includes people who have been development professionals for more than 25 years and 25-year-olds now entering their first fundraising job. Yet we all share a deep commitment to causes that make our community and our world a better place.

Over the coming year, AFP/DC will be trying some new approaches to address the needs of all our members – from seasoned to young professionals … from downtown to the suburbs. We'll also be unveiling a new three-year strategic plan, which has been in progress for the past year and represents a bright new vision for our chapter's future.

I look forward to working closely with all of you in the months ahead to continue to make AFP/DC an organization you are proud to be associated with. I welcome your feedback on how we're doing and your suggestions about what we can do better. Please feel free to drop me a line at any time to info@afpdc.org to share your thoughts.

Kathy Swayze, CFRE
2005 AFP/DC President

P.S. If you would like to learn more about Tsunami relief efforts, visit www.networkforgood.org for a complete list of charities providing emergency assistance, food and support for reconstruction.

Advanced Executives for January 2005

Please note: Advanced Executive Programs are for AFP members in the fundraising field for ten or more years.

Date: Friday, January 14, 2005
Topic: "Current Issues for Grantmakers: 2005 and Beyond"
Speaker: Kae Dakin - Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 A.M.
Location: The Army Navy Club, 901 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Registration: by noon on Friday, January 7, 2005. Online registration is open and a faxable form is available.
Member Cost: $25 (in advance); $35 (after 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7; and at the door)
*Non Member Cost: $35 (in advance); $35 (after 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7; and at the door)
*Non Members may attend if invited by a member.

Thanks to Campbell and Company for sponsoring the Advanced Executives Series.

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• how to maximize what you have to offer
• how to present it to ensure you're the candidate that rises to the top
• ways to leverage your skill set
• developing a resume and cover letter that effectively represent you and the value you bring to an organization
• techniques to tap into valuable networks and increase your exposure to opportunities
• ways that a career coach can assist you in developing your job search strategy

• He writes a monthly career column for Association Trends called "Ask the Coach," and has published articles in leading association management magazines and newsletters.
• Marshall's book, High Level Resumes, to be released in January 2005, reflects his successful work in leading hundreds of job candidates in creating compelling professional resumes.
• His speaking engagements have attracted hundreds of association and business professionals around the country.

1. Fax in the RSVP form to 202-547-6348.
2. Send an e-mail with the subject line of "RSVP for Roundtable" to the chapter office at info@afpdc.org.

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