I just spent this past week in one of the most iconic cities in the USA, Las Vegas! It was magical at night with the lights along the strip, the busyness of people on the streets, the fountain show at the Bellagio, the golden lion at MGM, Circus Circus and Flamingo for nostalgia, and the shows in the theatres and on the streets.
The infamous saying "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" is too true, so I will stop here about the city of Las Vegas and tell you about a conference I attended.
It was the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) entitled #AFPICON2022. After 3 years, it was great to gather in person with a couple of thousand like-minded development practitioners. These are thought-leaders that raise money for non-profits in order to promote the mission and services of the organization. It was a culmination of human services, healthcare, foundations, public charities, and trade organizations coming together to learn, network, engage and refresh in the field of philanthropy.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, advocacy, and certification programs. As a member, I have been involved in the local chapter, but never to the magnitude of a national conference.
According to AFP.com, the AFP ICON conference attracts approximately 4,000 of the profession's decision-makers each year. Supporting AFP gives your organization effective marketing power and valuable exposure. Fundraisers worldwide will recognize your organization, including thousands of development professionals outside the AFP membership. They recognized exceptional people in their field both the seasoned fundraiser and the emerging young professionals.
While the workshop speakers were wonderful, the most impressive speaker was the keynote - Allyson Felix. She is an American field and track star. She is an Olympian with an impressive 11 medals who is training for her future, and in her words, "last Olympics". As a working mother, she told her story and the controversy behind losing her Nike contract. Like most women leaders, she got mad and then got motivated. Allyson created her own line of running footwear called Saysh. She testified before the United States House Committee on Ways and Means on the topic of the black maternal mortality crisis after a personal crisis during her own pregnancy. She is philanthropically involved and mission-minded. She is iconic.
My personal takeaway from the conference is this:
Leadership is about moving past the controversy and creating something that supports your organization's mission.
Leadership is about learning from experts in their field while being an expert in yours.
Leadership is not about being an icon, but being iconic in your field.
If you are a development professional, I highly recommend to you membership in AFP. A global organization with your personal growth in mind.
What She Said ~ Beverly
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