Seattle Programs

You've talked, we've listened! Based on feedback from AFP Washington members, the Education and Professional Development Committee will be focusing on YOU in 2010.

In the spirit of "meeting fundraisers where they are," we've added a variety of opportunities to our regular Seattle luncheons and Eastside breakfasts to better fit your schedules and needs. New half-day trainings will revolve around specific topics such as Creating a Culture of Philanthropy Within Your Organization, or Teaching Your Board To Be Your Cheerleader. Instead of just talking at you, these trainings will be intensive work sessions, which you'll leave with a work plan in-hand, ready to take on your next workplace challenge.

We're keeping the regular audio conferences, short but deep sessions on very specific development topics presented by experts in the field. The ever-popular Senior Salons will still be offered. These small group discussions – 25 people or less – are centered around topics that leaders in the development office wrestle on a regular basis.

And we wouldn't THINK of eliminating the Major Gifts Symposium. This full-day symposium has been described by past attendees as "useful, motivating, fun and the most valuable training of the year." An in-depth, interactive community learning experience, the Major Gifts Symposium provides opportunities to gain exposure to world class presenters offering leading-edge best practices, reflect with peers, problem solve 1:1 and in small groups, and synthesize what you have learned into new behavior, new plans, and concrete results.

But it's not all about your organization- it's also about YOU. Fund development features some of the best and brightest in our community, so how do we help you keep going? How do we hold onto the best and the brightest? We make sure you have what you need to stay on track. We've decided to hold the first-ever AFP Washington Members Only Series. This three-part series will give you the tools you need to excel in your career as a fundraiser, be it attaining your CFRE, being your own cheerleader, pursuing graduate school or even cultivating a *real* work/life balance to avoid the burnout that is so common in our field.

To round things out, we've compiled a slate of Martini Mondays featuring prominent local philanthropists and seasoned development professionals. These are informal opportunities to network with other fundraisers and ask the burning questions that keep you awake at night and get some real honest answers.

AFP Washington's events give every fundraising professional, no matter what level of experience they have, the opportunity to enrich their skills and add to their knowledge base, network with other development professionals, and STAY MOTIVATED. 2009 was hard for everyone, we know. You're working twice as hard with fewer resources, and are feeling the pressure like never before. We want to help! Let AFP Washington be the network of friends that understand the issues you face daily and give you the fuel and tools to keep you going.