These are (still) difficult times. One million people have lost their lives to COVID-19. That is millions of families and friends who have lost their loved ones in this country alone. 

 

And I shudder to think of family members and friends who may never return from their routine grocery shopping because of racially-motivated mass killings. Like many of you, I am still processing the violent events within our borders and beyond.

 

I want to keep the faith - we shall (and must) overcome hate.

 

Speaking of keeping the faith, I am grateful to be part of the AFP community as we strive to combat the roots of hate, inequity, fear, and greed through the causes we serve. And thanks to AFP, I am getting an opportunity to learn and share on how we can move our organizations toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. 

I had this moment of learning and community while attending my first AFP ICON earlier this month. To be surrounded by more than 2,500 fellow fundraisers amid the glitz and the glamor of Las Vegas felt overwhelming and surreal at times – and also a great reminder that we will never tire of connecting in person. After two years of Zoom, it was amazing to share in the excitement and new learning with fellow New Yorkers at AFP ICON.

 

Shout out to keynote speakers for their thoughtful reflections. Olympian Allyson Felix mustered the courage to speak up for maternity protections even when it was not comfortable. Zainab Salbi closed the event with a reminder that kindness, respect, and authenticity are key in how we treat ourselves and others. We cannot serve others with kindness if we are not kind to ourselves and our families.

 

I am grateful to Change Machine for investing in professional development for all its employees, including myself. If you are in a leadership position, I hope you will consider sending your team to Fundraising Day New York on Friday, June 17th at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. It will pay dividends when your colleagues (and potential future employees) know that you and your organization care about learning, growth, and equity.

 

 

Thank you for reading. As Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

 

And be well.