Friday Inspirations, Episode 8 :)
Mar 09, 2018
This week has flown by. Hope it was a great one for you!
We led our very first Fundraisers' University course for 21 amazing nonprofit leaders in Kansas City. An awesome range of fundraisers and executive directors - from one-day-on-the-job to 12 years, from a $440K budget up to $1.2B - joined us at Nonprofit Connect. We threw candy at them, said "yay" about 27 times and left truly inspired by their drive, curiosity and missions.
We're feeling this quote from author Mary Anne Radmacher:
"As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way."
We're reading The Generosity Network. I can't believe it took us this long to find this beautiful fundraising book! Authors, Jennifer McCrea and Jeff Walker, are 1000% speaking our language, with chapters on "human-to-human connection," "transparency & vulnerability," and "the fundraiser as mentor and guide." If you love a good philosophical experiment, check out the Brave New World exercise on page 78. The goal is to help you understand your own values so you can better connect.
We're watching Marie Forleo's interview with Lizzie Velasquez. Lizzie was born with a rare disorder. In high school, she came across a viral video about her called "The Ugliest Woman Alive." Since then, she's been determined to make the world a kinder place. She's now a world-renowned speaker, author and anti-bullying activist. Lizzie reminds us:
"You get to decide how you want to define yourself to the world."
This is critical for nonprofits. We water down our mission statements, speak in jargon and wonder why more people don't understand the real change we make. Define yourself. Don't be afraid to be clear, specific and unapologetic about who you help and why.
We're listening to the new Breeders album!! All Nerve. If you love punk rock girls, Kim and Kelly Deal are the real "Deals." (heh) I've loved them from the beginning and can't wait to see them play this song live at The Truman on May 11th.
BTW, what are YOU reading, watching or listening to this week? Let us know in the comments below!
Wishing you so much success!
Jenna & Nancy
