Jan Brogdon

Central to our team values is the concept that we can never stop learning, reading, connecting and sharing.  This month, we will share books that have impacted us personally and/or professionally. Perhaps one of our “book reports” will inspire you to join us in our quest for continuous learning. (Although we suspect you are already there.)

This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign.  Today, Jan shares how important it is that leaders are able to share your story with passion.

This January, the DBD Team is making resolutions to help us be better. Today Jan encourages all of us to remember our mentors… and to be one for someone else. 

Who was it for you? That one person (or several people) who have been critical in shaping the success you have achieved in your life? Be it in your career, or church lay leadership, or that older mom who helped you see that “this is just a phase” when you were convinced that your kids were the only ones causing this much chaos in their family’s lives.

Sometimes we’re fractured by the choices we make; sometimes we’re shattered by things we would never have chosen. But our brokenness is also the source of our common humanity, the basis for our shared search for comfort, meaning, and healing. Our shared vulnerability and imperfection nurtures and sustains our capacity for compassion.
― Bryan Stevenson

A couple of my DBD colleagues have shared their experiences from this past August’s Global Leadership Summit. I too have been inspired from an extraordinary leader who is making significant impact through his work.

This summer, the Donor By Design Team is considering new ways grow the relationship with our donors… moving beyond the thank you note to a deeper connection. Today’s topic: making stewardship authentic and personal. 

On a recent feasibility interview I met with a long-time community philanthropist who has been involved in more campaigns than maybe any other leader in my community. In the middle of a lovely question and answer session he leaned back in his seat to share a personal story that I am sharing with you here…

On multiple occasions recently, I have heard nonprofit leaders discussing the upcoming tsunami heading across North America: the changing leadership guard in the C-level suites in large and small organizations in communities of all sizes, demographics and genres of service. If we all sense its approach, what can those of us who are passionately serving today do to help diminish the risk and increase the opportunity to make these transitions beneficial and not catastrophic for the future of the sector?

In his recent post, Bruce highlighted the questions and opportunities that arise when there is change in leadership at the top of an organization. But what about a change in the Development Officer role?

If you know me, you know this is my favorite time of the year: FOOTBALL SEASON! Football is a game with four quarters. The fourth quarter can be a critical time in not only the game being played, but also sets the tone for future games yet to be played.

I recently read an incredible article by Tauna Shoemaker, a young, non-profit professional from Tacoma Washington.