Chapter Newsletter - January 2024

January 2024

A Message from the president:

Welcome to 2024, fellow fundraising professionals!

I hope you were able to take time to recharge over the holidays, however you celebrated.

The new year ushers in a new look for the AFP Nova Scotia Board of Directors. New faces grace our Zoom squares alongside familiar ones. Thank you to Whitney MacLean, our now Past-President, for guiding our chapter through the past 18 months. The charitable sector is rarely boring, and we are very grateful for the time and effort you, Whitney, put into ensuring our chapter was not only aware of the “goings-on” locally and nationally, but allowing us as members to carve a path to take a stand, especially when it came to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).

January is a time for resolutions. For 2024, our chapter is continuing to strengthen our pledge to the principles of IDEA. We are also working to strengthen our commitment to professional development for you, our members. While it is still very early in the planning stages, we are excited to announce the annual Maritime Fundraising Conference will be returning in 2024, this time in late September! Leadership for MFC 2024 will be in place soon. Be on the lookout for opportunities to help craft the Maritimes’ largest professional fundraising conference.

Oh, and one more resolution to consider: kindness. An opportunity for each of you to share some kindness with your fellow AFP members is to join us at 2024’s first Mixer on January 24th at Pier 21. Details below.

It seems that every year since the COVID pandemic, we refer to how challenging the previous year was. And you’re not wrong! These past four years have been a lot: professionally, personally, mentally, and physically. As we enter 2024, I encourage you to lead with kindness; not only to your colleagues and donors, but to yourself. Take time to fill your cup – whether that’s spending time networking with fellow fundraisers (we have an event for that!) or a few more minutes of mindfulness each day.

All the very best,

Alison Clements – President, AFP Nova Scotia

Networking Evening at the New Year Social

January 24th is not only the date of our social evening but it’s National Compliment Day, so come on out and share a compliment or two with your fellow AFP members.

Proudly presented by our Networking Social Sponsor, Glenn Stewardson with the Donor Motivation Program, and RCR Hospitality Group, you’re invited to join us at The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (1055 Marginal Rd., Halifax) from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Register today! Tickets are only $10 each and include tasty appetizers, a refreshment, and tours of Pier 21’s rental spaces. For those who self-identify as being from an equity-seeking group or face other barriers to registering, tickets are complimentary.

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Have Lunch with the Phone Lady

Thursday January 25th, join 'The Phone Lady' Mary Jane Copps for

The Art of the Donor Phone Call. This is your chance to hear how you can get donors to pick up the phone and connect.

This opportunity is sponsored by Donor Motivation Program.

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Maritime Fundraising Conference Organizing Committee

It’s time to start planning MFC24 and we are looking for volunteers to help make this year another incredible professional development opportunity. Help us organize speakers, promotion and all the logistics for the day.

Held annually by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Nova Scotia Chapter, MFC is Atlantic Canada’s largest fundraising conference. It brings together fundraisers and nonprofit professionals for a day of learning and connection.

This is your opportunity to try something new. If you are interested in learning more please reach out to afpnovascotia@gmail.com with MFC Volunteer in the subject line.

Term Begins for New Directors

As we enter a new year we are excited to welcome our new AFPNS board of directors! You can see the full slate of directors by visiting our website.

• Angela Rafuse - Director at Large

• Basim Sobeih - Director at Large

• Jordan Fisher, DIrector at Large

• Carmen Boyko, Chair Marketing & Communications

• Lauren Wu - Director at Large

AFP NS IDEA Journey

The AFP NS Board continues to work with April Howe of P4G/Crayon Strategies Inc. to support our chapter’s IDEA journey and passion for change. Our sessions with April started with an inward look to help us determine where we were at in our IDEA journey and gauge our thoughts and visions for the future. This culminated in a strategic plan and pathway forward. The plan will help us pinpoint and overcome any hurdles to fairness and open doors for all our members. It will also help us weave equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into or everyday operations and culture.

This is a journey and it will take time to unfold, however having a pathway is the first step. There will be opportunities for member input along the way and we look forward to engaging you in this work. Stay tuned for updates!

AFP ICON

AFP is excited to announce that Nneka Allen, co-editor of Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love, principal and founder of The Empathy Agency Inc., will join Nikole Hannah-Jones on stage for the opening keynote of AFP ICON 2024 in Toronto.

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AFP/Blackbaud Emerging Leader Mentor Program

This 8-month cohort experience, curated specifically for both the mentor and mentee, includes virtual skills-based trainings and face-to-face meetings at AFP ICON and LEAD.

Apply Today

Manager of Corporate and Community Engagement

Halifax, NS

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Advancement Coordinator

Haliax, NS

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Director, Finance and Operations

Charlottetown, PE

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Regional Philanthropy and Partnerships - Eastern Canada

Halifax, NS

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Visit our website for a full listing of current postings or to share your own opening.

Chapter Job Centre

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AFP in Canada -- Vision Statement

To stimulate a world of generosity and positive social good through fundraising best practice.

AFP in Canada -- Mission Statement

The Association of Fundraising Professionals empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy.

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