Volunteer Stories

This National Volunteer Week, we asked a few of our volunteers to share their stories and why they give back to ADRP.

Angela Altamore
President-Elect
Senior Director of Stewardship and Engagement, Kansas State University Foundation

How did you first hear about ADRP?

When I was cleaning out the office of my predecessor, I stumbled upon an ADRP flier from a prior conference. I had been in my role for about one week and felt overwhelmed, so it was a gem of a find! The International Conference in Providence was a few months away, so I began to make my case to leadership to let me attend. Finding others who managed scholarship stewardship like I was learning to do was a lifeline for me. I learned I wasn't alone and that I had a vast network of peers I could learn from. When I took the job I had no idea there was an entire industry of like-minded folks out there to learn from.

Why did you first volunteer?

I was awarded a newcomer Sheryl A. Blair scholarship to attend my first conference. I felt it was only right for me to give back to an organization that welcomed me with open arms. I am so thankful they recognized me with the award, as without it, I'm not sure I would have been able to attend. 

What was your first volunteer role and what did you learn?

I am a wallflower, so finding a volunteer assignment called “room leader” sounded manageable. I had to introduce one speaker at the conference and then sit in the front row to give them time prompts and thank them at the end. It was enough to push me outside my comfort zone, yet fulfilling enough that I felt like I was truly giving back. I learned that folks listen when you are at the front of the room. After the session ended, I had a few folks come up to me and strike up conversations. It helped me get to know folks and start to form a network of peers. I came to the conference not knowing anyone and left with lots of new connections! 

What other volunteer roles have you held with ADRP?

Content Committee for Conference, Webinar Committee Chair, International Stewardship Awards Committee Chair, Board Member, Treasurer, and currently President-Elect.

How has volunteering impacted your career?

It has been a true game-changer. It helped me overcome my intense fear of public speaking, boosted my confidence, led to conversations about job opportunities and introduced me to some of my dearest friends. I have no regrets. 

What advice do you have for new volunteers?

Start where you are. There are all levels of volunteer opportunities with ADRP. Never in a million years would I have guessed that raising my hand to introduce a speaker at a conference session would eventually lead me to being elected the President of this organization. I am so thankful for this organization and all its members. Each and every one of you makes our organization better. We are stronger because of you. But we also rely on our members to help push us forward to enhance our organization. There are opportunities for introverts and extroverts, for folks with lots of free time and for folks with less time on their hands; year-round roles or conference specific assignments. But it takes all of us working together to keep our organization strong. These efforts help the Donor Relations profession grow and be seen as a critical sector of the nonprofit space. Please consider volunteering in whatever capacity you are able. We need you! 

Sarah Brickman
Editor, The Hub
Senior Stewardship Coordinator, Duke Health

How did you first hear about ADRP?

My supervisor in my first true Donor Relations job was deeply involved, having served on the Board of Directors and in various volunteer roles. She encouraged me to join and get involved, and I could not be more grateful!

Why did you first volunteer?

I recognized ADRP as a space to learn and grow in my career, and to make connections and friends to share the journey. As a lifelong volunteer for other organizations, I knew that jumping in and being of service to the organization and its members was one of the best ways to make those connections.

What was your first volunteer role and what did you learn?

I joined the marketing committee for the 2016 International Conference in Pittsburgh. I learned so much about how to create interest and promote a big conference, and just how much work it takes to make it all come together.

Other volunteer roles have you held with ADRP?

I served on the conference marketing committee a few more times and co-chaired it in 2020. I am also a member of the Research Committee and the managing editor of the monthly e-newsletter, the Hub.

How has volunteering impacted your career?

I have made some stellar connections and learned so much from them, from how to write a press release, to how to manage conflict, to how to expertly pivot a whole conference from in-person to virtual with grace and a sense of humor! Reading and editing all the wonderful submissions to the Hub allows me to learn from everyone who shares their stories and insights. And, not for nothing – I learned about my current role and first connected with my current supervisor via the ADRP Listserv!

What advice do you have for new volunteers?

You have nothing to lose. Give as much as you can – whether that’s joining multiple committees or simply lending an extra set of eyes to review some content once in a while – and know it will be appreciated. Your reward will be new friends, lots of fun, and a deeper connection to the Donor Relations profession.

Kim Johnson
Chair, International Stewardship Awards Committee
National Director of Donor Relations, Stewardship and CRM Strategy, American Cancer Society

How did you first hear about ADRP?

My previous supervisor shared the joys of networking with our peers at ADRP years ago. Networking with my colleagues across the nation is one of my favorite aspects of my career. Members always bring incredible expertise and new perspectives to help keep donor relations fresh and relevant to our supporters.

Why did you first volunteer?

I am a firm believer in stepping up to initiate change. Plus this is a great way to give back while being able to connect with incredible people at other organizations.

What was your first volunteer role and what did you learn?

I was an International Stewardship Awards judge. I've learned that we have amazingly innovative people in our field! I love love love to see passion in action with all the submissions we receive. (Submit yours today!)

Other volunteer roles have you held with ADRP?

This year I am the chair of the ISA committee and am thrilled to see new submissions. Be sure to get yours in—we would love to see what your shop did over the past year—especially during such an unprecedented time in history. 2020 truly illustrated why donor relations is so vitally important!

How has volunteering impacted your career?

I find I speak up more than ever before—I know what I bring to the table and feel good sharing it. Plus there is lots of room for professional growth with all we learn through ADRP. It has helped me grow leaps and bounds.

What advice do you have for new volunteers?

Unsure about jumping in? Just do it! There is flexibility, your opinion matters—seriously!, everyone cares about your "why," and your expertise. It is very empowering to be surrounded by so many wonderful experts. We have a plethora of active volunteers that would love to chat with you if you are looking for opportunities.

Katie Kutney
Co-Chair, Research Committee
Associate Director of Advancement, Berkshire School

How did you first hear about ADRP?

I first heard about ADRP when I joined the Donor Relations team at Rutgers in 2011 and was overjoyed to learn that DR was a specialization within Advancement.

Why did you first volunteer?

ADRPers give so much—and in a way that stands out from other volunteer organizations. I wanted to become part of the group making it happen.

What was your first volunteer role and what did you learn?

My first volunteer role was serving on the NYC Regional Conference Committee. I saw firsthand the care and thoughtfulness of our volunteer leaders and how their intentionality is what shapes the meaningful experiences we all have within the organization.

What other volunteer roles have you held with ADRP?

I am currently a co-chair of ADRP's Research Committee.

How has volunteering impacted your career?

Getting to know peers in healthcare, small nonprofits, higher ed, and other organizations different from my own has been a great way to broaden my perspective and forge connections across the industry. It's also simply awe inspiring to see a group of dedicated professionals take time out of their incredibly packed business and personal lives to do more and give more to their fellow ADRPers.

What advice do you have for new volunteers?

Balance your enthusiasm to "do it all" with a dose of realism about what's possible and what will have the greatest impact. Celebrate the talents and skills of others and think about how your contributions can play a complementary role.

Ryan Steele
Co-Chair, 2021 International Conference Committee
Donor Experience Specialist, Kansas State University Foundation

How did you first hear about ADRP?

My manager, at the time, first introduced me to ADRP and encouraged me to participate with a membership. That turned into me attending the ADRP International Conference in Miami later that fall.

Why did you first volunteer?

I’ve always been an enthusiastic volunteer in the organizations I’ve been a part of. For me, membership isn’t enough—I want to be of service. After attending the ADRP International Conference in Miami, I was smitten. I think I came back to work immediately and submitted the volunteer interest form to help with ADRP’s next conference. Volunteering for me was a way to help advance our profession and its cause even beyond the four walls of my organization.

What was your first volunteer role and what did you learn?

I began my volunteer experience with ADRP as a committee member of both the Attendee Experience and Content committees for what would later become ADRP’s first virtual conference. I learned so much through the process and looked forward to every meeting. I learned about all the behind the scenes work that goes into creating such an amazing event each year – from how content is curated to how the event experience comes to life! 

What other volunteer roles have you held with ADRP?

After serving on the two conference committees, I was asked to co-chair the conference, using the skills and insight gained in my initial volunteer experiences to help guide the upcoming conference.

How has volunteering impacted your career?

Volunteering with ADRP has significantly impacted my career. My network within the donor relations community doubled and maybe more. I found myself around a community of professionals whom I could brainstorm with or run an idea past. Volunteering with ADRP has enhanced the work I do professionally through finding a community of like-minded professionals. My volunteer work also gave me an opportunity to learn new skills and grow in areas that aren’t part of my day job.

What advice do you have for new volunteers?

First, my advice would be to volunteer if you have not already and have the time do so. You will get far more out of it than you put into it. It is a tremendous experience! For new volunteers, don’t be afraid to jump right in or to share a new idea. That new idea might be the next big idea or initiative for ADRP that pushes our profession forward.

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