2D | Our Worst Best Practices
Wednesday, Sept 30
1:15 - 2:15 PM
Experience Level
Suitable for all levels
Shop Size
Suitable for any size
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Sometimes, we become blinded by best practices that have become routine processes and we overlook the basic end result we want: happy, well informed donors.
As we review the four pillars of donor relations -- acknowledgments, reporting, recognition and engagement -- we will look at examples that are us-centered and those that are donor-centered. From those examples, we will learn how to apply the Golden Rule to our efforts and create publications, events, recognition pieces, reports that speak to donors in their language, on their terms, from their perspectives. From the donors' eyes. |
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Debbie Meyers
Debbie Meyers is senior director of donor relations and stewardship at the University of Maryland. Previously she was director of donor services at Carnegie Mellon University for eight years, where she oversaw donor relations, stewardship, events and gift documentation, and director of stewardship and donor relations at the University of Florida Foundation for nine years, serving as a central resource to 45 development officers at 20 colleges and units. Her development career began in 1986 as publications director for UF's health center development office. She also was development and alumni director at Bishop Moore High School (her alma mater), and development director at the Orlando Museum of Art. A founding board member of the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, she has a bachelor's degree in English from Loyola University in New Orleans and a master's degree in journalism from UF. She is grateful that she has been able to re-purpose her Pittsburgh/BMHS black and gold clothes in Maryland. |
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Lynne Wester
Lynne Wester is a frequent conference speaker and well known resource for donor relations and fundraising expertise. She has been featured in The Washington Post, CURRENTS Magazine, The Chronicle of Philanthropy and other industry publications.
It is her personal philosophy that the goal of any great fundraising operation is to use strategic communications and interactions to foster the relationship between the organization and its constituents and friends. If we are effective with that strategy, they will be engaged in a way that drives them ever closer to embracing the organization's mission and values, they will give their money, time, and talents and volunteer to spread that same message with others, which will encourage their fellow peers to invest in a way that will enable the organization to further light the world.
Using her expertise and hands-on approach, Lynne works with organizations to help them keep their focus donor driven, technology savvy, strategic, and always with a splash of good humor. She received her undergraduate degrees from the University of South Carolina and is a loyal gamecock alumna, donor and fan, and holds a master's in strategic fundraising and philanthropy. |
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