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Top Tweets From Third Day of 2013 #AFPICON

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tweet landingI planned to post this tomorrow, but could not wait! So without any further delay I present the last of the top tweets from the most prolific of the #AFPICON attendees. This takes some work, but has totally been worth it to experience sessions through the eyes of others and to have a virtual seat in multiple rooms.

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Top Tweets From Second Day of 2013 #AFPICON

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tweet twigThe second day of #AFPICON was filled with awesome quotes and memorable moments. Here is the second day of top tweets from the most prolific of the #AFPICON conference attendees.

You might also enjoy seeing the following:

Top Tweets From First Day of 2013 #AFPICON

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tweetWith a little elbow grease I found the most retweeted messages from the most prolific of the #AFPICON attendees.

You might also enjoy seeing the following:

2013 AFP International Conference on Fundraising [Preview]

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AFP 2013 International Conference

Before I register for the AFP International Conference the first thing I consider is, “what do I hope to gain from this trip?”

You see, for me this annual conference is more than a smorgasbord of best practice examples and how-tos. I view the conference as a way to recharge my batteries, renew my resolve, refocus my understanding, and hone my professional practice.

I use the conference as a way to reconnect with sector leaders and reinvest in newcomers to the profession. The conversations that take place between sessions and after dark are as valuable as the materials presented in educational sessions.

Well, now I’m on the ground in San Diego and here are some things I thought about on my journey here.

AFP ICON App ScheduleFirst, it is important to be informed and connected the duration of the conference. This year, in addition to the mobile version of the conference website, you will have a new tool at your disposal: the AFP ICON App for Blackberry, Android, and iPhone.

A great feature of the AFP ICON App is the ability to select sessions that are of interest using the category view, then switching to the schedule view to narrow down your daily plan. Sometimes I like to select two sessions for some time slots in case my first choice was not exactly what I anticipated based on the description.

Second, when I select sessions, I set a strategy to achieve a specific goal. In past years I have chosen sessions that would help me with a specific work project on the horizon. Other years I would plan my conference to meet key sector leaders to build a cadre of trusted mentors. A couple years ago I was working on a book manuscript so I attended sessions that would give me broader understanding for that topical area. I recommend downloading the handouts for your sessions the day before in case you don’t have a wireless signal or are unable to locate wifi.

Third, as you craft your conference experience and develop a plan of action here are things to consider.

  • What kind of sessions do you want to attend? (topical, skill-level, specific speakers)
  • Who do you want to meet? (new friends or trusted colleagues)
  • What vendors should you interact with? (looking for a new service or an upgrade, this is the time to hear what options are out there)

To remain connected the duration of the conference I recommend downloading the conference app, getting on Twitter, and most of all… get outside your comfort zone with social media. But don’t forget to connect in the analog mode as well. This year, I am focused on reconnecting with folks I have lost touch with the last two years and the majority of these individuals are not on Twitter, so the annual conference is the best opportunity I’ll have all year.

Have a great conference.

 

Thoughts on Future and Current Board Members

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According to the old adage, “you are what you eat.” I believe that the same holds true for what we read.

When ever I am asked to serve on a search committee or take part in interview sessions with job candidates I often include a question about reading habits, preferences, or guilty pleasures. Sometimes I ask if they have a favorite author or magazine, what book they most recently finished or what is on their nightstand. There really is no right or wrong answer. What their answer does is tell a lot about who they are and what they value.

I believe that nonprofit organizations should be selective in who they tap for board service and make the process competitive. To this end I strongly believe that nonprofits should interview potential board members.

While interviewing candidates for board service, try including a question that seeks to gain insight on what they have read or are reading with regards to board service, governance, fundraising, or volunteerism. A conversation of this nature may illuminate gaps in understanding or it may uncover a potential resource for the organization’s current board members.

If the former is true, it may prompt you to make reading recommendations for the potential board member to seek out before being considered for board service placement. If it is the latter, you may have a new board member than can champion best practice, excellence, ethics, governance, or any number of issues relevant for transforming the culture of your existing board or taking them to the next level.

If you are limited in your ability to add new board members, but want to encourage a culture that seeks out authoritative sources to help inform the board governance role, you may want to consider some other options. Give a board member an article, blog post, or book (either physically, or on loan through an e-reader). Ask them to summarize the text at a future meeting. If you are looking for ideas for potential resources try one of the e-book samplers from Wiley/Jossey-Bass:

NTEN 2012 Free e-Book Sampler – Includes chapters from four books on technology and the non-profit sector including – 101 Social Media Tactics for Nonprofits: Melanie Mathos and Chad Norman, Building Nonprofit Capacity: John Brothers and Anne Sherman, Everyone Leads: Paul Schmitz, The Future of Nonprofits: David Neff and Randal Moss

AFP 2012 Conference e-Book Sampler – Includes chapters from recent additions to the AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series including – Fundraising and the Next Generation: Emily Davis, A Fundraising Guide for Nonprofit Board Members: Julia Walker, An Executive’s Guide to Fundraising Operations: Christopher Cannon, Breakthrough Nonprofit Branding: Jocelyne Daw and Carol Cone, The Nonprofit Development Companion: Brydon DeWitt, and Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing: Michael Rosen