“To have a name is to be,” said Benoit Mandelbrot, the inventor of fractals. As “sexism” gained a foothold, men’s desire to avoid being labeled “sexist” caused them to modify their treatment of women. Likewise, the desire of perpetrators to avoid being labeled rankist will make them think twice about insulting the dignity of subordinates.
3. Batch your fundraising appeal letters. Send out 150 at a time. Test out different messages, graphs, charts, quotes, pictures, see what works with who. This way you can avoid an appeal letter that bombs.
Why are fundraisers so hated? Because we have to talk to others and convince them to give to the cause? Because we seem fake if we’re trying to market the cause? Because we can seem out of touch with program realities?
Because you’ve got so much support, you’re expected to perform miracles, even with a bad database, or a down economy. Or perhaps you feel pigeonholed into your role, with no chance to move up, or do new things.
How do you deal?
If you are fundraising in a small shop, I salute you. It is hard. You come to work and often receive no kudos or respect for what you do. I want you to know that I know what you’re going through. And I appreciate that you take a small part of your limited time to read this.
Do you get to do things you like to do, when you volunteer? Or do you feel taken advantage of?