A fundraiser’s daily affirmation
- Thu, February 03 2011
- Filed under: Fundraising essentials
Feeling grumpy, poor and tired?
Tell yourself this:
I’m in the business of happiness, because when people give, they are happier.
I’m here to focus on what I give more than what I receive, because generosity inspires generosity.
I have a great job, because I make everyone’s life better: the people my organization helps, the people who support it, and the friends and family members whom I inspire with my work, every day.
Comments
Fund-raisers share a lot of similarities with Spider-man, the Wizard of Oz, and Red from Shawshank Redemption.
Like Spider-man we work between the silos. We thread together people, ideas, and facilitate connections within our organization. We weave a web of collaboration, communication, and inspiration. Since “great power comes with great responsibility,” humility is essential… lest our web become a Sir Walter Scott cautionary tale.
Like the Wizard of Oz, we work behind the scenes to give our case for support the best face and to transform words and ideas into a great show that inspires those around us to have Heart, show Courage, and think and reflect (Brain) on the transformational power of philanthropy.
Like Red, we are known and respected inside and outside our organization as the person that “knows how to get things.” We may be restricted by available resources or may have to work with difficult people in order to accomplish great things, but we press on and act as catalysts for action.
Our work as philanthropic facilitators is rarely formally recognized. Our names don’t appear in the press releases, we’re not in the photographs… by design we deflect accolades to the philanthropists that invest in our organizational mission and draw attention to the lives that are transformed because of their generosity.
Because of this, I thank you for the encouragement. I will print off your post and add to my “Good Things File” for when I need that extra boost.
Thanks, Tanya & Benjamin. You made my day!
I once read in the Bible that ... it is better to give than to receive! Giving leaves happiness not only to the person who receives but also the giver himself.
I started my Monday making someone happy!
Thank you for the encouragement.
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