February 2010

Dear Colleagues,

Leave the winter doldrums behind and recharge at our next two programs!

Join us on the 18^th when Betsy Nelson, Executive Director of The Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, moderates a panel discussion, Meet The Funders with representatives from Bank of America, The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, and Baltimore Community Foundation. Bring your questions! Register online for this program which will be held at the Junior League of Baltimore. Mark your calendar for our March 11^th program Managing the Development Team.  Learn how to better manage your interactions with staff and volunteers – an excellent learning opportunity no matter what your position is at your organization. Register online for the March program. Each program is $30 for members, $45 for non-members.

If you are planning to take the CFRE test, or if are you interested in learning why you should consider becoming certified, or if you have heard of "CFRE" and wondered, "what the heck is that" then come to our February 23rd program, Demystifying the CFRE Process.  Learn what it is, how to start the process, how it can help your career, and hear from a newly certified fundraiser what it was really like! Reserve your spot today for this free program.

The Membership Committee is building – please consider joining this dynamic group of people!  This committee is an excellent way to meet current and new members of AFP. Contact Phil Recchio at precchio@uslacrosse.org for more information.

Make plans to attend the ultimate educational offering: the AFP International Conference, here in Baltimore April 11 – 14.  More than 60 workshops  - something for everyone; you're sure to have an excellent return on this investment. Whether you're planning to attend the full conference, just one day, or not at all, be sure to include the "SPLASH" Host Chapter Reception (presented by Ketchum) in your registration for the conference. The reception will be held at the National Aquarium in Baltimore on Monday, April 12, from 7 – 10 p.m. If you are not planning to attend the conference, but would like to attend "SPLASH" you can register through the AFP-Maryland website. Our Chapter Reception will be a bash so be sure you are there!  And take advantage of not having to travel for the International Conference and attend as many days as your budget and calendar permits.

And finally, don't forget to visit our job bank  The AFP-MD job bank offers an easy and effective way for employers to promote job openings and for job seekers to find them.  Posting a job opening is easily done on-line at www.afpmaryland.org. With over 65,000 hits to the AFP-Maryland website monthly, your listing is sure to be widely viewed.

Donna S. Clare, CFRE

President

AFP-Maryland

P.S. Our first AFP-CPGC-APRA Networking Happy Hour will be Tuesday, March 2nd, 5:30 to 7:30pm at Dmitri's in Catonsville. It's free, but please register so we have an idea of how many will be coming!