When I was invited to host the Chartered Institute’s Fundraising Convention in London earlier this year I was absolutely delighted. Being in a space overflowing with fundraisers felt a bit like coming home. It was so good to be with my people - the ones who got every inch of my job. A job non-fundraisers never really get.
Throughout the two days, as well as hosting the plenary room, I also hosted those colleagues joining us in the first virtual convention. As part of this role, I had the opportunity to interview speakers, sponsors and colleagues across Convention. It was a delight to meet so many new faces and hear their news, thoughts, contemplations, as we walk this role in the aftermath of a global pandemic and in the middle of a cost of living crisis.
While there was trepidation and caution, the overwhelming vibe of all the speakers, and those I interviewed, was one of optimism. That feeling that we are making the world a better place permeated throughout it all.
Holding the mic meant I got to ask a lot of colleagues if their career in fundraising did indeed feel like a lifetime of impact - the phrase now coined by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Time and again heads nodded, and enthusiastic responses followed. It felt quite magical to be part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
One of my favourite points of convention, I’m delighted to report, came from a colleague in Scotland. During a Q&A a virtual colleague posed the question “How do mentors do more to engage with new mentees?”
The answer was immediate for me - they don’t! The duty of creating this partnership, I advised, lies with the one looking for a mentor. They must do their research, understand whose career and position would bring them the most wisdom, and then they must make the ask.
Within moments of leaving the stage I had a message on LinkedIn from a fundraiser in Scotland asking for a catch up to see if we had the synergy to become mentor and mentee! I loved it – getting to the ask I feel isn’t something Becky will need help with.
The journey of a fundraiser is never one we do alone. As I reflect on my 25-year career I know that without certain people, wisdom, experience, and some pretty pivotal moments, I never would have the love I do for my career. And it wouldn’t have been nearly as kind as it’s been to me.
As for Becky and I, we’re catching up in a few weeks. I already love her spirit, so chances are we’ll get to really know each other in the coming months. Keep an eye on LinkedIn and I’ll let you know how it goes.
And take the tip - get a mentor and be a mentor and let’s all keep walking each other along this path of impact.
My final reflection from Fundraising Convention 2023 – we sit in a very privileged position being Fundraisers. It is a career that means something. What we do makes a difference. Finding a way through the tough times will make the impact all the more meaningful, so stick with it colleagues. Let’s stand together at the end of our careers and know what it feels like to have had a Lifetime of Impact.