AFP Annual Meeting Featured Senator Kelda Roys This Year

The AFP Greater Madison brought together special nonprofit professionals, development consultants, and philanthropic leaders for an annual meeting on Tuesday, December 12. On the agenda were a vote on both the budget and the board for the coming year as well as a talk from guest speaker, Senator Kelda Roys.

Amidst many challenges our nonprofit organizations are working to remedy, including fewer donors, inflation, and other economic woes, AFP Greater Madison is heading for a year of equilibrium.

Members of AFP Greater Madison are committed to maintaining this community and the sense of camaraderie and mutual support. The organization is committed to enhancing and uplifting the talents of local nonprofit professionals, and this coming year is no different.

After the business portion of the annual meeting concluded, all of those gathered received a heartfelt, open, and encouraging talk from Senator Kelda Roys on the necessity for nonprofits to engage in advocacy.

Senator Roys talked about some of the important traits that have served her in running a nonprofit and now as a Wisconsin State Senator: listening (especially around talkative politicians), being open-minded and entrepreneurial, strategizing before you ask, and following up as much as you can. She added that a yes or a no is always temporary. Continue to advocate for yourself and your cause in both situations. 

Some nonprofit organizations shy away from advocacy due to the limitations put on 501(c)(3) organizations to lobby elected officials, but she encouraged those in attendance to reach out or pick up the phone and call, especially your local representatives.

As fundraising professionals, advocacy is central to the work that we do. Advocacy is development – it is storytelling, impact reporting, and awareness building. If those things don’t sound familiar to you, you may want to consider joining the “Fundamentals of Fundraising” course in 2024!

Many thanks to the leadership of the AFP Greater Madison Board past, present, and future. If you are interested in becoming more involved in the coming year, we are looking for individuals to join some committees. Committee membership is a great learning experience and a fantastic way to connect with colleagues!

Email our Membership & Engagement chair, Breanne Chase, at bchase@mononaterrace.com if interested in joining AFP or a committee.