Join WIDN today for the 2020-21 virtual program year!
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WIDN has taken our meetings online. Monthly virtual workshops will include topics relevant to navigating this new landscape and networking and discussion opportunities. Join or renew your membership before October 1st to take advantage of our special membership offer of only $45 for the program year! After October 1st, membership cost rises to $55.
Confirming your membership is easy!
1) Register online here (All members must register)
2) Complete your payment via Zelle or a mail-in check
It is more important than ever to have a network of fellow development professionals. WIDN is proud to offer programming and networking opportunities that help strengthen and advance professionals in the development field. We look forward to welcoming you to our first meeting of the year on September 1st — Mark your calendar!
Members can visit our members only page to find resources and materials from past meetings.
Earn CFRE credits by attending meetings. Track your progress by utilizing this 2020 CE Tracker form.
Founded in 1985, Women in Development North is dedicated to advancing professionals in the development field by providing educational and networking opportunities. We also welcome those in transition as well as individuals with other professional ties to development.
WIDN offers rich programming and networking opportunities via monthly meetings on key development concepts and issues. We hold our meetings in various locations throughout the northern suburbs so that you will find them easily accessible. WIDN is a great bargain – only $55 for ten monthly programs featuring dynamic speakers on topics ranging from career planning to corporate giving. The meetings are also a great opportunity to learn from colleagues.
Women in Development North is an approved provider of continuing education credit for the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential. Most of our events are eligible for CFRE points; see program descriptions for details.
Our reasonable annual membership ($55) and our emphasis on timely topics has translated into a robust organization.
As the co-founder of WIDN over 30 years ago, I am both delighted and impressed to see how the organization has grown and continues to provide such wonderful support for development professionals. The varied topics presented at our meetings are so important, as they increase our knowledge and sharpen our abilities to raise funds for our nonprofit organizations and clients. -Francine Friedman, CFRE
UPCOMING WIDN EVENTS!
Oct
6
Tue
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Time: 11:45 Small Group Networking
12:00 -1:00 Program
Venue: ZOOM Link will be emailed 24 hours prior to meeting.
You must be a current WIDN member to attend. You can renew your membership or join WIDN via the link below.
Price: Free to current WIDN Members. Join/Renew your WIDN membership
here. Description:
In this time of pandemic and the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, our society has faced a new reckoning about systemic racism. Most of our non-profits/educational organizations took a stand earlier this year. We sent out emails denouncing racism. We put BLM banners on our websites. Yet taking a stand is not enough. Where do we go from here?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion might be articulated in our organizational goals, but many of the successful fundraising techniques developed over time (giving clubs, high-end events, expensive donor walls) are exclusive and meant to be that way. And, while most nonprofits espouse a vision of equity where all people have the opportunity to thrive, there are significant barriers for participation, especially for people of color, when it comes to employment, leadership, and involvement.
A seasoned not-for-profit management professional, Brenda Asare, CEO, the Alford Group, will help us examine why now, more than ever, our organizations need to be more diverse, more equitable, and more inclusive to meet the challenges of the future.
How do we examine our own personal implicit/unconscious biases?
How can we – as fundraisers – influence the way our organizations integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into their DNA?
How can we change our hiring, management, and leadership cultivation in fundraising so that people of color see themselves in our fundraising operations?
How can we adapt fundraising cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship methods to build relationships with people outside of our usual circles?
Brenda assumed the role of President & CEO in February 2014. Since joining The Alford Group over a decade ago, she has assisted clients in taking their organizations to the next level by building their capacity, strengthening their boards, creating donor-centered relationships, and elevating the culture of generosity to support bold visions to impact communities in more meaningful ways. She has partnered with clients to raise over $2 billion to create
game-changing results to fuel their visions.
Brenda brings over 25 years of not-for-profit management and resource development experience. Prior to joining The Alford Group, she was Chief Development Officer with the American Red Cross in Chicago where she spearheaded a $13 million campaign to build the country’s first Disaster Operations Center. She also headed up various disaster fundraising efforts raising over $100 million. There she recruited and mentored talented
development professionals who have gone on to work as leaders in the nonprofit sector.
She is a frequent speaker on Why Diversity Matters in Philanthropy, Principal and Major Gifts development and Board Governance. Workshop attendees enjoy her sense of humor and the way she creatively makes topics come to life. Her passion lies in ensuring brighter futures for children in need of positive influences and access to opportunities so they have a springboard to succeed.
