Finding Meaning; Kate Black

I met Kate Black when we were thirteen years old. Ever since I have known her she has been outgoing and participated in all activities. Throughout high school she was the first one to volunteer for any type of fundraising event. Nine years later Kate continues to work with continued enthusiasm in everything she does.

Here is Kate’s story:

What drove you to choose a career in philanthropy?

“I have always been heavily involved in the nonprofit and volunteer sector. Ever since I was a little kid, i have wanted to feel like I am a part of something that is just a little bit bigger, and that I am making a positive difference in someone’s life. Moreover, my whole life I have been teased by my family  for always wanting to know the answer to the question “why?”. “Why do we do what we do?”, “why does it matter?”, “what difference does it make?”. For a while there, I was obsessed with the “real meaning” and the “bigger picture” of literally everything – I’m not sure much has changed in that sense. Needless to say, I have known my whole life that my future was going to be in the nonprofit sector, I just didn’t always know in what capacity.

After a couple of program changes in my first year at Wilfrid Laurier University, I landed myself in the Global Studies program, and although I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to move forward with it, I knew I was in the right place. Upon looking a little more critically at my volunteer experiences as an Executive Member on Laurier’s Charity Council, as well as my volunteer experience in Central America for a summer, I really focused on zeroing in on my passions and the things that were important to me; I was led straight to philanthropy and eventually Humber College’s Fundraising program.”

Why is your work important? How does it fulfill you?

“Like I said, I have always been obsessed with finding the meaning in everything; this includes everything from what is going on around me in the world, to my everyday actions. Working in the health care sector, and raising money for stem cell research, I love what I do – it is innovative and bold, and I truly believe that one day soon, it will change the future of medicine.  At the end of the day, as long as what I am doing is making a difference to someone, somewhere, whether directly or indirectly, then I will be happy. As long as my work fits into the “bigger picture” and creates a positive change, then it is important.”

What else would you be doing to make you happy?

“While I really enjoy the work I do, I would really like to be able to travel a bit more. I enjoy seeing new places and meeting new people, as well as learning about different cultures and really trying to immerse myself in them. I don’t think the answers lay in North American nonprofits programming for individuals across the world; I think we really need to take the time to listen and learn first-hand, and use the tools and resources we have here in order to enable these individuals to create their own change, in a way that fits for them. “

How have your travel experiences effected the way you view the world, the way you view philanthropy?

“After having spent a summer abroad, working in schools, refugee camps and orphanages in Costa Rica, my perspective on just about everything has changed completely. This being said, with regards to philanthropy, I have learned that our participation is crucial, but that rather than deciding what other cultures and societies need, we really need to step back and let them decide. Like I said, we have the tools and resources to be in a position to make tremendous contributions, but at the end of the day, the work being done needs to work for those who are directly affected.”

What is your dream for your children’s world?

“Although it would be ideal, it would be naive to dream that the world will be a perfect place by the time my children step into the picture. All I can really dream for the coming generation is that they will be given the same opportunities to learn and to dream, as many of us have been given. My dream is for them to be able to be innovative and collaborative, and with open minds, hopefully they will find some more answers to many of life’s problems that we face today.”

Kate’s story is one that everyone can relate to. Her regular day-to-day activities were more than just day-to-day for her; she knew there was more and she had a compulsion , commitment and confidence to do something about it!

 

Common Goals; Brittany Wilson

I met Brittany Wilson almost a year ago when we began our post-graduate certification in Fundraising and Volunteer Management at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. When you meet Brittany you instantly want to be her friend; there is something very contagious about her laughter, humour and intelligence.

Brittany completed her undergraduate degree in English and Communication Studies with honours from Laurier University. During her undergraduate degree she completed an International Exchange program to Aarhus Universitet in Denmark as well as a Co-op program. These are things that Brittany will not tell you on her own. I remember sitting in her apartment and I read her resume (without her permission) and my first thought was “WOW, she is extremely intelligent, well read, a phenomenal writer and has experience that I could only dream of.” Why didn’t she relay these things to me? Because Brittany’s passions are to change the world, not promote herself. She learns through experience, travelling and asking questions while absorbing the knowledge others have to offer her.

I thought that Brittany would be an interesting candidate for this blog post because she is very humble about her experiences and yet she has the power to persuade you to join her causes.

Here are a few of the answers Brittany provided to some of my questions:

What drove you to choose a career in philanthropy, was there some sort of injustice or do you just love to help people?

“Throughout my university career, I always found myself volunteering. For no apparent reason could I pin point why I had decided to volunteer, with no common cause that I was passionate about nor an experience that drove me toward a certain club. It was when I went to Mississippi and New Orleans with Habitat for Humanity I realized that there are so many circumstances in the world that others find themselves in through no fault of their own. Because of this experience, I found that my true passion is simply to help others however I can. And with many people willing to help others as well, I want to be the bridge between the two to ensure all parties are satisfied. Thankfully, my mother was involved in not-for-profit and was able to lead me to Humber’s Fundraising and Volunteer Management program in which I’ve been formally introduced to this wonderful world where I can make a fulfilling career from my passion for people!”

Why is your work important? How does it fulfill you? What else would you be doing to make you happy?

“My work is important because together with all other philanthropists, whether they know it or not, we are working toward a common goal. This common goal is simply making the world a better place. Our work, and what we do, on a daily basis is helping others – providing goods and services that would otherwise not be accessible. No matter where I end up in the not-for-profit sector, I know I will be fulfilled because I am making a difference, big or small, in someone else’s life. What else would I be doing to make me happy? I am not sure I can answer that. Career wise, I think I am right where I was meant to be. The only thing that could make me happier now is being a part of an organization where travel is involved.”

How have your travel experiences effected the way you view the world, the way your view philanthropy? Is there anyone you met along the way that pushed you (with them knowing or not) into this field?

“My travel experiences have opened my eyes to view the world in ways I could have never imagined. It really makes one realize how privileged some of us are, and because we are so lucky, we should appreciate the little beauties of life; travel really puts things into perspective. I am thankful to live in North America where we appreciate the value of helping others and the need to ‘give back’. Travel has also led me to understand that not all people in need, need help in the way we believe them to need it. Being a philanthropist, I think it is very important to listen to the people you are helping – learn about their culture, whether in a different country or a community that is different from yours, listen to their needs, and ask questions. If your interest is genuine, people will begin to trust and respect your eagerness to learn, giving you more knowledge and experience than you anticipated.

I have an abundant amount of wonder, curiosity and inspiration while travelling and I hope to marry my passion of travel with philanthropy to create something wonderful. Learning philanthropy outside of North America can be beneficial as well – taking best practices and making them new practices here.

While there was no one in particular along the way that pushed me into philanthropy, each individual I interacted with taught me something special or drew interests out of me that I did not know I possessed. Everyone should take the opportunity to learn from one another. I believe all of these relations will help me succeed in this field, and life in general.”

What is your dream for your children’s world?

“My dream for my children’s world is that the charitable sector will not exist. If all organization’s succeeded in meeting their mandate, the world would theoretically be a better place. I realize this is far-fetched – maybe, and hopefully a reality for my children’s children.”

Brittany’s dream for her children and her children’s children really prove that she believes in the non-profit sector. But not only is she philanthropic, Brittany is an athletic person who runs, lawn bowls, loves spending time with her family and friends, is well read and always enjoys new food. Brittany can truly enjoy every experience and learns something from each one.

Brittany is part of the (me)volution era!

Robyne’s “Gift of Gab”

I have known Robyne Balanuik for many years over and she always lights up a room with her energy. Robyne has the unique quality of making every experience an opportunity to learn, grow and enjoy. She has a deep respect for philanthropy and fundraising. When I asked Robyne if she would speak to me about philanthropy and her career she was enthused. She told me she wanted to sit down and make sure that every single word was thoughtfully written. I think you will agree with me when reading that Robyne means every word, and that every word is more powerful than the next.

What drove you to choose a career in philanthropy?

“Hands down, making a difference in my world, my community, in my lifetime.

I still remember the day that I knew philanthropy was for me. Walking through the halls of Brock University, a few months prior to graduating, all the colleges had booths in the main hallway. I was interested in pursuing a career in public relations, until I met Ken Wyman, Volunteer and Fundraising Management (VRFM) Program Coordinator. I noticed he was from Humber College (the college I was interested in studying PR at) and asked him where the rep from PR was located. Ken kindly answered my question, but asked why I was interested in PR – and I said ‘to make a difference’.

I’m sure Ken and I spent at least 20 minutes chatting about the VRFM program and all that it had to offer. I was sold on the program almost instantaneously. I knew this was the program for me and I’ve never regretted my decision.”

Was there some sort of injustice you wanted to help with, or was it that you just love to help people?

“I have often found myself in situations where, instinctively, I want to help. No matter the task at hand.

My father always told me I had the gift of the gab. I was able to remember the smallest details of conversations with people I had just met. And should our paths cross again, I was able to make the connection. He said I always knew how to make people feel heard and special. I have found this trait has gone a long way in my career.

My career in philanthropy has allowed me every opportunity to help someone, almost daily. It is not just helping the donor fulfill their dreams of helping an organization reach their goals, but how their time, talent or treasure has made an impact on the organization they are supporting. I have the opportunity and privilege of fulfilling a donors wish to help our organization and I witness, firsthand, hat their contributions do. If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face on a daily basis, I’m not sure what will.”

Why is your work important? How does it fulfill you?

“My work isn’t just work, it’s my career, my passion and my joy. Whatever the task is that day, be it writing a proposal for a donor, or stuffing envelopes I take ultimate price in my work. It is important for everyone, in any career to understand they aren’t just the person that distributes the mail, or answers the phone, or asks for donations, or writes and designs the monthly newsletter. No one is the ‘low man on the totem pole’. Every person, on every team is vital to the success of the organization.

My work is important because no matter what I’m doing that day, it’s helping and supporting a worthy organization save lives, provide better standards of living to our clients and creating a better community for everyone to live in and enjoy. Our donors are loyal to our organization, and our clients are loyal to our organization, just as I am.”

What else would you be doing to make you happy?

“I have been lucky enough to grow up spending time at the family farm with all our horses. Being able to pack your car and drive to the country and spend a weekend with your family (and your four legged ones too) is indescribable. It allows me the opportunity to get back to the core of who I am. I can take off my heels and the suit and change into my jeans and boot and just be me. No deadlines to meet, no meetings, no phone calls. My weekend at the farm provide the recharge I need to go back and be the best Donor Relations Officer I can be every day!”

Robyne is quite a story teller. She eloquently shares her story, and now we all want to be Donor Relations Officers?! Take away that Robyne is in a #mevolution state of mind; doing good, on all levels, in all areas of your life is important.

Thanks Robyne!

Food for Thought; Noah Kravitz

Speaking with for the first time Noah you realize he is on of the most animated speakers you will ever meet, using gestures and genuine excitement in his facial expressions you can feel the energy radiating off of him. This is what pushes you to feel and believe in Noah’s passions; making the world a better place. After spending a year with Noah while completing our post-graduate certifications in Fundraising and Volunteer Management from Humber College I learned that Noah really wants to make a difference in this world. He fearlessly experiences new adventures from new foods, travelling to volunteering at a new organization.

I asked Noah a few questions about what he does; these were some of his answers:

What drove you to choose a career in philanthropy?

“I always knew that I wanted to enter a profession that worked to assist those who are less fortunate. Both my parents are social workers and have worked their entire careers in social services. Being exposed to the nonprofit landscape at a young age, I pursued employment and volunteer opportunities facilitating child/youth programs and assisting in community development initiatives. Ultimately, it was my experience on the programming side that drove me to pursue a career in philanthropy. I strongly believe in the value of social service programs serving disadvantaged populations, and the lack of available funding coupled with continuous cuts, motivates me to do all that I can to ensure that they remain sustainable.”

Why is your work important?

“I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the impact that the programs my colleagues and I raise funds for have on its participants. Whether it be seniors from different cultural backgrounds coming together over a game of bingo or men and women experiencing homelessness socializing over a meal, it gives me great sense of accomplishment knowing that the work I embark on is making a difference in other people’s lives.”

How does your work fulfill you?

“It fulfills me to know that I am in a profession that works towards helping others and part of an overall community of like minded individuals. Getting involved in various community building projects, sharing stories with my peers and advocating for social change is what fulfills me on a day to day basis.”

What else makes you really happy?

“Besides my work I love exploring Toronto’s thriving food scene. My friend and I are currently on a mission to expose Torontonians to the best quality meals for $10 or less (before taxes). Currently we are working on a twitter movement #Food4ten, to start a community network for those in search of the best spots to dine on a budget throughout the city.”

Noah’s varying interests have led him to this career. Through his experiences and genuine passion he will surely help change the world. Follow Noah on Twitter!!

Ranking Passions

Angie Docking completed her undergraduate degree in English and International Development Studies from Dalhousie University. After a couple years of working she returned to school to complete her Post-Graduate Certification in Fundraising and Volunteer Management from Humber College.

Angie and I embarked on a road trip to Washington, D.C. earlier this year. We get along for many reasons, some of which include reading, travelling, libraries, world issues and our passion to always be learning. In the car, Angie talked to me about a book she had been reading, Escape from Camp 14. It is a story about how Shin Donghyuk escaped from a North Korean Concentration Camp. We then began to discuss the politics of North Korea and why the world hasn’t tried harder to intervene.

This lead us to an existential discussion about ranking world problems. The conversation rendered us both emotional. Why not rank the world’s problems from 1-100 and start at one and FIX them. But then how do you decide what is number one? How do you choose one person over another? It’s just not possible.

This is when I began to ask Angie why she is so passionate about the Arts compared to these world issues? She told me that you cannot rank one as more important than the other. That everything in moderation, together is what makes our world … well, our world.

I decided to ask Angie some more questions recently. Here are a few of her answers.

Why did you choose fundraising as your choice of career?

“Throughout my time as an undergraduate student, I had worked part-time jobs with the Housing Department at my university. When I graduated in the winter of 2010, I was offered a full-time position. After working there for a year, I realized how little passion I had for what I did every single day. It made me question what career path I should take, and how it would make me excited to wake up in the morning. My answer to this question was RESOUNDINGLY that I wanted to be working for a theatre company. This answer set me on my journey to seek out opportunities to become a full-time fundraiser.”

Why not be a performing artist then?

“I’d like to make it clear – I am not an artist. However, theatre and the Arts are an important part of my life, and it is my belief that they are integral to our community. Whether you are watching a play, looking at an art exhibit or listening to music, art helps us to open doors to a greater understanding of diverse perspectives within our community. This is especially important for all Canadians, since our national community is chalk-full of cultures from around the world.

Since I am no artist, I wanted to find a valuable way to contribute to a theatre company. My strengths in administration and my passion for the value of art in the community helped me to discover my path toward fundraising. While I don’t have the talents to contribute artistically, raising the money required to carry out the artistic mission feels like an important contribution to any theatre company, and something I’d like to come to work for everyday.”

How would you describe philanthropy?

“I like to describe Philanthropy as a synonym for empathy. As fundraisers, we come to work every day in order to create capacity for empathy. To me, that makes it the coolest job in the world.”

Angie has a passion for so many things in this world. While she works full-time in the Arts she volunteers in her spare time, she reads and educates herself about the world and it’s problems; our problems and then shares this with others.

Angie is a true philanthropist. She believes in the mission, in the people; she has a love and hope for humankind that most of us can only wish for. Most importantly Angie proves that an act of kindness can make a difference.

One cannot take on the world all at once. Our smallest actions can make big changes. (me)volution believes in small acts of kindness to render this possible. Keep this in mind in your day-to-day life.

A “Nudge” Into Philanthropy

I met Kaitlin Nelson when we were both completing post-graduate certifications in Fundraising and Volunteer Management at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario.

Throughout the program Kaitlin was my colleague who always re-evaluated what was being taught with the thought of others in mind. When discussing how to gain new donors, find prospects and the best way to “hook” them, Kaitlin would be the first to ask why someone might be interested in a cause, what their story is, why are we doing what we are doing. Kaitlin always brought the conversation back to philanthropy and our mission as fundraisers and philanthropists. What was the bigger picture.

I asked Kaitlin a few questions, and here were her responses:

What drove you to choose a career in philanthropy?

“After several extended internships at small shop charities, I decided that my ideas to support change were inadequate unless I had the skills to back them up. Humber, it turned out, offered the kind of training I was looking for. I was really drawn to the notion of linking volunteerism with fundraising, ‘telling the story’ — your story, mine — and galvanizing support among a community that cares.”

Was there some sort of injustice? Or was it just that you love to help people?

“I feel so strongly that our mere existence is something of a miracle! Big and small, there are things that nudge us toward that reality until we can do nothing else but lend a hand, a dollar, and compel our hearts to experience the hope that always exists. I think these are ‘holy’ moments that disrupt our ordinary lives, stripping us of our self-worth based on achievement and instead join ‘us’ and ‘them’ with the gift of love and the gift of gratitude. That convinces me that we can all be philanthropic and it’s also what drew me to a career in philanthropy.”

Why is your work important? How does it fulfill you?

“Fundraising is important because is provides the opportunity for someone to become a better neighbour. It’s probably best described as a tool of philanthropy because it doesn’t quite capture the big vision contained in philanthropy: The love of human kind.

Some people think ‘Oh my donations can’t be philanthropic. I’d have to be much wealthier for that to happen!’ Except it’s not about the money, it’s about the people we serve! I recently overhead someone say it differently, ‘The flipside of Calgary’s prosperity is reflected in the poor and vulnerable.’ It’s about recognizing the humanity instead of the problem.

I think my work is important because I get to share that message and link it to the everyday impact of how someone’s donation is changing lives — donor and beneficiary alike!”

What else would you be doing to make you happy?

“My heart is full when I come across donors and volunteer donors and volunteers face-to-face. As of right now I haven’t had as many of those visits as I’d like – so more of that. It also makes me wonder if I should delve more into the links between volunteerism and fundraising.”

Kaitlin is truly a philanthropic being. She has already begun her #mevolution.

Have you?