Fundraising Ideas for the Fundraiser

There's a disconnect in the nonprofit world. I read countless articles about technology and its powerful applications for the nonprofit sector, but seldom is there coverage of the critical interface between technology and communications strategies. That's a serious gap.

What's happened, in my opinion, is that many of us shy away from technology. By leaving tech decisions to the IT department rather than schooling ourselves on these opportunities, we limit the impact of our communications strategies.

"I would rather die than stand up and speak in public," is the faltering battle cry with which we represent our organisations. Most of us go through life with the view that you either can or you can't. Speak in public, that is. It's high time we changed that perception and realized that, as with so many things in life, it's a skill that can be learned, worked on, acquired.

The value we bring to an organisation depends on our communication, and more specifically, our public speaking skills. This is particularly true for volunteer program managers, who are often responsible for making presentations in the hope of attracting new volunteers to their program. If we can represent our organisation competently and enthusiastically, we can contribute more powerfully. Achievement depends on getting an A in Communication Skills !

Here are some "A's" in Public Speaking to mull over: