5A | SNAP OUT OF IT! Changing Your Outlook on Donor Communications

Thursday, Sept 22
10:30 - 11:30 AM

Sector
Suitable across all audiences

Experience Level
Suitable for all levels

Shop Size
Suitable for any size shop 

Are your acknowledgments a series of fundraising Madlibs? Do you suffer from chronic writer's block? Are your publications in first person and sound like a British literature essay?

Time to snap out of it! This session will show you new ways to look at your donor communications -- format, medium, content, tone, and word choice. You'll learn how to write FOR your donors, not AT them, in compelling ways that get across your message and gratitude. Though we won't delve into grammar, punctuation and syntax, a supplementary style guide will provide you with tips and mnemonics to review on your own.

Bring something to write on or with, as we do a couple of exercises to try out your awesome new communications skills.

 

Debbie Meyers

Debbie Meyers is Senior Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship at the University of Maryland. Previously she was Director of Donor Services at Carnegie Mellon University for eight years, where she oversaw donor relations, stewardship, events and gift documentation. At the University of Florida Foundation, as Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations for nine years, she served as a central resource to more than 45 development officers at 20 colleges and units. Her development career began in 1986 as Publications Director for UF's health center development office, then as Development and Alumni director at Bishop Moore High School (her alma mater), and development director at the Orlando Museum of Art. A founding board member of the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, she earned a bachelor's degree in English from Loyola University in New Orleans and a master's degree in journalism from UF.