Donations needed for 2012 Women's Resource Fair

I have the Austin Young Lawyers Association to thank for my life.

It was back in 2000-something that I was communications director at the bar, and being around all those bright, civic minded young professionals gave me the idea for GivingCity Austin. I’d be a depressed copywriter at some lousy software company today if those lawyers hadn’t inspired me to start on this journey. I owe that organization a lot.

In fact, AYLA members continue to inspire me today. David Courreges, Laura Merritt, Toya Haley and so many others are known just as much for their professional skills as they are for their commitment to the community.

On March 3, AYLA will offer its fifth annual Women’s Resource Fair for homeless, abused and low-income women. The event was clearly organized by people who understand what these women need. Take a look at what it offers:

• Medical services (including mammograms, pap smears, well women exams, eye exams, and wellness visits)
• Confidential legal assistance with family law, child custody, domestic violence and protective orders, criminal cases, immigration, estate planning, and consumer issue
• Mental health services, including spiritual counseling
• Social services and shelter referrals
• Job skills, education, and employment counseling
• Debt and credit counseling
• Clothing closet and haircuts
• Breakfast and lunch for all attendees
• Child care (!) or children 1 yo 11 years old, including breakfast and lunch
• Plus, SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

I mean, it gets better and better. Hundreds of Austin women have attended this event in the past, but AYLA wants to serve more. In fact, in previous years they’ve had to turn women away. 

AYLA seeks donations – financial and in-kind – from people and organizations across the city to make this event happen every year. But here’s the problem: They have a hard time raising money because everyone assumes lawyers don’t need to fundraise.

The young lawyers who organize this event certainly invest their own time, money and resources into the Women’s Resource Fair. But these are not fat-cat partners we’re talking about. These are young people just beginning their careers with young families, working long lawyer hours and, on the side, organizing this free event to benefit Austin women. They need lots of support.

But the Women’s Resource Fair is not about the lawyers. It’s about the women. Simply put, your donation allows AYLA to offer more services to more women.

Next Saturday, AYLA will put on the Women’s Resource Fair for the fifth time. Every year around this time, they worry if they’ll have enough to make it happen. If you like, you can donate at the bottom of this page.

We know you’re out there, volunteering as a group, as a family, as an individual. Well, we want pictures!

(Oh, by “shoot” I mean “photograph.” Sorry.)

Please send me your photos of volunteering in the Central Texas community. We’ll post them and share them on the GivingCity Austin Facebook page for all to see. Just attach your low-res jpgs to an email: monica@givingcity.com

The idea is this: If all we ever see are photos from fundraisers, then people start to think Austin philanthropy is all fundraisers. We know you do more in the community than dress up and drink wine. We know you do the hands-on work it takes to make Central Texas such a great place to live.

So let’s show them! Are you manning a water stop at the Austin Marathon? Are you cleaning up the parks on It’s My Park Day or doing someone’s taxes for Foundation Communities? Is your group sorting food at the food bank or building a home for Habitat?

Send us a photo! OR…. give me some lead time and I’ll send a photographer. We’re serious as a heart attack about this. Starting now.

Who needs the pressure? I say forget the cards and the candy and the heartache and disappointment, and show some love for the city that loves you back! Austin!

The energetic folks at Snoball have thought up a whole week of ways to show the love: everything from walking a dog to running the trail to landscaping to putting a little pebble in your shoe. This is stuff you can do, folks!

It’s Love Austin Week, with each day benefiting a different local nonprofit. Then it all ends on Thursday, Feb. 17, with a Nonprofit Happy Hour at Center 61, which you may remember as the site of our own little launch party last month. (Thanks again for coming out.)

So you still have Friday to do all the mushy stuff. How great is that?

Snoball is a new platform for micro-giving. It works when one person signs up and says, “I’ll give $1 to (pick your charity) every time the Cowboys win,” and then gets others in his online network to match that pledge. They call that a Snoball.

Snoball’s Love Austin Week is a way to get folks excited about easy, painless, social ways to give. Take a look at the calendar of events, enlist your friends and get going. Then we’ll see you at the Feb 17 Happy Hour!

Sign up here for Love Austin Week

But once in a while one sneaks up on me and kind of takes my breath away….

photo by Matt Lankes

Darden Smith, 49, is an accomplished Austin-based singer/songwriter with lots of hits, about a dozen records and hundreds of live performances under his belt. He’s pretty much been a musician his whole life. He grew up on a farm outside of Brenham, signing in the church choir and taking guitar lessons by the third grade. But he attributes his success to teachers who encouraged him to express himself through poetry, songwriting and music.

Mid-way through his career, he was approached by the Austin Symphony Orchestra to compose a symphony. On his website, Smith says, “It changed my life. It showed me that I was a musician, not just a songwriter, and that I could do anything I wanted if I would only say ‘Yes.’ ”

As an artist, he was evolving in ways he never would have predicted, and it made him realize something (in another quote from his website): “I saw immediately how important it was to help others recognize their own creativity, too, especially at a young age.”

Around that time, Smith was teaching informal songwriting classes at his son’s elementary school. The students and the teachers loved it, more schools requested it, and from that Smith created the “Be An Artist” program.

Here’s how Be An Artist works (from his website):

Darden introduces inspiration as a key to the artistic process and shows students how they can recognize and nurture inspiration in their own everyday lives. Darden focuses students on the idea that everyone is an artist, and that all of us can learn to recognize the artistry in everything we do, from choosing the clothes we wear to school, to how we interact with fellow classmates, to how we decorate our walls at home. He then draws awareness to the three ingredients to making art: attention, intention and the love of doing something you enjoy. Guiding them through a simple visualization process, he helps students recognize what they love to do, emphasizing individual differences and the importance that each student follow his or her own path.

(See what I mean? This is one of those nonprofits that fits Austin perfectly. It’s an artist passing on to young Austinites what being an artist is all about, so that they can continue to grow their creativity in a community that supports artists.)

I urge you to consider attending the Feb. 27 fundraiser for Smith’s Be An Artist program at FINO. It’s hosted by DJ Stout and Lana McGilvray and it features performances by Smith and special guest Kat Edmonson, plus there’s a four-course meal by Chef Jason Donoho. Beautiful night for a beautiful cause.

Be An Artist Benefit
Monday, Feb. 27, 6 – 11 pm
FINO
2905 San Gabriel St, Austin 78705
Tickets and tables available

RSVP HERE

photo by Matt Lankes

So goes the story about Komen’s decision to stop giving grants to 19 of Planned Parenthood’s 83 affiliates: It’s complicated.

(Wait, before I go further, let me just say I have supported both organizations, have friends at both organizations, and have benefited personally from both organizations.)

In a video defending Komen’s decision, Komen’s founder, Nancy Brinker, describes “new strategies” to ensure accountability, minimize duplicity, etc. As a donor, this is what we demand nonprofits and foundations do, right? Make sure my money’s being used in the most effective and efficient way — and that it’s not given to suspicious nonprofits — right?!

A New York Times story states that “the Komen board voted that all of its vendors and grantees must certify that they are not under investigation by federal, state or local authorities.” Folks, this sounds reasonable.

The story also states that the board knew the only grantee this would affect would be Planned Parenthood. And they did it anyway. Beyond that, the story states that they did it purposefully, because it would affect Planned Parenthood specifically. Hmmm…..

Okay, it sounds like Komen bowed to pro-life pressure. But if I were working on this story, I would dig a little deeper into the relationship between the two organizations, as funder and grantee: Exactly how does the funding work? What are the other requirements for grantees? How much warning did the Planned Parenthood affiliates get from Komen? Why only those 19 affiliates? What might partner nonprofits do to help make up for this loss of funding? Why was it assumed that these affiliates would continue to get funding indefinitely anyway? How might this affect Planned Parenting’s funding going forward (because reactionary, outraged donations don’t last, let’s face it)? How might it affect Komen’s?

The journalist in me sees easy bait for website traffic. (“Komen Ends Mammograms for Poor Women”) But the nonprofit communications professional in me sees how this decision can be more complicated than it looks — and maybe even more defensible for Komen. (I would hate to be a communications director at a Komen affiliate right now. Oy.)

And on a personal level, it’s very hard for me to turn this into a witch hunt because I believe Komen’s mission is so important. And because I know of so many people who work for and raise money for Komen. I mean, we all do.

Komen is huge. It’s one of the few nonprofit “brands” that everyone can name. At some point, its politics and fundraising “secrets” had to come out. We shouldn’t act so shocked and appalled.

Moreover … we can’t let this divide us, ladies. This is just what they want! (And by “they” I mean the forces that try to keep women in their place. You know who you are.) Let’s not settle this the easy way, high school way — with ugly Facebook comments and Twitter accusations, FFS. Let’s figure this out.

Either way, aren’t you excited about the progress this is going to lead to? We just got the Obama administration to tell employers and health insurance providers that they must cover contraception for women free of charge, despite political pressure to rule otherwise. Stay positive, ladies!

She also has identified the nonprofit finders willing to support such groundbreaking strategies.

The fact that it might be considered “groundbreaking” when a nonprofit spends time and money to find out whether it’s actually effective points to how complicated the mission of a nonprofit can be. Measuring profit can be complicated, yes, but at least you’re working in the more black-and-white arena of numbers. Many nonprofits have a hard time even identifying what determines their efficacy.

Kate’s film, “Saving Philanthropy,” makes a case for why it’s at least worthwhile to try. And it’s screening on Valentines Day in Austin.

Along with the screening, there’s a hands-on workshop where you can learn from other nonprofits how they did it, and get guidance on how your nonprofit might do it. Detailed instruction – not just someday-thinking – is what makes this even different. And worthwhile.

RESOURCES TO RESULTS
A workshop on managing high performing organizations featuring “Saving Philanthropy”
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 12:00PM- 4:00PM
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
1120 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704
$95 (Includes Lunch) Scholarships are available.
REGISTER NOW

FEATURING:
Saving Philanthropy: Resources to Results™ , a one hour documentary film

Interactive Presentations on Managing to Outcomes with Southwest Key Programs, and a demonstration of the Outcomes and Effective Practices Portal by Isaac Castillo.

Nonprofit professionals who tool the "Principles & Techniques" course in 2011, at The Long Center.

A sign that Austin philanthropy is growing up: World-class fundraisers.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Austin Chapter is home to many successful development pros, men and women who care deeply about connecting generous people with the causes they care about. They’re also an ambitious bunch. That’s why last year they jumped all over the Fund Raising School.

Last year the Fund Raising School came to Austin with the course, “Principles & Techniques,” an internationally recognized, four-day intensive course that lives at Indiana University. AFP Austin and the Austin Community Foundation took a chance by inviting them, but it paid off: The course was packed, the students raved and AFP and ACF congratulated each other for moving the local development profession up another notch.

Well, great news: Principles & Techniques is back, March 19 – 22 at The Long Center. Of course, you’re wondering why sign up now when you can always take it someday in Indiana….but I want you to do a little math: You can take the course in Indiana just about any time for about $1,500. But you’d have to fly there ($400), stay in a hotel ($800), eat out ($250), do a little sight-seeing (free…what’s in Indianapolis?) and give your kids a kiss goodnight on Skype. That’s a lot of money. You don’t want to do that.

Stay here in Austin with us, take the course with your colleagues who are working the same market you are. Really, it’s invaluable to have that experience right here where you work. And if you need any help convincing your boss, just tell her you can get an early bird discount if you register now, by January 31. That’s the entire course and everything below for just $1,250. Seriously, consider registering now. 

FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR’S AUSTIN PARTICIPANTS:

(I have the evaluation and I could not find a negative comment, honestly.)

“I began this course operating by intuition (not always correct) and a shotgun approach. I learned a systematic, best practice, well-tested model. This class took my fear out of fundraising and ignited my excitement to put this into practice. I am just getting a Development Director in my budget and know what to look for.”

“Room full of intelligent professionals gathered with trained experts for learning, exchange, development. A solid week to focus only on fundraising.”

“The single best fundraising course I’ve ever been to – after having spent more than 2 decades in fundraising. I really needed to learn these time-tested basics.”

Now, the details, from the flyer:

Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin and the Austin Community Foundation are bringing the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University’s dynamic ‘Principles & Technique of Fundraising’ course to Austin March 19-22!

Principles & Techniques is Indiana University’s baseline course for all of The Fund Raising School courses.  The course will be taught by IU Center for Philanthropy Faculty members, Dr. Tim Seiler and Deborah Eschenbacher, M.A.

Recognized internationally, Principles & Techniques gives you the foundation and inspiration to lead your nonprofit to its financial goals. It provides you with the framework for operating a successful total development program. It is an intensive five-day, A-through-Z training program that is the basis for the rest of the School’s courses.

You’ll Learn How To

• Identify and validate prospective donors
• Manage the fundraising process
• Use research to match a donor’s interests and needs with your nonprofit ‘s mission and goals
• Build an annual fund donor base that keeps on giving
• Manage the process of raising money
• Recognize planned giving benefits to your donors and to your nonprofit
• Structurea successful solicitation
• Respond to challenges and ethical dilemmas with professional skill.

What You’ll Receive

• a comprehensive 700-page Study Guide plus an accompanying workbook
• Gift club ideas
• Board Strengths Inventory
• Donor evaluation forms
• Invaluable bibliography from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
• Formulas for establishing best-practice benchmarks
• A chance to network and build long-lasting, cross-mentoring relationships with other professionals.
• The Fundraising Cube

Early Bird Registration open now – SAVE $250!

Register Online

Before Jan. 31, 2012, $1250 AFP members/$1500 non-members. After January 31, 2012, tuition is $1500 for all.  Payments must be paid in full by March 1, 2012.  No refunds for cancellations will made after March 1, 2012.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available.  Please submit your application online by February 29, 2012.  Recipients will be notified by March 10, 2012.

It’s also the only farmer’s market in the state using the new Double Dollar Incentive Program. More on that below.

First, the new location: SFC Farmers’ Market East, will operate weekly from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesdays at the YMCA East, 5315 Ed Bluestein (Hwy. 183 at 51st Street). (SEE MAP)

View Larger Map

Next, here’s what makes this one special: “This farmers’ market will help fill the long-identified gap in northeast Austin where access to fresh, local food is limited,” said SFC executive director Ronda Rutledge. “This particular market will include incentives of matching dollars to be given to shoppers who use their SNAP and WIC fruits and vegetable benefits for purchases weekly,” she says, describing the Double Dollar Incentive Program, which doubles the value of any purchase made with SNAP dollars at farmers markets, up to $20 a week.

And here’s what makes it great: The East market will also host a tasting tent that alternates weekly with short cooking demos featuring recipes from The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™. The market is also located where green space, trees, a playing field and playground are readily accessible. “We’re grateful for our programmatic partnership with the YMCA and look forward to the cross-programming possibilities at this new farmers’ market site,” said Ronda.

There will be at least 10 vegetable and fruit farmers at this market, along with several ranchers and farmers who will bring meats, eggs, honey and dairy. In addition, the SFC Farmers’ Market East will consist of farmers’ market food vendors that sell breakfast foods such as tamales, tacos, and more.

And to make it fun: The March 20th kickoff will include grand opening ceremonies and special music, cooking and tasting, children’s activities, YMCA activities, door prizes and giveaways. The DDIP program at this market is made possible through funding from St. David’s Foundation, Texas Department of Agriculture, USDA, FarmAid and Wholesome Wave.

For more information about the markets, see www.sfcfarmersmarket.org. Also see www.sustainablefoodcenter.org.

Thanks to our sponsors:

The new issue is ready. Click below or on the cover to start reading it now.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

“Where Did The Money Go?” If millions of dollars were raised to help wildfire victims, why are families still suffering?

“How to Help a Returning Soldier” U.S. soldiers face depression, PTSD and suicide in increasing numbers. Here are some organizations helping them come home.

PLUS: Navigating the pet charities, teamwork for teen moms, Alamo Drafthouse’s new giving plan and Mary Margaret Farabee.

Feedback welcome! Let us know what you think! And please share the link with a colleague or friend.