Why Do We Shape Our Stories from a Donor-Centric Perspective? Shifting Our Lens to Community-Centric Storytelling and Fundraising

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When we think about best practices in philanthropy, we often focus on how external stakeholders will receive our messages -- including donor appeals, grant proposals, and event programs. But why is this the appropriate approach and do these practices honor the stories of the communities we serve? In order to further advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the funding space, nonprofit organizations and philanthropic institutions must re-examine how we communicate. Ethical storytelling and community-centric fundraising are two models that offer new methods for organizations to approach philanthropy in ways that reduce harm and further social justice.

As part of the WID Asks Why series, this program will discuss how current practices can perpetuate one-dimensional or inauthentic narratives, white saviorism, unequal power dynamics between grantors/grantees, or trigger trauma. Our panelists will share how organizations can adopt community-focused storytelling in fundraising, communications, and event activities, along with their experiences and successes.

 Anticipated takeaways:

1. Understand the characteristics of community-centric communications and how they compare to donor-centric communications.
2. Gain a deeper understanding of how participant communities are impacted when organizations center community perspectives and stories vs. a donor-centric perspective.
3. Learn new methodology and tactics on how tell the stories of organizations’ missions while advancing social justice and inclusivity.

This program is presented by Women in Development of Greater Boston and ComNetwork Boston as part of the WID Asks Why Series

Audience/Target Market:  Marketing and communications and development staff – all levels

MODERATOR:

 Adanma K. Ude  (she/hers) is the Regional Director of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, New England and the co-chair of the Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She is a lifelong resident of the City of Boston. She has been a community member of the Mattapan neighborhood for twenty years and counting. Adanma is passionate about community engagement, educational equity, and family advocacy. Her educational background includes a M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University, Boston and a B.A.in English from Suffolk University, Boston. When Adanma is not building professionally or networking,she enjoys spending quality time with her seven year old son, Jeremiah, running her small catering business, and finding safe ways to stay connected with family and friends.

PANELISTS:

Nel Taylor -Nel Taylor (they/them/theirs), Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation, is a development professional with nearly 10 years of donor relations and storytelling experience in the arts. After years of supplementing part-time and volunteer work in fundraising with bartending, they took the leap into full-time development work two years ago. They have served on the board of directors at the Circus Project, graduated the Art of Leadership program through Regional Arts and Culture Council, and are currently taking the certificate in nonprofit fundraising course at Willamette Valley Development Officers. Nel was born and raised in Portland, OR, is an active participant in the social justice and activism community in Portland, is a strong advocate for equity in nonprofit work, is a musician and performer, and an avid meditator and NBA fan.

Maicharia Z. Weir Lytle, President & CEO at United South End Settlements
Maicharia Z. Weir Lytle became President and CEO of United South End Settlements (USES) in February 2015. In her role, she drives the overall organizational, operational, and programmatic strategy for all USES activities with the goal of helping families stabilize through access to resources, become more resilient, and build a diverse and supportive network.

Maicharia has outlined a new strategic path for the 125-year-old, non-profit with a mission aimed at harnessing the power of its diverse community to disrupt the cycle of poverty for children and their families. Vision125 includes a revitalized approach to programming that focuses on integrating programs to serve the whole family—from early childhood education and after school youth programs to coaching and workplace readiness programs for parents. Community engagement has been an integral part of USES’s history and remains critical in the new vision as well. Maicharia is actively encouraging neighbors of the South End and surrounding areas to bring their distinct skills, perspectives, and resources to USES, creating a diverse and inclusive community where all families can thrive.

With nearly two decades of leadership and management, fundraising, community development, and program innovation experience, she has routinely developed, grown, and elevated organizations in and around Boston. Her service and leadership extend to volunteer roles with Mothers for Justice and Equality (MJE), Big Sisters, and Simmons School of Management Alumni Association. She is presently a board member of SparkShare, the Alumni Council for Northfield Mount Hermon School, and was appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to serve on the State Workforce Board.

 Maicharia received an MBA from Simmons School of Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. She and her husband live in the Boston area with their three children.

Thursday, March 25, 2021

3:30-4PM Networking
4-5pm - Panel Discussion

REGISTER HERE