Know your donor: World YWCA Board members participate in donor dialogue
World YWCA Board members had an opportunity to engage in a donor dialogue at the current World YWCA Board meeting being held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Patricia van Delft from Inter-Church Organisation for Development (ICCO) and Brigitte Bettler of HorYzon (YMCA/YWCA Switzerland) were invited to share the work of their respective organisations and discuss the importance of positive relationships with donors. "Nurturing personal relationships is key to working with donors," said Bettler.
World YWCA Board member and World Service Council USA member Carolyn Flowers also shared the history of the World Service Council. "You have to keep building relationships with your donor. You have to know your donor," said Flowers.
Chaired by World YWCA Board member Dr. Deborah Thomas, the session was an opportunity for ICCO and Horyzon to learn about the dynamic programmes and services the YWCA offers around the world.
Juliate Malakar, World YWCA Board Member and Youth Co-ordinator of the YWCA of Bangladesh shared the national association work with HIV positive women and young women who use educational services and micro-credit programmes offered by the YWCA of Bangladesh. "We have given equal space to HIV positive women at the YWCA of Bangladesh. We are making a change in the lives of women in Bangladesh," said Malakar.
Kirsty Kelly, World YWCA Board member and President of Scotland highlighted the successful ‘104 pairs of shoes’ exhibition organised by the YWCA of Scotland to raise the issue of violence against women in the country. "Young women’s active participation is at the forefront of everything we do," said Kelly.
The YWCA of the Democratic Republic of Congo has developed programmes to address peace in the country and Alice Mirimo Kabetsi, World YWCA Board member and President of the YWCA of the Democratic Republic of Congo shared the national associations vision. "We work on UN Security Resolution 1325 and also offer violence against women programmes. We trained women to be election observers in the last two elections in DRC and have plans to set up a legal advice clinic to advise and support women who have suffered violence due to conflict in the country."
Both donors and World YWCA Board members had a chance to exchange tips and techniques for grantees. " Donors like to be engaged with a personal story when reading a proposal," said Jessica Notwell, World YWCA Board member and YWCA Canada member. "You need to make it engaging."
"Honesty and commitment to your programme is very important. Also when you report your results, you have to be honest," said Arda Arghazarian, World YWCA Board member and YWCA of Palestine member.
Along with honesty, World YWCA President Susan Brennan believes faith is equally important when engaging with donors. "We continue to be in strong conversation with our ecumenical partners. Faith is what inspires many of our member associations and us as World YWCA Board members."
A communiqué will be released at the conclusion of the board meeting to update the movement on key decisions and activities that take place over the five days.
