World YWCA Board learn fundraising can be fun
World YWCA Board members have gathered in Geneva, Switzerland for the World Board meeting held from October 6-9, 2008. As part of the business agenda, World Board members had the opportunity to take part in a skills building session on ‘Raising Funds’ with Bonnie Lou Fatio, World YWCA ambassador and author of ‘Age Esteem’.
Fatio talked about the importance of always presenting the YWCA positively when looking for funds and support. " We have to be excited and committed to the YWCA so the more we talk to people, the more they know about the YWCA" said Fatio.
World YWCA Board members shared personal experiences on talking to potential donors and the best ways to overcome some of the barriers that many NGO’s face. "You must look at the only positives. It doesn’t mean the negatives are not there. Rather than talk about what the YWCA wants, talk about what the YWCA has to offer," said Fatio.
"You must be able to relate your stories into an engaging conversation" said Fatio as she broke World Board members and staff into groups to practise effective story telling techniques. "Having one strong story is great; you can approach it from many different angles."
Fatio closed the session by asking World YWCA Board members to write a personal pledge about how they plan to use their new ‘elevator story-telling’ technique. "I will ask you to write your pledge on a blank piece of paper and then it will be sealed in an envelope. Then I am going to mail these to you in six weeks time so you can see whether you have been true to the words you have written."
World YWCA Board members continue their meeting over the next few days, led by World YWCA President Susan Brennan.
