Say it with me, you need professional development
Dear Diary,
This month's entry is on one of my favorite topics, professional development.
There is no correct time for or rule book to professional development. It is based on how you want to develop your skills and thought processes, your interests, and how you choose to network and meet like-minded people. Most importantly, it is a necessity for all professionals despite position or years of experience, because it is a significant form of self-improvement. Think of the exposure to new people and ideas that either help you improve your best practices, and/or allow you to feel self-assure that your interests are relevant and matter; this is the professional development that you need.
However, professional development is not as accessible as we would hope. There are employers who do not make it a priority based on their budget, fiscal year plans, or simply because it is not important to them. And in cases like this, you have to find and create your own avenue for learning.
Therefore, below are several associations in the nonprofit sector that provide professional development opportunities and ways you can get involved, attend a conference or webinar, or network with other people. They are cost-effective by offering early-bird specials and reasonable fees, and a great amount of free and accessible opportunities.
Apra is the association for professional researchers for advancement. It is an incredible resource for those in the prospect development industry, with chapters all over the world. I would highly recommend joining your local chapter so you can stay connected with this ever-growing community that offers conferences, webinars, mentorship, educational resources and much more.
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (commonly referred to as CASE) is a global association for professionals in advancement—alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services. CASE is extremely resourceful and hosts conferences, shares surveys and white papers, exposes you to best practices and current topics that are relevant in higher education, and more.
Association of Fundraising Professionals (commonly referred to as AFP) is a global association for professionals in fundraising. It is a learning community for fundraisers, and I would highly recommend visiting their website and joining your local AFP chapter for their educational programs, projects and surveys, annual international conference, and so much more.
The Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network (commonly referred to as NTEN) is an organization for nonprofit technology professionals. It shares educational resources, a conference and webinars, capacity-building programs, and supports nonprofit professionals who currently utilize or want to learn how they can best use technology to meet their nonprofit's goals.
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (commonly referred to as YNPN) is an amazing organization for young professionals in and/or joining the nonprofit sector. It is the community that you want to be a part of. It offers great resources that drives young leaders to blossom and feel empowered in the nonprofit sector. Check out their website and join your local chapter because you will want to take advantage of this group.
In addition to these associations, you can stay afloat on current industry issues and learn new perspectives through countless blogs (Employed For Good, The Helen Brown Group's The Intelligent Edge, Nonprofit AF) and journals (The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Philanthropy News Digest or The Chronicle of Higher Education), just to name a few. Many professionals also enjoy reading industry related books as a form of self-improvement.
In the comments, please share the resources you utilize or professional associations that you are member of that is not listed above.
There is always a way for you to grow professionally, so, say it with me, you need professional development.
Until next time, June 15th!
