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Making a Difference
Read this exclusive Up Close & Virtual® Interview with Linda Goode, an experienced, successful Professional Fund-raiser. Ms. Goode is the Director of Development for Easter Seals Arizona and the National Philanthropy Day Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She offers her insights and professional strategies for those interested in pursuing or advancing a career in fundraising. Her keys to this fulfilling career include strong business skills, relationship building, public relations/marketing and, of course, a sincere interest in helping people and making a difference.
Tell us briefly about the organization and your area of expertise:
I have been blessed with the opportunity to utilize my business skills and interest in helping people with an organization that helped my family when I was a teen.
The mission of Easter Seals Arizona is to partner with people with disabilities and their families, to create solutions that help change and improve their lives so that they can live with Equality, Dignity and Independence.
Many people may have "heard of" Easter Seals, but not as many know all that Easter Seals does to help children and adults with disabilities in communities across America. As the Development Director for Tucson & Southern Arizona, I raise awareness and support for Easter Seals local programs and services, like therapy, in-home care, assistive technology, early intervention, respite & recreation, and camp.
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Describe a day in your professional life...
The key to successful fundraising is relationship-building. The Easter Seal family is made up of donors, clients & families, staff, volunteers, and sponsors. As a professional fundraiser, my day timer is filled with appointments and meetings to coordinate special events, campaigns, and personal connections that will help further the mission. This can include presentations to civic organizations, interviews with the media, site visits with major donors, contacts with city officials, and writing plenty of Thank You notes.
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How is technology impacting the nature of your work and how you do your work?
Through a grant, we recently purchased specialized software designed to assist non-profits achieve their development goals. It assists with event planning, helps us keep track of constituent records more efficiently, and ultimately makes better use of agency resources. Technology also enhances communication with our national agency, providing on-line technical assistance, professional training, and quicker response time to our constituents' needs.
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Was there a lesson or skill learned from your first job that has been invaluable on your career path?
My fundraising came naturally as a child collecting coins for UNICEF on Halloween. But my personal mission began when my dad became a double-amputee. My university experience offered a variety of opportunities to learn about different careers. At the time, I thought nursing was to be my career path, but business classes appealed to me more than chemistry. I encourage young people to follow their hearts when determining their career path, and there you will find happiness. Learn as much as you can and continue to learn about your chosen field.
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| "I encourage young people to follow
their hearts when determining their career path, and there you will find
happiness. Learn as much as you can and continue to learn about your chosen
field." --Linda Goode, Director of Development, Easter Seals Arizona, Inc.
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Do you have suggestions of any professional associations, trade journals, periodicals, events, etc. that someone pursuing a career in your field should be aware of &/or attend?
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) offers insights, professional training and growth opportunities for those interested in pursuing or advancing a career in fundraising. For example, I am this year's National Philanthropy Day Chair and have had the great fortune to work with and meet some amazing people in that position.
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How do you maintain balance in your life? or Do you?!
It's hard work to maintain balance between family and career. My employer has been supportive of my being home with my children after school, and I do work strange hours at home sometimes to accomplish my goals in both arenas of my life. |
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| Thank you Linda Goode, for sharing your insights and expertise with CareerWomen.com
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