Are We There Yet? Tracking the Path to Professionalism in Fundraising
Competence is highly essential in fundraising, particularly in today’s competitive and demanding environment. Acquiring the requisite knowledge and developing special skills that are valued in the field can be done through academic programs, training programs such as workshops, and other means such as conferences or on-line services. All of these efforts are designed to enhance the legitimacy of fundraising, to improve the quality of practice and ensure the highest possible level of success.
Robert Frost wrote a beautiful poem once that illustrated the choices we have to make. The most memorable lines are,
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
– The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost
Are fundraisers technicials or professionals? Which do you want to be? Perhaps the goal to achieve is to be “a reflective practitioner,” one who not only knows the best practices but also has a thoughtful approach to the significan role of fundraising in an organization.
There are many ways to become a professional. See the link on this page for some ideas. There is also a website that lists areas of study, centers, courses and similar information you might find interest. Come to PSI first, and we’ll help you design the right professional advancement program for you.