An Un-missed Opportunity
By Jorja Porter, M.P.A.

It happened to be one the warmest days Chicago had seen in four months when I received an invitation to meet and welcome the new Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 2009 Chicago Fellows and share my experience as a recent fellow graduate. On the way to meet them, I was able to peacefully enjoy the nice weather and reflect on my “warm” experience as a fellow in this initiative for the past two years.

When someone recommended that I apply for the AFP Chicago Fellows program in 2006, I did not give it much thought. After I researched the program, I still wasn’t sure if I was a good candidate for this program. Nonetheless, I put the application deadline date for the program on my calendar as a reminder—in case I changed my mind.

I completed the application for the fellows program on the same day it was due. The application deadline was the first thing that appeared on my calendar when I turned on my computer. I knew that there were several essay questions that could take longer than expected. I read the goals of the program and something inside of me clicked. Why wouldn’t I want to take a chance on meeting new diverse professionals, gain new skills and best practices for my job and career and extend my own potential for growth opportunities?

With that, I completed the application, answering each question honestly and sincerely because I did not want to miss this opportunity. I wanted to be a Chicago AFP Fellow!

In December 2006, I was one of nine individuals selected to be a Chicago AFP Fellow for a two-year tenure. We were introduced to the AFP Chicago Chapter as “the second class of fellows” at its annual meeting and appreciation luncheon. In January 2007, we formally joined the program and participated in an orientation to discuss benefits and expectations.

Chicago Fellows Program

The Chicago Fellows Program aims to encourage diversity within the fundraising profession. The program is open to people of color and/or same-sex orientation working with or for grassroots nonprofit organizations in metropolitan Chicago. Each Chicago Fellow received a complimentary membership to the AFP Chicago Chapter, which provided them with access to all of AFP’s educational and networking programs for a two-year period—the length of the fellowship program.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of professionals from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds to support the AFP Chicago Chapter and establish an active membership in the organization. The program also assists fellows to build their organizations’ capacity and their own professional fundraising skills through educational resources and professional mentorship.

Five individuals were welcomed into the 2009 class of Fellows in January and they have already experienced two educational programs and a networking luncheon with representatives from the AFP Chicago board.

Cynthia Frahm, co-chair of the Chicago Fellows Program, has worked with the fellows for the past two years. “This program is so wonderful because it’s not only the fellows who benefit. It’s all of us in the chapter who have the opportunity to interact with them, share with them and learn from them,” she says. “It’s been an honor to welcome this group to the AFP Chicago community and have them as trusted colleagues in philanthropy. We have been delighted to work with the 2007–2008 fellows and share with them AFP programs, such as the educational lunches, the Midwest Conference on Philanthropy, the Peer Mentoring Program, the Philanthropy Awards Luncheons and other networking opportunities.”

A Great Experience

On Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, I stood with other fellows for the last time as an AFP Chicago Fellow and received recognition for my participation in the program during an AFP educational luncheon. My experience and exposure as an AFP Fellow resulted in a new job opportunity with a higher salary and title. It also led to my being a speaker at the 2007 AFP Midwest conference. However, some of the greatest benefits this program provided for me were meeting new fundraising professionals, gaining excellent mentors and introducing me to the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Jorja Porter, M.P.A. is the associate director of advancement services at Chicago State University. She was a member of the 2007–2008 Chicago Fellows Program with the AFP Chicago Chapter and is currently a member of the AFP Chicago Diversity Committee.

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