Attended a meeting of the London Group's regular master class session in "The Red Herring" thanks to the good offices of Kevin Kibble and James Buchanan. Great evening though I say it myself. Lots more on the behaviour of major givers. Some really interesting questions about the value of using a conceptual model and the role of volunteer leadership both of which the meeting overwhelmingly agreed are worthwhile.
Lots more research needed into the baby boomers, I'm doing my bit, but even the Institute of Fundraising seems to prefer case studies over research for the convention. Rather sad really. Particularly, since there's a new book out by David Willetts called "The Pinch" about the adverse impact the boomers are having upon the prospects of our children - generation X and Y. Worth the read because it might begin to impact what we do about, amongst other things, our charitable giving.
Be curious and have a look. If nothing else have a look at the video James has posted on youtube at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP7hb6CFOCo
With regard to training or lack of it I reproduce a letter from another Grumpy Old Fundraiser -John Sauve Rodd to the Institute of Direct Marketing about Recency, Frequency and Monetary Value!!!
ReplyDeleteDear IDM,
I write, alarmed at a discovery.
In a meeting of several people with a non-profit client and discussing analysis of their mail order trading - and with a newly-minted graduate of the IDM Diploma scheme dealing with said mail order work, we moved on to discuss RFM.
"What is RFM?" asked the twenty-something diploma holder.
"Didn't they teach you on the IDM Diploma?" I sputtered.
"No" said she. "I've never heard of it."
What, may an ex-fellow of the IDM (me) ask, is going on in Teddington these days?