AFP-NM MISSION STATEMENT: The AFP New Mexico Chapter, an association of professionals, advances philanthropy by empowering people and organizations to practice effective and ethical fundraising.

The core activities through which the Chapter fulfills this mission include education and training, promoting credentialing, providing resources, networking, forging alliances, mentoring, advocacy and recognition.

*President: Pamela Chavez, Don Chalmers Ford
(Forging alliances)

*President Elect: Celia Merrill, Golden Apple Foundation of NM
Every Member Campaign

*Past President: Felicia Griffin, The Griffin Group
Chair, Nominating Committee

*Treasurer: Shalini Shanker, Amy Biehl High School
Fiscal Responsibility

*Secretary: Christina Woodlee, United Way of Central NM
Legal Compliance

*VP Advancing Philanthropy: Lisa McCulloch, CNM Foundation
(Advocacy, recognition)

NPD, YIP, Family (Philanthropy): Cindy Ortega, Planned Parenthood
Spirit of Philanthropy
Community/Govt Outreach: Marisa Gay, Bosque School
Marketing/Communications: Betsy Skye Smith, Explora

*VP Education/Training: Kathleen Raskob, Samaritan Counseling Center
(Networking, providing resources)

Program Chair: Tracy Alexis, St. Martin’s Hospitality Center
Diversity/Inclusiveness: Charles Lowery, NM Jazz Workshop
Ethics: Maryle Barber, Casa Esperanza

*VP Membership Development: Jennifer Lowe, Jennifer Lowe Consulting
(Membership, mentoring, hospitality, logistics)

Emerging Leaders: Hazel Tull-Leach, UNM Hospitals
(New Members, Collegiate, High School)
Membership Outreach: Peter Moulson, United Way of Central NM
(Current Members, statewide)
Professional Development: Ken Thompson, Albuquerque Academy
(Advanced Members, credentialing, audio conferences)

Thank you for Participating in the AFP Member Survey
You were recently sent an online survey concerning a research project our chapter, along with 29 other AFP chapters from across the country, has agreed to participate in. It’s an honor that the New Mexico Chapter was included and we’re proud that our voices will be heard. This study will help provide helpful information to our profession. We’ll post the results once they are available.

Again, thank you for your time & participation and good luck in the prize drawings that were associated with the survey!

The deadline to take the survey has been extended to Friday, December 19. PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO TAKE THE SURVEY:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228738J2LBR

Standardized Bylaws
We know you’re getting busy with all of your year end festivities, but would you please follow the link below to review the proposed Standardized Bylaws for the New Mexico Chapter of AFP. They have been approved by your Board of Directors and will be voted on by the membership at the January 8th Luncheon Meeting. Please review them and then come to the January 8th luncheon to vote! Thank you! For your convenience, we have posted the Standardized Bylaws in Adobe Acrobat format on our web site at http://www.afp-nm.org/StandardizedBylaws.pdf.

Reminder: New Postal Service Mailing List Requirements in Effect
As of Nov. 23, the United States Postal Service now requires address lists for standard mail to be cleared of incorrect addresses every 95 days, rather than every 185 days as previously required.

The new ruling, announced earlier this year, is meant to decrease the number of undeliverable mail pieces processed by the post office. The rule has been expanded to Standard (nonprofit discount rate) mailings. It originally only applied to First Class mail

In order to meet the new Move Update standards, a mailer must update its addresses using one of five methods approved by the Postal Service.

The method recommended by most mail houses is the National Change of Address (NCOA) update method. For a list of those methods and other information, http://www.usps.com/mailpro/2008/mayjune/page5.htm.

“In my opinion, NCOA is the easiest and most effective method of cleaning the list of UAA mail,” explained AFP member Phyllis Robinette Burns in an Oct. 6 AFP eWire story first announcing the new Postal Service rule. Burns owns and operates Burns Mailing & Printing Inc. in Knoxville, Tenn. “Not only does the change of address update keep the nonprofit within the specifications of the USPS, but is an effective way for nonprofit organizations to keep current with their donors who have moved. It reduces printing, mailing labor and postage of mail that would never reach donors.”

To comply, mailers must update their mailing lists to account for recipients who have moved every 95 days at minimum. For example, a mailing entered on Nov. 23 must bear names and addresses that were updated no earlier than August 20.

“In fiscal year 2004 the Postal Service handled 9.7 billion pieces of UAA [undeliverable-as-addressed] mail at a cost of $1.8 billion,” USPS notes in a press release. “The new standards will result in better address quality by removing incorrectly addressed pieces from subsequent mailings, which in turn will reduce undeliverable-as-addressed mail.

Nonprofit organizations that do not update addresses they mail to within 95 days, verified by submission of a Certificate of Move Update Compliance (PS Form 6014), may be charged First Class postage on their entire mailing.
For additional information, go to www.usps.com or contact the post office where you enter your mailings.

SOURCE: Article from December 1st, 2008 AFP International Fundraising News (http://www.afpnet.org/ka/ka-3.cfm?folder_id=2545&content_item_id=24736)

2009 Luncheon Meeting Calendar
Please pencil us in for our 2009 luncheon meetings! Each month we’ll have great programs and a chance for you to network with your peers. Please note that the following schedule may have some future changes.

New Luncheon Venue
We are pleased to introduce our new luncheon venue - The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, is at 2401 12th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. The 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, opened the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) in August 1976 to showcase the history and accomplishments of the Pueblo people from pre-Columbian to current time.

Thousands visit IPCC each year to experience Pueblo culture and hospitality. The environment at IPCC provides a peaceful respite for visitors. The plaza's circular form, adorned by murals painted by renowned Pueblo artists, beautifully accentuates the architectural design of the center.

The Center's focus is a 10,000 sq. ft. museum featuring the authentic history and artifacts of traditional Pueblo cultures and their contemporary art. The permanent exhibit highlights the Pueblo peoples' creativity and adaptations that made possible the survival, diversity and achievements of each of the 19 Pueblos. New exhibition galleries are devoted to changing historical and fine art presentations reflective of the Native American people of the southwest with an emphasis on Pueblo art and history. For more information: 1-866-855-7902 or www.indianpueblo.org.

AFP January Luncheon - Thursday, January 8th, 2009
We are starting the year with an exciting opportunity for you to get geared up to meet the challenging economic times that we’re currently in. Our January and February luncheons will help you and your organization be more successful at tapping into funding resources.

Our January 8th meeting will feature, Terry Odendahl, President of the New Mexico Association of Grantmakers and Co-founder of the Institute of Collaborative Change in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We are excited to have Terry as our guest speaker; she will be talking about how to equip non-profits by learning to make an effective “ask” to funders. Terry has so much expertise in this area, so plan on joining us in the Pottery Room at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for this exciting and timely program on January 8th.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Pottery Room (above the restaurant): 2401 12th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Luncheon cost for this meeting is $25 for AFP members and $30 for others. Any reservations received after the deadline will be charged a late registration fee of $5. The deadline to receive lunch reservations is 5 p.m. Monday January 5th, 2009. Visit www.afp-nm.org for registration details or call 505-239-9106.

AFP February 12th FUNDERS FORUM
2009’s Funders Luncheon will be even better than it’s been in the past. Last year we had over 220 participants who had a chance to meet directly with an exciting line-up of Funders. This year promises to be even better!

Sandia Resort & Casino will be the location for our February 12th Funders Forum to be held from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Look for the complete schedule, topics and funders in the February newsletter.

COME TO NEW ORLEANS AND SPICE UP YOUR FUNDRAISING
AFP International Conference: March 29th - April 1st, 2009
The AFP conference next spring will feature a Distinguished Speaker Series explaining ways to proactively lead in tough economic times, effective fund development strategies and funding a sustainable relief and rebuilding effort after a natural disaster. And those are just a few of the 120 presentations covering every conceivable aspect of fundraising! To register and learn more go to - http://conference.afpnet.org/ 

Job Postings - Development Opportunities

Samaritan Counseling Center - Part Time Development Associate
Planning, implementing, and evaluating the financial development for Called Back to the Well, a program offering resources and services to area clergy and congregations.

Developing fundraising strategies including but not limited to donor solicitation, grant writing, creating materials and presentations.

Successful experience in resource development, awareness of area faith communities, and ability to network with religious leaders desired.

Contact Sue Joiner at 505.332.8020 or  or send a resume to 217 Locust Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

Please click here for more opportunities.