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AFP-WPA Fellows Program Creates Opportunities for Diverse Fundraising Professionals

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western Pennsylvania Chapter (AFP-WPA) is pleased to announce a call for applicants for its 2012 Diversity Fellows Program. The Diversity Fellows Program is an outreach initiative of AFP-WPA, which extends scholarship opportunities to minority and underrepresented populations for inclusion in the chapter’s membership.

AFP-WPA will select two (2) Fellows for 2012, who will receive member benefits at 8% of the cost of a regular membership. Applicants must have substantial responsibility for fundraising in their organization with at least one year of experience. Fellows will receive: admission to monthly chapter programs, a seat at the 2012 National Philanthropy Day, and attendance at the AFP Emerging Philanthropy Conference. Fellows will be recognized in chapter publications and events and will receive valuable training and professional development opportunities through AFP-WPA mentors, programs, and events.

The Diversity Fellows Program is intended to increase awareness of the mutual benefits of diversity and inclusion for chapter members, offer guidance to underrepresented fundraising professionals in achieving their career objectives, and provide mentoring, networking and professional development opportunities to minority fundraising professionals. Jeff Lukacsena, a diversity committee member guiding the selection process, stated, “The need for this program was evident through our review of current membership. It is critical for our organization to have representation across all ethnic and underrepresented backgrounds, and this program will help provide access to these populations.”

“As a visually impaired member who travels with a Seeing Eye dog, I appreciate first-hand the opportunities I have been given by theWestern PAchapter of AFP. Having worked as a volunteer fundraiser for two nonprofits, AFP has afforded me the professional development and networking opportunities to advance toward my future goal of being a major gift officer for one of the guide dog schools in either theU.S.orIreland.”

For more information about the 2012 Diversity Fellows Program and application information, visit the AFP-WPA website at http://www.afpwpa.org/. Please e-mail and mail a completed application by November 30, 2011 to:

Jeff Lukacsena

111 Jamison Lane

Monroeville,PA15146

Cell: (412) 558-0229; Home: (412) 824-4709

jlukacsena@comcast.net

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