C. Vernon Snyder, CFRE, ACFRE I suppose professionalism is about fine differences.
There are “pros” in every occupation. You know the ones. Those individuals who take extra care that projects are completed correctly. They take care that people around them, colleagues, co-workers, clients, customers, are treated with respect and listened to carefully. They demonstrate the highest ethical standards and do not compromise their values or integrity. These “pros” are dedicated to continuing to learn about their chosen occupations, committed to making certain they are current with the newest techniques and technological breakthroughs. These people might be your auto mechanic, your plumber, your doctor, a teacher. Any individual that takes that extra care to be and do their best without compromise.
We are members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. However, being a member of AFP doesn’t make us professionals. Membership may make us aspirants to professionalism. The same description of a professional fits fundraisers as neatly as the individuals described above. Each of us knows the “pros” in our profession. We work beside them. We run to be first at their presentations at conference. We sign up for their webinars and most important have their books in our libraries. What makes these “pros” who they are? Perhaps they are just smarter or better than everyone else or maybe luckier?
The difference, I believe, is that the “pros” have dedicated themselves to this profession. They have refused to settle for mediocrity. They have refused to just get by. They have committed themselves to continued and continuous learning and growth. They share the highest ethical standards and insist on the same from everyone they work for and with. They go beyond every time with every donor, and with each organization they serve. These “pros” bring a value added to their organizations, donors, colleagues, and communities. These “pros,” because they have adopted the highest professional standards as the minimum they will accept, are examples of the best we have and the best we must aspire to be.
Do you consider yourself to be a professional? Are you committed to professionalism? Can you prove it? How do you know?
The difference, in my mind, centers around the simple commonality that the “pros” never stop learning and growing. They use experiences, conversations, interactions as opportunities to listen and grow as opposed to a chance to show what they know. These “pros” have a thirst for learning. You may notice these leaders have ACFRE, CFRE, MBA, etc. after their names. These signs of achievement not only demonstrate their commitment to learning, they indicate that others have validated the competence and professionalism of these people we aspire to be.
Start today to commit yourself to the highest standards in all that your do. Conduct your career with an uncompromising grasp of your values. Continue to develop your skills and knowledge through continuing education. Take time today to consider your dedication to this wonderful profession. Give serious thought to engage in the credentialing process. Is the International Advanced Diploma Program your choice? Go for it. Is the Certified Fundraising Executive credential your choice? Terrific! If you already possess the CFRE take the ultimate step and begin the journey to earn the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive Credential. Become one of the “pros”. Make the difference.
Vern Snyder retired as vice president for Institutional Advancement at the University of Toledo on July 1, 2015 serving since 2001. He is a graduate of West Virginia University with a master's degree in music education. In 1993 Snyder earned Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) status from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). In 2010 he earned Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive status (ACFRE), one of only 110 individuals with that distinction. He was recognized by AFP International as the 2016 Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Vern serves on the ACFRE Certification Board.
There are “pros” in every occupation. You know the ones. Those individuals who take extra care that projects are completed correctly. They take care that people around them, colleagues, co-workers, clients, customers, are treated with respect and listened to carefully. They demonstrate the highest ethical standards and do not compromise their values or integrity. These “pros” are dedicated to continuing to learn about their chosen occupations, committed to making certain they are current with the newest techniques and technological breakthroughs. These people might be your auto mechanic, your plumber, your doctor, a teacher. Any individual that takes that extra care to be and do their best without compromise.
We are members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. However, being a member of AFP doesn’t make us professionals. Membership may make us aspirants to professionalism. The same description of a professional fits fundraisers as neatly as the individuals described above. Each of us knows the “pros” in our profession. We work beside them. We run to be first at their presentations at conference. We sign up for their webinars and most important have their books in our libraries. What makes these “pros” who they are? Perhaps they are just smarter or better than everyone else or maybe luckier?
The difference, I believe, is that the “pros” have dedicated themselves to this profession. They have refused to settle for mediocrity. They have refused to just get by. They have committed themselves to continued and continuous learning and growth. They share the highest ethical standards and insist on the same from everyone they work for and with. They go beyond every time with every donor, and with each organization they serve. These “pros” bring a value added to their organizations, donors, colleagues, and communities. These “pros,” because they have adopted the highest professional standards as the minimum they will accept, are examples of the best we have and the best we must aspire to be.
Do you consider yourself to be a professional? Are you committed to professionalism? Can you prove it? How do you know?
The difference, in my mind, centers around the simple commonality that the “pros” never stop learning and growing. They use experiences, conversations, interactions as opportunities to listen and grow as opposed to a chance to show what they know. These “pros” have a thirst for learning. You may notice these leaders have ACFRE, CFRE, MBA, etc. after their names. These signs of achievement not only demonstrate their commitment to learning, they indicate that others have validated the competence and professionalism of these people we aspire to be.
Start today to commit yourself to the highest standards in all that your do. Conduct your career with an uncompromising grasp of your values. Continue to develop your skills and knowledge through continuing education. Take time today to consider your dedication to this wonderful profession. Give serious thought to engage in the credentialing process. Is the International Advanced Diploma Program your choice? Go for it. Is the Certified Fundraising Executive credential your choice? Terrific! If you already possess the CFRE take the ultimate step and begin the journey to earn the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive Credential. Become one of the “pros”. Make the difference.
Vern Snyder retired as vice president for Institutional Advancement at the University of Toledo on July 1, 2015 serving since 2001. He is a graduate of West Virginia University with a master's degree in music education. In 1993 Snyder earned Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) status from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). In 2010 he earned Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive status (ACFRE), one of only 110 individuals with that distinction. He was recognized by AFP International as the 2016 Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Vern serves on the ACFRE Certification Board.
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