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X-WR-CALNAME:Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan Chapter
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan Chapter
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T074500
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DTSTAMP:20260410T100327
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SUMMARY:Putting the AI in FundrAIsing: A Facilitated Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Overview\n\n\n\n\nExplore practical ways AI can be used in fundraising\, donor communications\, marketing\, research\, and day-to-day development operations. \n  \n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\nDescription: Bonita Jackson\, Development Officer at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County\, will lead a facilitated conversation exploring practical ways AI can be used in fundraising\, donor communications\, marketing\, research\, and day-to-day development operations. The conversation will also address important ethical questions\, including accuracy\, confidentiality\, authenticity\, and how to use AI in ways that support — rather than replace — relationship-based work. Joining Bonita will be Jill Dooley\, Senior Director of Philanthropy at Kids’ Food Basket\, Anna Sytsema\, owner of Anna Kate Marketing\, and Tracy VanderHeide of Kids’ Food Basket. \nAttendees will leave with real examples\, practical ideas\, and a better understanding of how AI can be used thoughtfully in the nonprofit sector. \nPresenter: \nBonita Jackson is a Development Officer at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County with 10 years of experience in the fundraising field. She partners with donors to align their giving with the causes and communities they care about and works with nonprofits to strengthen their fundraising capacity. She also piloted a partnership with local libraries through FreeWill\, helping residents access free estate planning tools and explore charitable giving in an approachable way. She also leads the Foundation’s Faith Partners initiative\, which brings faith-based organizations together to strengthen their capacity and connect them to opportunities that support the broader community. \nIn addition to her foundation work\, Bonita serves on the board of the Coalition for Community Development and has a deep love for local community organizing. Her professional background includes community outreach\, administrative leadership\, youth development\, and operations management. Across her career\, she has remained committed to strengthening people\, organizations\, and communities through relationship-building\, strategy\, and service. \n\n  \nLocation: Zoom Webinar (virtual)
URL:https://afpwm.org/event/putting-the-ai-in-fundraising-a-facilitated-discussion/
CATEGORIES:Friday Breakfast Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://afpwm.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ChatGPT-Image-Mar-30-2026-12_57_58-PM.png
ORGANIZER;CN="AFP West Michigan":MAILTO:areeg@hollandhospital.org
LOCATION:
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T074500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T090000
DTSTAMP:20260410T100327
CREATED:20260330T172502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T182626Z
UID:10000147-1780040700-1780045200@afpwm.org
SUMMARY:Inclusive Events in Practice
DESCRIPTION:Overview\n\n\n\n\nInclusive events don’t happen by accident—they are intentionally designed to ensure everyone feels welcomed and respected. \n  \nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\nDescription: \nInclusive events don’t happen by accident—they are intentionally designed to ensure everyone feels welcomed\, respected\, and able to fully participate. This educational session explores how accessibility\, inclusive language\, dietary considerations\, and service animal awareness intersect to create experiences that honor the diverse needs of attendees. \nParticipants will learn practical\, real-world strategies for planning and hosting events that remove barriers rather than unintentionally creating them. From physical access and communication practices to understanding service dogs and accommodating dietary needs\, this session equips organizers with tools to embed inclusion into every stage of event planning. The goal is not perfection\, but progress—creating spaces where people feel seen\, safe\, and valued. \nPresenter: Ashley Diersch\, CFRE \nAshley Diersch is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader\, storyteller\, and strategic fundraiser whose work is rooted in two core values: joy and justice. As Chief Advancement Officer at Paws With A Cause\, she leads fundraising\, marketing\, and communications for a national organization that provides custom-trained assistance and facility dogs to people with disabilities—empowering greater independence\, confidence\, and equity. \nFor nearly two decades\, Ashley has built a career at the intersection of heart and strategy. She’s led teams through multimillion-dollar campaigns\, rebrands\, and advocacy initiatives—always ensuring that equity is not just a goal\, but a guiding principle. Known for her ability to blend data-driven planning with emotionally resonant messaging\, Ashley mobilizes donors\, boards\, and communities with clarity\, creativity\, and conviction. \nShe holds a Communications degree from the University of Michigan and advanced leadership degrees from Lawrence Technological University and Central Michigan University. A CFRE since 2023\, Ashley also served as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan and has been recognized as the 2025 West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards People’s Choice Winner\, a 2025 Notable Leader in Philanthropy\, a 2021 MPWRD Influential Minority Leader\, 2018 Athena Young Professional Finalist\, and 2018 YNPN GR Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year. \n  \nLocation: Paws with a Cause\, 4646 Division Ave S\, Wayland\, MI 49348\, Training Classroom in Building C
URL:https://afpwm.org/event/inclusive-events-in-practice/
LOCATION:4646 Division Avenue South\, 4646 Division Avenue South\, Wayland\, MI\, 49348\, United States
CATEGORIES:Friday Breakfast Group
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ORGANIZER;CN="AFP West Michigan":MAILTO:areeg@hollandhospital.org
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