I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your Chapter President this year.

As I sit here thinking about what we can accomplish as a Chapter in 2008 I am reminded that our positions within non-profits rely heavily on volunteers; so does your AFP Treasure Coast Chapter. Each of you joined AFP with a specific purpose in mind, whether it was to meet, reconnect or network with other professionals in your field or gain the knowledge needed to make your position within your organization or business a little easier.

In order to fulfill our obligation to you. We need you! We need your time, talents and knowledge; we need you to volunteer for your AFP Chapter. Without member support there would be no speakers, no luncheons, no educational forums. I recently had lunch with a dear friend and she thanked me for listening and reinforcing the fact that the direction she was taking in her position did make sense; everyone in her office couldn’t relate to fundraising and development it wasn’t in their job description. Imagine not having anyone who truly understands what you are going through; not having anyone to bounce your ideas off.

Where would we all be?
That’s why I am asking each of you today to get more involved:

• serve on a committee
• chair an event
• recruit new members
• attend meetings
• attend the audio conferences
• find out more about the Chapter’s scholarship opportunities
• send in your ideas about monthly program speakers
• help mentor a newbie!
• use AFP International’s website www.afpnet.org
• Volunteer, make a commitment to this Chapter
• Get the most out of your membership

I look forward to serving with all of you….

Judy Cruz
2008 Chapter President