Hold the Circle

This is a reflection on the role of change and belonging in the fundraising profession and a shout out to an organisation that has shaped my professional life in more ways than I can count: CASE - the Council for Advancement and Support of Education

The Circle of Safety in Uncertain Times

The writer and self confessed optimist Simon Sinek talks about the importance of a Circle of Safety in his book "Leaders Eat Last". This is a model used to train US Marines and create an environment where people feel protected, valued and empowered to contribute without fear. In times of disruption, that kind of culture matters more than ever.

Right now, many public facing organisations like universities and schools are operating under immense pressure. These are well documented and their extent is mixed but what is clear, these are not just operational issues. They cut to the heart of what it means to be a professional specialist right now and how you may need to navigate more disruption and change in the next decade.

This is why professional community matters and it is also the motivation for me to offer a very quick but heartfelt thank you to an organisation that has given me the professional network, knowledge and support to power me through my career: CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Finding My People

I still remember walking, wide eyed and unsure, into registration for the Spring Institute for Fundraising at the University of Durham. It was about 2003. I felt nervous. A little intimidated. I was not entirely sure what I had signed up for.

But over the course of three full on days, I found something that has stayed with me ever since — a professional community rooted in shared values, deep generosity and collective wisdom. It wasn't just about the confetti cannons during the closing remarks.

By engaging in CASE's volunteer programme, I have been introduced to some of the most talented, driven people in their field. These are professionals committed to doing good work for their institutions and communities and open with their time and the expertise they share. Along the way, I have crossed paths with some who have become good, trusted friends. This is what can happen when you are involved in purpose driven work - you find your tribe very easily.

A Sector in Constant Upheaval

History tells us that there has never really been a time of consistent stability and humans need urgent dramatic drama as much as they are unsettled by it. Organisations will always need to work through the ripple effects of global events and political upheaval - from Sept 11th to the global financial crisis, austerity, Brexit and the pandemic.

My wiser self knows that there are no unicorns and rainbows. But I do believe you can enjoy the sparkle effect. Difficult decisions will always need to be made - but as change looms it is important there are benefits to continuing to engage with a professional body - create connection, support and create opportunities for your teams.

There's a really interesting piece on this in the recent CASE Currents magazine I encourage you to check out:

From Delegate to Vice-Chair

During that strange lockdown era, I was invited to join CASE’s first Advisory Cabinet for the UK and Ireland. It was a real privilege — and an even greater one to stay on as Vice Chair, helping to shape engagement with members through regional events and sector wide networks working with Kate McSweeney from University College Cork as Chair. That term is now complete.

It was clear from work in Districts (as CASE calls its regions) across the world that we all faced, similar but increasing complex sets of challenges and here in the UK & Ireland we continued to be inspired when meeting and networking with North American counterparts. Their energy is phenomenal.

What CASE Offers the Education Sector

CASE is a global network, headquartered in Washington DC, connecting more than 90,000 professionals working in advancement, communications, marketing, alumni relations and fundraising across 80 countries. It has offered me a source of connection, space to challenge and wider international perspectives. They're expanding across new markets such as Continental Europe and Latin America - its lovely to see this grow.

Leaders Set the Context

CASE has been confidently led by Sue Cunningham, who was one of the early figures that helped me see what an advancement career could look like. Thanks to her — and to the brilliant team around her, including Pamela Agar and Caroline Davis — for holding that space with vision and heart. So many volunteers over the years have inspired me and encouraged me to think bigger picture, focus, and just ask (pick up the phone!).

Leading With Gratitude

One of my former Vice-Chancellor's had promised to pop into a senior leaders briefing run by CASE in London and say hello. They came over, full of busy, and looked at me and whispered "James, all these people are just thanking each other" and I looked back with eyes wide, smiling, nodding my head and said "That's the point Vice-Chancellor".

The power in a thank you completes the circle. I carry that learning with me as I jump into my new chapter - working alongside educational partners and taking the learned wisdom of advancement with me.