Dear friends,

After a tough winter and a wet spring, these beautiful May days are a welcome change. I’ve been making a point to get outside and spend time in my yard while the weather is warm and not too hot. Whenever I can fit in a dog walk or some time in the garden, it is energizing and a nice change of pace. I hope you are able to enjoy more fresh air as well!

Honesty, Humility, and Purpose

Analytics VP SB Birnie shared an insightful post from Queer Ideas about a 4-way test at UK for UNHCR that had 3 package versions with dramatic images and one more traditional letter. The letter won the test, and I like how author Mark Phillips interprets that finding:

“It’s not always the case that a letter format will win. Sometimes, it won’t. Different factors all come into play. And we are always going to need to rotate creative executions and deliver a mix of approaches in a successful campaign. But what this result does remind us of is something powerful: The best fundraising speaks with honesty, humility, and purpose. It’s not trying to win attention. It’s trying to earn trust.”

USPS Update

Thank you to production director Mike Schweikart for reporting back from DMAW, TNPA, and DMFA’s joint webinar on Riding the USPS Roller Coaster. Topline, postage for letter-sized mailings is projected to increase by 9.6-11.6%, while postage for flat-sized mailings (used for calendars) is projected to increase by 14-18%. The Postal Regulatory Commission should decide by mid-June, and the new rates will go into effect on July 13, 2025. This timing and the projected impact are consistent with what Avalon anticipated in budget and strategy planning for our clients.

AI Trends

COO Kerri Kerr shared a helpful resource from Harvard Business Review that tracks how professionals are using generative AI to enhance productivity and lighten workloads. This data visual is fascinating, and I recommend clicking through to read the detailed task descriptions—there are some interesting use cases in here! I currently find AI helpful for getting started on brainstorming and turning long-form content into compelling presentations. What is working well for you?

Harvard Business Review, “How People are Really Using GenAI.”

Inspiring Events

Thank you to our clients at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts for a beautiful Wine & Dine event at The Barns at Wolf Trap. This is always a special night, and Michelin-Star Chef Aaron Silverman and Master Sommelier Justin Moore presented creative and truly delicious pairings. What a treat!

In addition, Brennan Center for Justice hosted a wonderful 2025 Brennan Legacy Awards event. This year’s honorees were Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Tony Award-winning musical Suffs, which tells the story of suffragists who fought for women’s right to vote. Governor Moore delivered a Democracy Keynote with this vital call to action:

The beautiful thing about this American experiment is that it strives towards perfection every day, and we know the history of this country is uneven, and we know this country is worth fighting for. At a time where we know that those basic fabrics that we all believe in are being tested, I simply ask this: Do not waver in your work.

Happy Birthday!

The extended Avalon team includes many beloved animals, and I always love to see the pictures that circulate at our virtual watercooler. Last week was a particularly good one…senior VP and director of digital Mary Meredith shared a photo of the cardinal babies that were born in her patio hedge, and senior VP of finance Kristina Deutsch’s foster dog gave birth to 6 puppies!