Dear friends,

As we move through this year’s busy season, I’ve been reflecting on the power of teams. Avalon fundraisers lead the year-end push for our clients, of course—an incredible feat! They are supported by creatives and subject matter specialists who elevate every aspect of the work. And we all rely on Avalon’s business and admin teams, who ensure smooth operations, empathetic HR, and a strong infrastructure to support our mission. Thank you all for your dedication. I am grateful and incredibly proud of what we accomplish together.

AI Resources

AI For Nonprofits is a learning hub for professionals exploring AI in the nonprofit space. Their AI glossary is a helpful reference, and they provide resource collections by job function. Most importantly, they include information on policies and protections, which covers a wide range of ethical considerations, such as responsible data practices and how to avoid the “grey jacket” problem (generic AI-generated content). No matter where your organization stands with AI today, it’s wise to stay informed about where the technology is heading. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about Avalon’s approach.

Engaging Networks Community Conference

Avalon will present twice at ENCC D.C. on October 16. Along with our friends at 4Site, digital VP Catherine Wallwork will cover “Modern EN Templates That Your Donors (and Team) Will Thank You For,” a practical session on developing page templates that drive results and make your team’s job easier. Next, digital senior account director David Lothamer will discuss “From Manual to (Mostly) Automated” with Maan Sacdalan of National Trust for Historic Preservation. This will be a case study about how the organization transformed a manual renewal series into a smarter, automated email journey. We hope to see you there!

Leadership in Anxious Times

Harvard Business Review published timely advice on How to Keep Your Team’s Spirits Up in Anxious Times. Author Ranjay Gulati emphasizes calm steadiness and proposes three practices for leading teams forward during trying times:

1. Communicate a strong, morally resonate purpose.
2. Embody and model organizational values.
3. Display stoic calm, determination, and focus.

“How do you show up with that kind of courage? By emphasizing moral clarity, personal dedication, and composure under pressure. Inspire and reassure your people by giving them something meaningful to rally around, embody the values and purpose that matter to them, and remain a calm and steady presence.”

– Ranjay Gulati, Harvard Business Review

Attention, Please

Between pings, dings, and endless to-dos, it’s no wonder our attention drifts. Fortunately, we aren’t doomed to distraction: Researchers have discovered that focus can be trained like a muscle. NYU social psychologist Dr. Emily Balcetis suggests simple practices like choosing a specific visual point to anchor your eyes, linking today’s actions to future outcomes, and rehearsing responses to obstacles before they pop up. Thank you to senior director of HR Melissa Ferrell for sharing this research.

Meeting-Free Week

October 20 – 24 will be a meeting-free week at Avalon. All deliverables will remain on schedule, and your teams will be available for urgent conversations if needed. Avalon holds three meeting-free weeks per year as part of our productivity strategy. Thank you for your support as our staff carves out time for deep focus.