Inside ASI-AP

With the changes we are making at ASI to become a global company I know some of you are questioning why. I think over the years ASI has generally proven itself to be ahead of what customers need in technology trends, and the latest moves on globalisation are no different. Some of our customers are now truly global organisations - and in many cases are dealing with issues between the international head office and the country offices, that we are typically used to seeing between a national office and the state offices. For us to continue to be successful in this changing environment we need to have a global product and a global company supporting it - just being US focused is not going to cut it any more.

The Chair's Message in the March/April 2008 edition of Advancing Philanthropy (the journal of the AFP - Association of Fundraising Professionals www.afpnet.org) is a good read on how fundraising is becoming global. I have included a full copy of the message below - please take the time to read the whole message when you can. The other important point in this message is the importance of ethics to our sector.

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A Global Profession
Chair's Message
Advancing Philanthropy March/April 2008

AFP's vision is that fundraising will be viewed as a credible and respected profession for civic betterment throughout the world. Perhaps the most important part of that vision is the phrase "throughout the world."

Because technology has made philanthropy a global endeavor, donors are no longer restricted by geography or borders. There are many causes that appeal to individuals, corporations and foundations that cut across cultural, language and regulatory differences from country to country. AFP believes it is critical to the growth of fundraising everywhere that we reach out to other parts of the world to learn more about their philanthropic practices and to share our knowledge and resources in places where the profession is new and evolving.

The most tangible initiative we undertake each year toward achieving that vision is our International Conference on Fundraising. Typically, fundraisers from more than 25 different countries, representing every continent but Antarctica, participate in the event. They travel to the conference to learn, and many come to teach and share, as well. It is exciting to hear about some of the very creative and innovative fundraising techniques that are taking place outside of North America.

In my international travels as chair, I am humbled by how highly AFP is regarded and by the extent of people's desire for information and training from our association. Our support of charities and fundraisers in other countries as they promulgate best practices and ethical standards is beneficial to all of fundraising and indeed to all of society, which leads me to my main point.

The need for donor trust and confidence in the charitable sector transcends philanthropy worldwide. While the particulars may differ, donors in all countries deserve the highest in ethics, accountability and transparency. Thus, the promulgation of a common set of ethical standards that fundraisers everywhere can use is paramount. Donors need to have confidence in the charities they support, regardless of where they live or where the charities are located.

That is why AFP helped develop the International Statement of Ethical Principles. It explains why we will host the Fifth International Summit on Fundraising at our conference in San Diego to explore with international fundraising organizations how to promote the statement around the world. It also is why we are developing certificate programs in Latin America and Asia to highlight the education that fundraisers need to be successful and ethical.

We will continue to assist ethical fundraisers wherever they may work. Philanthropy is very different and very exciting when you get beyond your own personal, professional and physical borders. That applies to everyone, whether you are in the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Brazil, Japan, China or anywhere else. Not only can we learn a lot from each other, but we also will interact with each other - and even depend on one another - more and more as the world shrinks thanks to technology. Meeting these ever-changing needs and demands is just one reason why AFP will remain committed to supporting the profession worldwide.