Get Involved with AFP Greater Austin!

AFP Greater Austin relies on a network of volunteers who are the power behind our work. You can support our work by serving as a committee member or board member.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with AFP Greater Austin is a great way to share your talent and build relationships with fellow industry colleagues. It can also act as a catalyst for your own career growth that contributes to both your personal and professional development while further promoting, highlighting, and advancing our profession. And, your committee volunteer work can be added to your resume and may count towards CFRE certification.

Join a Committee: If you are interested in joining an AFP-Greater Austin committee, please reach out to the contacts listed below. 

Questions? Please email Ari Pettigrew, MBA, CFRE at [email protected]. 

We are pleased to offer the following AFP Greater Austin volunteer opportunities:

Scholarships Committee: Ari Pettigrew, MBA, CFRE ([email protected]) 

The committee markets the various scholarship opportunities that AFP Greater Austin offers as well as reviews the applications submitted to recommend recipients.  Additionally, this committee is charged with engaging current members in volunteer opportunities and finding a home for interested members on a committee that interests them. 

 Philanthropy Day Committee: Fayruz Benyousef, CFRE, and Angela Osborn, CFRE, CFRM  ([email protected])

This committee plans, produces and executes AFP’s annual Philanthropy Day Awards that brings together philanthropists, grant makers and fundraising professionals in Central Texas.  This event is the largest source of income for AFP Greater Austin each year, primarily raised through sponsorship opportunities offered to individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Subcommittees are divided into sponsorship, marketing and communications, awards, logistics, and stewardship.  Time commitment: November - April 

Legislative Affairs Committee: Angela Castilleja ([email protected])

The committee has responsibility for the development and implementation of strategies to advance the chapter’s knowledge and engagement in public policy matters pertaining to philanthropy and the fundraising profession at the local, state and federal level. Committee goals include developing and strengthening chapter awareness on legislative activities by creating effective civic engagement opportunities, such as the biannual AFP Texas Legislative Action Day (LAD) in concert with statewide AFP chapters, and the facilitation of cooperative and productive relationships with elected leaders and other strategic partners involved in public policy. Time commitment: January - March 

Programs and Education Committee: Heather Parsons, CFRE ([email protected]) 

This committee focuses on organizing AFP Greater Austin programs, including monthly chapter meetings, to bring best practices in development and industry professionals to members and guests. Each event is designed to help experienced and new fundraisers increase their fundraising knowledge and skills. The committee actively seeks volunteers to help plan, produce, promote and organize these educational and networking events.  As a volunteer on the Programs Committee, volunteers must attend at least four program events each year. 

 Membership Committee: Lucinda Cassidy ([email protected]) 

The committee works to ensure that AFP Greater Austin offers valuable and professionally meaningful connections to new and veteran members. The committee strives to advance membership satisfaction, recruitment and retention. Committee members are invited to share and implement ideas to ensure AFP Greater Austin offers all it can to its membership.  

Strategic Planning Committee: Heather Henry, MPA ([email protected]) 

The committee leads the long-term visioning and strategic planning efforts for AFP Greater Austin chapter. Specifically, the committee tracks and reports the progress of our chapter’s various committees on their strategic plan-related activities. This committee provides strategic support to the president as needed. 

Outreach Committee: Melinda Gonzales Boe, MA ([email protected]) 

The role of the committee is to promote AFP Greater Austin as a resource for the philanthropic community, both internally and externally, and to facilitate access to chapter resources. Goals are to identify key areas of inclusion; recruit in underserved and non-traditional communities; and based on community feedback develop and implement plans to increase educational opportunities and engagement levels.

Finance Committee: Amelia Long, CFRE ([email protected]) 

This committee provides financial oversight of budgets, sets and monitors internal controls and accountability policies, and sets long-range financial goals for the organization. A business degree or advanced math skills are not required to participate in this committee, but a basic interest in reviewing budgets and supporting AFP Greater Austin with fiscally responsible decisions is recommended. 

Communications Committee: Miranda Roberts and Kara Schell ([email protected]) 

This committee communicates the strategic vision of AFP Greater Austin to members and the general community to build greater awareness of the chapter and the benefits of membership. Committee members help maintain current and accurate communications through the website, eUpdates/eNews and multiple social media platforms. The committee publicizes and advertises luncheons, seminars, and other programs; sets chapter communication policies; and oversees updates to the website. 

Resource Development Committee: Rachel Elder, CFRE, CFRM ([email protected])

This committee provides oversight of sponsorships and stewardship as well as implements the chapter’s annual campaign. The fund development plans support the chapter’s needs for educational programs and long-term sustainability. This volunteer option provides a living classroom to learn best practices with other fundraising professionals while fundraising specifically for the chapter. The committee also determines strategic partnerships for the chapter to strengthen and serve our members and the philanthropic community.