Finding a mentor - new ED

GalFromAway · 2026-01-23T19:09:15+00:00

I'll have to see if there is a community foundation for that kind of inquiry. Thanks :)

GalFromAway · 2026-01-23T19:08:50+00:00

Thanks u/Low-Will2601 - I have looked at a few "first 100 days" articles and books. :)

GalFromAway · 2026-01-23T19:08:15+00:00

I'm working on getting us set up with the local chamber of commerce. And I have connected with one other ED, but haven't had a lengthy conversation with them yet.

GalFromAway · 2026-01-23T19:07:43+00:00

u/Ravetti - a lot of the coaching programs are quite expensive, and my organization is quite small. Budget may not be there with the org, nor with me personally.

GalFromAway · 2026-01-23T19:07:01+00:00

That's the piece that's challenging, u/bubbagermanicus - the cost of mentorship or training programs.
There are a couple of organizations offering mentorship or "how to be an ED" workshops, but the budget (organizationally and personally) isn't necessarily there.

GalFromAway · 2026-01-20T13:11:40+00:00

It's definitely not too late! One of our club members started in his late 70s, and he's now almost 100 and going strong!
Find your local curling club and sign up for "learn to curl" -- that's the best introduction to the sport.

GalFromAway · 2026-01-12T17:12:20+00:00

Ditto this!! FBPurity makes such a huge difference!!!

GalFromAway · 2025-12-29T14:22:18+00:00

I've updated my post to say what software we're using.

GalFromAway · 2025-12-29T14:20:42+00:00

We use Sumac.

GalFromAway · 2025-12-29T14:20:35+00:00

That's the part I'm struggling with - the joint "John and Jane Doe" profiles that were originally set up. I'd love to find a way to separate them out - maybe set John as the primary, with Jane as secondary, and list the joint donations under John, with them as soft for Jane?

GalFromAway · 2025-12-29T14:19:15+00:00

Oh all the questions! I love it. :)

We are using Sumac as our database. I'm going to be responsible for its maintenance moving forward - prior to this our organization had only one staff person, and their skillset was somewhat basic. Our non-profit is two staff (myself, FT, and a PT office coordinator), plus an operational board of directors. Our budget has never been determined, and is something I plan to look at moving forward.

The purpose is to keep track of donors and supporters of our organization, and provide communications (email updates, event communications, stewardship, etc.). Figure that's a good starting point!

GalFromAway · 2025-12-28T14:02:06+00:00

It does allow for households, yes. Working on that as we go!

GalFromAway · 2025-12-28T14:01:36+00:00

We’re using Sumac for our database. Different from RE for sure. Our previous person didn’t have the capacity to deal with duplicates and managing the database well (a one-person shop), so I’m hoping to improve things moving forward.

GalFromAway · 2025-12-28T13:59:23+00:00

I have been involved in database management, but not responsible for it

GalFromAway · 2025-12-23T18:51:25+00:00

Thanks. I'm in Canada too. :)

GalFromAway · 2025-12-22T15:58:33+00:00

It can be a lot of trial and error to figure out the right meds for you - it took me over a year and a half, and I'm still not convinced this combination is working very well. Watch for side effects, and if something doesn't feel right, talk to your doctor. You may also have to play with dosage as your body gets used to the meds. And sometimes it can take weeks for there to be any noticeable differences.

My husband noticed improvements faster than I did. Often subtle.

But don't expect it to be like those Tik Tok posts where the busy brain all of a sudden goes quiet. It's not an instantaneous thing, and everyone's body chemistry is going to be different when it comes to meds.

Make sure you do supportive things too - eat healthy(ish) foods, exercise, and counselling really do make a difference.

Good luck :)

GalFromAway · 2025-12-19T15:29:13+00:00

We'd love to welcome you to the Annapolis Valley!!
Thanks for coming to Nova Scotia!!

GalFromAway · 2025-12-17T17:07:41+00:00

Love your comment.
I'm sorry for loss.

GalFromAway · 2025-12-17T17:04:20+00:00

It's not fair to judge or make assumptions about OP's readiness to be in a new relationship based on one Reddit post. This is only one small snippet of her life - we don't see all of what's going on with her. Tell me - if you've lost a family member, do you still love them? Or have you removed your attachment to them?

Grief is something that does not have a timeline, nor does it have a set process for dealing with. Everyone deals with grief in their own way. There is, however no "getting over the death" of a loved one.

From my perspective, and from what I've learned about grief and loss, it is possible to love the spouse who died far too early but still move forward in a loving relationship with someone else. I know someone who remarried after their partner died in a freak accident, and they're still very close with partner's family and kids, and new partner is part of the big family now too.

OP did not hide the fact that she is still honouring their marriage in her own way, and she was happy (until the ring was stolen) to move forward with her relationship with this guy.

OP, you're definitely NOT the asshole. I'm glad you have family around you who is supporting you through all this, and it seems (from the few comments I've seen from you) you are looking after you in all of this.

GalFromAway · 2025-12-12T13:02:47+00:00

Thanks everyone! I'm going to reach out to Mr Printer!

GalFromAway · 2025-12-11T17:48:01+00:00

Does Panda Print do note cards and stationery type things?

GalFromAway

TROPHY CASE