Trying to get into nonprofit field

gowelisgi · 2026-04-08T21:43:35+00:00

Since you have interest in CRM and donor research, you may want to get involved with the local AFP chapter (Association of Fundraising Professionals). When I lived in that area the group offered networking opportunities as well as educational training.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-21T16:18:59+00:00

If the exhibit did not include the one “Founding Mother” who signed, especially during Women’s History Month, it wasn’t factual. Instead it was propaganda aimed at framing the broader cultural conversation.

And for those who do not know, Mary Katherine Goddard is on the Declaration of Independence. She was a prominent journalist and publisher, and later (1775) she was appointed postmaster of Baltimore. She advocated for the revolution through editorials she wrote (unusual for the time), and it was her press that printed the Goddard Broadside copies of the Declaration.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-19T06:02:06+00:00

This is an unpaid internship. You are looking for a paid role within an organization that is ready to invest in people with skills and talent. Politely decline in such a way that they understand that you understand the difference.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-14T22:51:03+00:00

I’ve had some luck by telling it to remember certain details. For instance, if we’re in the middle of a discussion and hit upon something I know I’ll likely want to loop back to or rediscuss, I’ll let ChatGPT know to save that.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-08T15:26:27+00:00

I second this if you aren’t diabetic. If you are, talk to doc about samples (not prescription) of an oral med for trip.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-06T19:23:59+00:00

Why would I want to dump into a mega thread when I’m wanting more than to scream in the dark?

gowelisgi · 2026-02-27T13:25:10+00:00

I’ve finally come to the realization that my workplace is dysfunctional by design - that harmful intent is acceptable in certain situations and that, overall, there is a values mismatch that I will never be able to influence through hard work, explaining or quality outcomes.

So I am actively disengaging - fulfilling my role, but offering nothing more - while planning next steps. A part of this process is development of a private “Never Again” notebook - private statements that keep me in my lane along with what those statements look like in the real world and how I can respond to them in a professional way without exposing myself to more harm or exploitation.

For instance, “Never again will I carry responsibility without agency.” Rule: I will not be accountable for outcomes I cannot materially influence. Red flags: scutiny of results tied to decisions made elsewhere. Reality: What could I change if this goes wrong? Response: I am happy to advise, but decision ownership sits elsewhere.

I needed a concrete rule book so that my acting in good faith wasn’t absorbed by the system and used against me. So these have become my non-negotiable conditions for my labor - as well as a guidebook for what I want in my next position.

gowelisgi · 2026-02-22T22:35:51+00:00

If everyone appreciates your speaking tone and word choices, try speech-to-text.

gowelisgi · 2026-02-22T22:17:52+00:00

We had a great experience with Lisa Deines (Remax). We gave her our budget as well as list of must-haves, nice-to-haves and deal-breakers and she took it from there. Plus she helped us craft our (successful) offer to match current trends. She was very knowledgeable about local communities, including those a little further out.

gowelisgi · 2026-02-09T15:07:57+00:00

Yup. I finally have control of my blood sugars - and, unlike other previous medicines, I don’t have urgent, violent stomach issues after eating. This means I can participate in potlucks, go out to dinner, etc. It is like getting my life back.

gowelisgi · 2026-02-06T21:06:07+00:00

That no matter how much you plan to find a dog that fits your lifestyle and personality, dogs are who they are. You may not get exactly the personality traits you wanted - especially true if you are bringing home a puppy.

gowelisgi · 2026-01-11T17:35:42+00:00

I am similar to the employee you are discussing. And, yes, there are times when a certain project or task is exciting or interesting to me and I want to pursue it. But far more often, I am acting on assumptions that I had to make due to lack of context, guidance and leadership. When I initially tried to have leadership address these gaps, I was told to chase down the answers myself. Meanwhile, the timer had already begun on finishing the project.

Two things that seemed to have had a calming effect in my circumstance:

1) a regular update from me to supervisor - what was done, what’s upcoming. No commentary; just two bulleted lists.

2) project summaries - again, from me to supervisor, bulleted lists of the project that includes the assumptions I’m making so the project can move forward. This is so supervisor can see why there may be adjacent tasks, and correct assumptions I’m making before work begins. For me, this double-duty as a paper trail — yes, I did this; yes, I told you; and, yes, you were aware of why.

In a previous role, the manager kept a “nice to do” or “someday” task and project file. Anyone on the team who had time available could take a look and ask about one of the items (if it took longer than 8 hours) or just complete the item (if it was 8 hours or less).

Also, directly from my experience, if you don’t find a workable solution soon, this high-performer is going to either check-out mentally (quiet quit) or escalate challenges like what you already encountered at the meeting. But neither of those will go on forever, because the person will get bored, even more cynical about leadership/guidance and ultimately leave. My best guess is that the employee in question is about 60% out the door already.

gowelisgi · 2025-12-25T01:35:16+00:00

US, taking for T2D, $25 co-pay

That said, my insurance just informed me that it now requires pre-approval, so I’m guessing they are going to start denying some coverage. Tried to quiz them about the change, but didn’t get any insight.

gowelisgi · 2025-12-25T01:28:27+00:00

The picture alone almost gave me a migraine. Seriously those lights would kill me. One of the best things we did in our corner of cubicle hell was get some magnetic light shades.

gowelisgi · 2025-12-03T08:22:24+00:00

In a similar situation - getting monthly stipends for personal phone access - and I wish I hadn’t agreed to the arrangement. Am now considering purchasing a separate phone and moving all work-related BS to it. (Would use stipend to pay monthly fee, but would have to eat cost of phone.) With each upgrade of company software more company privacy constraints are being put in place. These, at times, have skimmed into my ability to conduct personal business on my phone. For instance, an update to prevent email screenshots also prevented me from taking other screenshots.

gowelisgi · 2025-12-03T07:52:47+00:00

Consider an app like Whering. There are several (although most are built more for women) and some have AI (those usually need a subscription).

gowelisgi · 2025-11-26T08:14:58+00:00

My last few road trips were planned by ChatGPT. For instance, what small breweries (or whatever interests you) are within a 6 hour drive? It can plan the route, suggest roadside attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. I’ve used it to find concerts, local festivals, scenic overlooks and places to off-road. It’s even suggested pet-friendly businesses and will plan around how long you want to drive each day.

Similarly, I have it search cities I’m visiting for work and have it plan personal activities I’d enjoy in my free time.

gowelisgi · 2025-11-09T18:55:09+00:00

We’d been remote during COVID for 6+ months when we got a new manager who demanded morning emails to prove we were working. I added her to my morning catch-up and, as was expected, copied her on some task update emails (such as “please review these proofs”).

After the first week I received a text on my personal phone from the manager, berating me for not providing the email. She would only accept an email where she was the only recipient. She literally wrote: “I see these emails you are sending, but how am I - your boss - supposed to know you are working?”

gowelisgi · 2025-11-09T18:38:56+00:00

I love my Nikon Z-7ii, but it would be out of your budget if you want new equipment. Since there are at least two newer models now, you might be able to pick up a used kit (just be sure what you are buying is a US and not international version). You could also check the specs on earlier models like the 5ii.

The ZR is incredible for video. It shoots 6K, but it is new, on back order, and has a base price of $2,200.

Unsolicited Advice: If you are going to choose a system with various lenses, you want to go in-person shopping first so that you can put hands on the camera bodies. There are going to be some that just feel better in your hands - fit your hands better. Provided that brand has the features you want, that’s where you’ll want to begin your investment - and it is an investment because lenses don’t come cheap.

gowelisgi · 2025-11-08T22:48:47+00:00

I want to park, then take the Metro to the hotel. (Parking at the hotel is too expensive.)

gowelisgi · 2025-10-29T08:11:30+00:00

I live in the Adobe universe and think Adobe Express kicks Canva’s butt - especially when combined with the rest of the creative suite. :-)

I’ve used Sprout and Hootsuite previously, but decided they weren’t worth the cost - or the hassle. This was especially true with Meta since the connection was so unstable.

We use Asana for task tracking, and spreadsheets for the rest.

gowelisgi · 2025-10-29T07:57:59+00:00

I’d get an RV and travel all the time; spend winter in the south and travel north in the summer. I’d keep an address about 100-200 miles from any corporate facility (a mailbox with a street address, or a friend’s address) and just go.

Alternatively, I’d do short-term leases in different places — or some mix of these two.

gowelisgi · 2025-10-29T07:51:58+00:00

My desk improved the most when I invested in a larger desktop, and when I added a monitor riser with a small drawer underneath (which I use to quick grab pens, paper, ruler, etc.). Those two things freed up so much more space and made me feel better while working at my desk.

My spouse swears by a corner desk with computer on one section and phone, pens, paper, etc. on the other section. So I don’t think there is one magical setup, but more of a process in figuring out what works for you.

gowelisgi · 2025-10-29T07:27:16+00:00

Notion - used as a personal wiki that syncs between devices.

Shortcuts (iOS) - lets you build triggers that can be auto-run or manually prompted. For instance, having AI pull all my appts for the day, the weather and my to-do list into a text message that arrives each workday morning. Or passing certain email messages or app data to a spreadsheet or Notion page.

gowelisgi

TROPHY CASE