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I had the privilege of sharing my concept The Triple Win™ with several audiences last week. I love connecting with people and learning who they are. That's what we're about as fundraisers, aren't we?
Apparently, not everyone shares that view.
As part of my work, I often use role-play. Role-plays are a very effective teaching tool. Much of my message is centered about being in the right frame of mind, so it's a natural fit.
A participant in one of my sessions last week provided some interesting feedback. I'm always seeking to improve both my content and my effectiveness, so I encourage as much as people are willing to share.
Celia, the executive director for a social service nonprofit, first stated her dislike of role-plays. That's OK. Not everyone is going to enjoy putting himself or herself out there.
It's what she said next that really caught my attention.
The particular role-play is three roles for three persons in a group. The exercise rotates the roles twice so that all three persons get the opportunity to be in all three roles: philanthropist, executive director and community member. The roles are constructed so that there are mutually exclusive elements to each role.
Celia thought the exercise was "redundant." The role rotation didn't provide her with any insights, as she was "the same" for all three. She also felt the whole concept way too "simple" and only for the "beginner."
- Categories:
- Donor Relationship Management
- NonProfit Pro

Larry believes in the power of relationships and the power of philanthropy to create a better place and transform lives.
Larry is the founder of The Eight Principles. His mission is to give nonprofits and philanthropists alike the opportunity to achieve their shared visions. With more than 25 years of experience in charitable fundraising and philanthropy, Larry knows that financial sustainability and scalability is possible for any nonprofit organization or charitable cause and is dependent on neither size nor resources but instead with the commitment to create a shared vision.
Larry is the author of the award-wining book, "The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising." He is the Association of Fundraising Professionals' 2010 Outstanding Development Executive and has ranked in the Top 15 Fundraising Consultants in the United States by the Wall Street Business Network.
Larry is the creator of the revolutionary online fundraising training platform, The Oracle League.
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