I had an amazing opportunity yesterday to watch as a bit of history was made.

I spoke briefly about AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) to set the stage for a brainstorming session for the Russian fundraisers.  They are really excited about creating a professional association of their own and it was amazing to watch them.  Fundraising is still so new and so young here that there aren’t many resources for them. The NGO School gave out a fundraising book written in and for Russians. (I have a copy that I’m sure I will treasure!). It’s wonderful to see that they want to get than association going right away to provide support and education to its members.  They want to create ethical standards and expand philanthropy in the culture.

Awesome, huh?

It’s 10:00 am here in Moscow.  I’m sure my family is asleep back home (where it’s about 2 am!).  I’m thrilled that I’ve successfully navigated the Russian interface here in the hotel lobby to be able to log in and post on my blog!

I’m here to teach a class at the NGO Masterschool for Nonprofits this week and will be sharing some with you, my readers, about what fundraising is like in non-communist Russia.  Believe me, it’s very different than it is for most of the rest of us!

Already got some awesome pictures and I soon as I can get them upoaded, I’ll be posting them from here and my Facebook account.  Stay tuned!!