Blog FPO

Gardian of the Month: Danielle Guty

Our Gardian of the Month is Danielle Guty.

Learn: How do you learn and work best? In a coffee shop with lots of noise or in a quiet, library-like setting?

I think that each day and task comes with a new set of factors, so the best learning environment may need to adapt as well. If I am trying to be creative and in design spaces, I prefer the bustle and potential inspiration of a coffee shop. If I am trying to work on something tedious and specific like finances or research, I prefer a quiet setting all to myself with no distractions. In reality, as a working mom of two, I sometimes have to work while a child is singing into their toy microphone while the other is practicing their basketball dribbling skills. During the hectic times, I know that I am not going to retain much, so I pick simple items or tasks and hope that I don’t have a zoom call 😉 This is an ever evolving space for me since shifting to a home office and I am working on trying to be intentional and flexible about what I am doing in any space. 

Network: Social media or face to face? Which form of networking do you prefer and why?

Prior to the pandemic, I would have responded that my preference for networking was social media. However, now, I would love to be back face to face or at least have a combination of the two. I am missing the opportunity to connect and the benefits of making real connections with people. 

Transfer: Let's say that you just attended a certification course.  What would be your first step in applying what you learned? 

This can seem like an overwhelming task so I try to focus strategically taking notes during the course. I like to sort my notes or star them with action items so they are easy to spot. After attending a course, I prioritize taking the time to debrief, revisit, and reflect. This way, I already have my list of things that could be transferred quickly to current projects.

Please share with us a resource and why you can’t live without it.

This past year I have read and found myself returning to “My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies” by Resmaa Menakem. This book has had a profound impact on the way I understand and experience the effects of white supremacy on our bodies. I have worked in public health, social work, research, and DEI space for many years and this book has been transformational personally and professionally. I recommend it to everyone! 

Just for Fun: If you could live someone else's life for a day, who would it be and why?

We say often in our family that our twelve year old dog, Alfie, has it made. I choose his life for a day! He is fed organic eggs for every meal, his day consists of walks, naps, and snuggles, and this week he ate six croissants out of the pantry without even hesitating. He is living the dream.

Great Events Equals Better Member Engagement for Association Chapters

The mainstay of association chapters has been their chapter events, polls show that the preference for virtual options has risen to nearly 50%, a stat that has a compound effect on member engagement. Where does this all leave chapters? In a precarious position. The good news is that chapters who throw out yesterday’s playbook will find themselves on more solid footing. Here are three strategies worth helping chapters to embrace. 

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Gardian of the Month: Tracy King

Tracy King is our Gardian of the Month! Learn about a subject she'd like to learn more about, her preference for networking styles, and read about a recent experience that she considered profoundly impactful. 

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From Gadgets to Growth:The Influence of Technology Innovation on Social Transformation

The decision to mandate antiracism or diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) training should be made carefully. While antiracism training can be valuable and effective when implemented thoughtfully, it is most effective when participants are engaged, willing, and open to the learning process. Mandating it for individuals who are not receptive may lead to a superficial compliance without genuine understanding or behavior change. It can also derail the experience for those who are receptive and came to learn. Models of innovation primarily used in business, marketing, and technology, may provide some insight.

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By: Kate Pojeta | Sep, 1 2023
Meetings

The Real Estate of the Conference Namebadge (Part II: The Extras)

Kate covered the basics for the front of your name badge not too long ago, now it's time to consider the extras you may or may not want to include.

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By: Kara Nacarato | Aug, 25 2023
Meetings

Tackling your Event Management Staffing Struggles with an Outside Solution

Today, more than ever, organizations are challenged with staffing issues. Whether the challenge lies in finding the right staff member, or budget constraints keep you from hiring a full-time employee, securing an outside contractor may be the perfect solution. Here are just a few of the benefits that come along when you bring in an external partner to plan and manage your meetings and events.

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Gardian of the Month: John Bacon

John Bacon is our Gardian of the Month! Find out his strategy for helping someone learn a difficult topic, he share his favorite network and why it's special, how he thinks mentorship aids in knowledge transfer, the book he can't live without, and what the title of a book about his life would be called. 

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