Called to be Courageous
...For such a time as this
This is written by Andrew Steele in response to my article “Good Courage” (read it here: https://2bafundraiser.substack.com/p/good-courage)
Nelson Mandela is one of my heroes for many reasons. He certainly triumphed over fear, hatred, and hopelessness. Even 27 years in prison couldn’t quell his ultimate goal of justice and equality for his nation and people. If that’s not courage I don’t know what is.
In contrast, I cannot say that I have been the most courageous person, let alone fundraiser. I have not endured the hardships and experiences that so many marginalized siblings have had to, and I am in constant awe of their resiliency.
I would consider myself as one of the lucky ones in the development field, in the sense that my career began in “front line fundraising.” I did not make a career change from education, theology, or another craft. When I started off as a major gift officer, I was blissfully naive to what I was getting myself into, and in many ways I think that was my best asset in my work.
Was I courageous in my ‘asks’? Was I a brave soul going to my solicitation visits?
Most definitely not.
Instead, I simply didn’t know enough to be fearful! All I had was a passion for the mission I was serving on behalf of, with an authentic curiosity in the stories of the donors I was meeting with. I cared so much about the causes I worked for, (and still do!), and if a “no” or “not right now” was the worst thing I could encounter, how could it be so bad?
Now don’t get me wrong: I have had my fair share of butterflies as I approached a donor lunch or home visit for a gift ask. But, if the mission drives you, that will quickly dissipate.
…here we are, and here I stand. God has called me to be in the place, at this time.
I have worked on behalf of some great causes, and now find myself serving an organization with an 86-year history of welcoming the stranger. When I started in this role over five years ago, I did so because I saw so much courage and bravery in the immigrants and refugees persevering through incredible hardships, that I wanted to walk alongside them in this important ministry and work. I felt like I had to do something and wanted to put my faith into action.
But I can’t say I saw death threats, hyper-polarization, and straight-up hate and anger as real responses or incoming from the public on social media, calls, or emails.
But, here we are, and here I stand. God has called me to be in the place, at this time, and I have to have faith that God is equipping me to lead during these unprecedented turbulent times.
What started as naïveté has, with time, germinated into a real desire to work for justice. I see our collective work in philanthropy as true justice ministry, whether that is environmental justice, human rights, racial justice, or anything that is enabling God’s creation to thrive.
We do truly live in a hyper-polarized time in our nation. It can be hard to be brave, even if it’s simply vocalizing our support for a marginalized group that is being attacked. But we cannot forget that our donors stand with us, fired up for the causes we represent, and that we are not alone in this work.
And I firmly believe that we can overcome this divide by doing exactly what Paul emphasized in ‘Good Courage’. We need to live with curiosity! I loved when Paul stated that “curious” and “courageous” have almost all the same letters! That’s got to mean something, right?” I believe it to be so, Paul, and have seen when curious people have found a change of heart. It is possible.
If we all were to lead with more curiosity, to ask questions, to truly listen to other perspectives, perhaps we may be able to see our fellow humans in a more, well, human way.
And isn’t that what it’s all about? This work of fundraising and development?
We are humans, helping humans, to help humans.
May it be so.
Andrew Steele is Chief Development and Mobilization Officer at Global Refuge. His friends, co-workers and donor know Andrew to be a servant leader, relationship builder, and child of God. Thanks, Andrew, for your honest words and your courageous work!
Kelly Wendell is editor of this column. She is Coordinator of Communication at South Dakota State University.
COMMENT: Andrew reminds us that we never stand alone. Who is standing with you, helping you take heart?