Thanks for taking the WPI Proven Practices assessment! Your results show your initial focus should be to Engage Your Staff.

Engaging as many staff members as possible can help you obtain sustained support from women. One way you can help your fundraising team reach women more effectively is to help them learn approaches that better align with women’s preferences. There are a number of ways to create opportunities for your staff to learn more about how women give without overwhelming their calendars. Consider using the book club format in which you discuss books and articles pertaining to the role of gender in your organization’s impact areas. Another option is to offer an AMA-style (Ask Me Anything) workshop led by an expert in women’s philanthropy. Starting with just one or two actions and allotting time for one and half hours each work week—a 3% commitment—can help engage your entire team in a meaningful way that generates results. Measure the outcomes of the strategies you implement so you can continue improving your efforts to meet women in ways that resonate with them.

Below are the first steps to build staff understanding within your organization. Explore the tools to kickstart your efforts for getting your team on board.

Your First Steps

1. Learn from others’ successes
   • Review the research (infographic) In Plain Sight Infographic
   • Discuss the fact that gender matters in philanthropy
     • Read this book to learn about how to grow women’s philanthropy
       • Gender Matters: A Guide to Growing Women’s Philanthropy
     • Read this blog on how to create a book club:
       • A fun way to raise awareness of women's preferences in your organization  

1. 1. • Consider a workshop
        • Watch The Power of Getting Started 

2. Organize a book club and/or a workshop when
   • Your leadership is intrigued and engaged.
   • Your leadership is willing to test one or two early actions.

The first steps that an engaged staff takes builds momentum. You will then be on your way to creating multiple avenues of involvement so your organization better connects with those who identify as women.

If you're interested in additional ways to get started, explore  Build Leadership Commitment, Gather Women’s Input, orRecruit Volunteer Champions.