Written By: Delia G. Perez, CFRE, CAP®
Chinese New Year 2022 began on February 1st 2022, ushering in The Year of the Water Tiger along with its power, passion, and daring. Now is the time to pounce, take a risk, and start new endeavors. Courage, bravery and bold actions are rewarded and maybe we will finally banish COVID in 2022.
According to Chinese astrology, Tiger years set the stage for creativity, innovation and deep insights. It’s a time of extremes when all of life’s activities will be experienced on a grand scale. Tempers flare, drama and excitement reign, and dreams can become reality while social change, political unrest and economic uncertainty abound.
There is no middle ground in a Tiger year with its much-needed dynamism and energy. This is the time to be bold and tackle new projects, and learn new things. Pursue a new job or career, keep progressing and working towards a better future, because you will have the wind at your back during the Year of the Water Tiger!
The new year and swiftly approaching springtime, represent a time to reflect and recalibrate, review your accomplishments and determine if you achieved your goals, fell short or exceeded your own expectations. Only you know for sure if you did your best.
We encourage you to take advantage of the PGCGP educational curriculum and improve your results. We plan to return to our usual in-person meetings at the Racquet Club in Philadelphia in June 2022 as COVID rates continue to decrease. Please join us for our virtual March 25th and April 1st educational sessions to learn from our expert presenters.
- Exceeding your expectations? Then consider presenting a topic relevant to planned giving at one of our educational programs.
- Attend our annual premier educational event, the Planned Giving Day Conference, held at the Union League in Philadelphia on October 12, 2022.
- Register for the preview program in early December (or November) 2022 highlighting our two-day Planned Giving Course in April 2023 as a good introduction to our field.
- Volunteer your time and expertise. Get involved with PGCGP committees to ensure the success of PGCGP program offerings while also strengthening your own professional skills.
- Get acquainted with our sponsors and take advantage of the quality services and products they provide to better serve our planned giving community. Thanks to our ongoing partnerships with our sponsors, we hope you enjoy the timely articles submitted by State Street Global Advisors and Northern Trust as they share their expertise in this issue.
PGCGP offers a mentoring program for newcomers in the planned giving field and assigns seasoned professionals to help grow a budding career. We offer multiple opportunities for volunteer assignments supporting our council activities and invite you to consider joining your colleagues in service for our profession. We need your help to support PGCGP initiatives. One of the benefits of volunteering is a great networking connection with your colleagues to discuss important facets of your work and exchange ideas to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
Make the most of your PGCGP membership and re-energize your work life this year. Wow your donors with excellent stewardship and let them know they are appreciated. Discuss the impact of their generosity, thank them often, ask their advice, and extend an invitation to visit without always soliciting donations. Phone frequently and let your donors know they are important and matter to the mission of your organization. And whenever possible, go visit your donors.
Be sure to invest in you! Take a course, attend a conference, and strengthen your skill set. Be a better professional by taking better care of you. Get a good night’s sleep, take walks and exercise, and whenever possible, spend time with your loved ones and the important people in your life. Always remember, our donors and the missions we serve deserve us at our very best; don’t skimp on yourself or them.
We hope the Year of the Tiger will surprise you as one of your best years ever, and as they say for the Chinese New Year: "Gong xi fa cai," which means “wishing you great happiness and prosperity.”
