Written By: Delia G. Perez, CFRE, CAP®
Chinese New Year 2023 began on January 22nd 2023, ushering in The Year of the Water Rabbit. The new year is expected to be more relaxed and peaceful, with less anger and frustration, and generally seen as being less dramatic or tumultuous than the previous Year of the Tiger.
According to Chinese Astrology, the Rabbit symbolizes patience, luck, and new beginnings along with some big world-wide changes. Rabbit years support qualities that may have been lacking in the previous year, such as peace and harmony. Intellectual activity will be rich and durable. Justice is everywhere and nobody escapes the long arm of the law in Rabbit years.
During the Year of the Rabbit, those who are prone to impulsiveness or who have a tendency to be unrealistic will be more level-headed and practical. It is advisable to think carefully before acting to have the best chance of achieving your goals and realizing your plans. It is also predicted that financial success will come more easily during this year.
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 scheduled our usual in-person meetings at the Union League in Philadelphia on March 23rd, June 22nd and September 14th 2023, and please join us for our 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.
- Register for our two-day Planned Giving Course in May 2023 as a good introduction to our field.
- Attend our annual premier educational event, the Planned Giving Day Conference, held at the Union League in Philadelphia on October 25th 2023.
- 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 while networking with your colleagues.
- 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 their timely articles in our newsletter as they share their expertise.
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 Rabbit 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.”
