Message from the President

Dear Members, Sponsors and Colleagues,

Welcome to term three!

It is hard to believe that we have just a few months left in 2022! 

For the Chapter Committee, our focus is now the organisation of the 2023 Chapter Conference. As we start planning for this Conference and other activities, we will be looking for your input through a survey. Please take a moment to share your thoughts when you receive the survey link within the coming weeks.

I appreciate that Schools are busy places. As Advancement Professionals, we can get stuck in our little bubbles, but please don’t miss the following opportunities to connect with other members, face-to-face or online.

Events

• Thursday 25 August, 7.30 to 9.00am: Coffee catch-up 
• Wednesday 14 September, 5.30pm to 7.00pm: Networking drinks

Webinars

• Monday 22 August, How to use your archives to build engagement and fundraising
• Tuesday 23 August, Philanthropy and Asian cultures
• Tuesday 6 September, Admissions: Keeping your pipeline flowing

SAVE THE DATE

We’re delighted to announce that our SA/NT Chapter Conference will take place on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 September 2023, location TBC. Please don’t forget to put the date in your calendar. More details coming soon! 

Lastly, I wanted to thank our Chapter partners who invest deeply in our success. Thank you for your partnership and for what you make possible. 

• Open Book Howden
• ToucanTech 
• We Make A Difference
• Nicknack

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any committee member with suggestions or questions.

Warm regards,

Ana Gozalo | Educate Plus SA/NT Chapter Chair

e: ana.gozalo@pulteney.sa.edu.au | t: 08 8216 5537 | m: 0413 032 115

Data-driven Storytelling

By Cameron Pegg

Cameron is a leading content strategist who specialises in storytelling for the education and NFP sectors. He creates compelling Cases for Support and alumni publications, and is an experienced Annual Giving and Giving Day copywriter. Cameron has created a suite of content and writing courses for the QUT Executive Education program, and is a founding editorial board member of the Journal of Education Advancement and Marketing (UK). Cameron can be contacted via his website, or cameron@cameronpegg.com.au

Data is everywhere, and we utilise it for internal communications all the time. (Those who read finance reports, or monitor website or social media analytics, are all-too-familiar with certain graphs, charts, and “dashboards”).

But while we trust data to inform our spending and strategies, we often don’t extend its use to external engagement. This is a huge missed opportunity, particularly in the crowded education sector. If you want to stand out, and truly engage your audiences, data-driven storytelling is a fantastic tool worthy of exploration.

What does dataviz mean?

Datavisualisation, often shortened to “dataviz”, is the kind of storytelling we see in an academic journal, a finance report, or a Google Analytics dashboard. Charts and graphs, basically.

Infographics, however, are highly visual content that capture or summarise the story or message in an easy-to-digest, illustrative format. Infographics need to be built on accurate data or other information, but messaging and design decisions can be applied.

Think of data-driven storytelling as a continuum, with pure dataviz at one end, and infographics at the other. Often, content will sit somewhere in between.

Using data-driven storytelling in our sector

The opportunities are endless. You might want to show prospective students and parents your most recent academic results. How about explaining the enrolment or scholarships application process in an easy-to-understand and interactive way? Your uniform policy is probably best described visually (see the infographic below). Audiences value data-driven content because it demonstrates authority and transparency (this is a good reason donor reports are usually full of graphs!)

Focusing on the story

Before we can use dataviz or infographics to engage an audience, we need to be sure of the story we’re telling!

“What’s needed is a framework for understanding the different kinds of stories that data and analytics can tell. If you don’t know what kind of story you want to tell, you probably won’t tell a good one.”

Harvard Business Review

I have developed a simple list of data-driven storytelling types or “plots” that all organisations employ. These include:

• Time
• Relationships
• Place
• Process
• Comparison

Think of what kind of story you want to tell first, before deciding which chart, graph, or infographic format might best visualise the key messages you want to make. As your data-driven storytelling experience develops, you will be able to “pair” these things more confidently and intuitively.

Further reading and resources

Financial Times Visual Vocabulary (matching story type to dataviz format)

https://datavizcatalogue.com/ (popular chart and graph formats explained)

https://www.a11yproject.com/ (enhancing readability and accessibility)

Cameron presented a session on data-driven storytelling at the 2022 Educate Plus Conference in Adelaide. Cameron’s next data-driven storytelling masterclass is being delivered online November 22-23, through the QUT Executive Education Program. Contact Cameron if you’d like to discuss bespoke training solutions for your team.

Making the most of milestones: 5 ideas for fundraising during your school anniversary

Your school’s anniversary is the perfect opportunity to bring your community together for a year of celebration and fundraising. Whether you’re celebrating the birthday of your school, or other landmark moments such as becoming co-ed or opening a junior / senior school, milestones are a great reason to get your school community involved in fundraising. Check out five ideas to make the most of your anniversary year below, suggested by ToucanTech:

1. Create a book of memories

A book with photos and stories from across your school’s history is the perfect purchase for a proud alum of your school. You can work with a school archivist (or a keen volunteer from your alumni / staff / parent community!) to pull together photos from across the years, and ask for stories to accompany. Working on a project like this can be easier with an online school community, using the platform to ask members to identify and even tag others in photos or share the story behind the photo.

2. Celebrate with an event

Depending on your resource, you could choose to run several events throughout your anniversary year, or shift your focus to one bigger event. School fetes or gala dinners are always popular choices, but if you don’t have the capacity to host a large number of people, you can always keep it simple with a school assembly, school tour, or exhibition talks from successful alumni.

While events can be costly, they are often one of the best ways to raise donations and put you face-to-face with many potential donors. Having a CRM system that captures event attendees from when they sign up and enables you to segment and send tailored communications straight after the event is a great way to ensure you maximise the fundraising impact of your event.

3. Get your student body involved

Get your current students involved to help to bring your school’s history to life. You could do this by hosting a ‘recreate the photo’ competition using photos from your school’s archives, or host a fashion parade through the decades to share what uniforms looked like back in the day! You can also ask students to participate in an aerial photo by standing outside in the shape of the number of years you’re celebrating. These can all provide great content to share with the rest of your school community – especially current parents – to encourage donations throughout the year.

4. Hold a number challenge

Everyone in your community can get involved in a number challenge; take the number of your anniversary and get creative! You can ask people to get sponsors for bigger challenges (e.g. running / cycling 75km) or donate your anniversary number for smaller challenges (such as doing 75 star jumps, bake 75 cookies). Create a tailored online giving page for your challenges and see who can reach the target first!

5. Focus on the impact of your fundraising

One of the most impactful ways to fundraise is by sharing testimonials from past or present students. Whether you are fundraising for bursaries and can share how bursaries have impacted on the lives and careers of past or current students, or a capital campaign to improve the experience for future generations, use your anniversary year to reinforce the impact behind your fundraising. You could create a special donor report for your anniversary, highlighting all the years of philanthropy throughout your school’s history and the impact this has had on the students and community of your school.

Anniversaries are an exciting time for your school and you should aim to make the most of the goodwill during your anniversary year. ToucanTech is an all-in-one system designed for advancement teams that makes it easier to track donations, engage donors, send targeted emails, share content and photos, and manage events, all in one place. To find out more, speak to a member of the ToucanTech team.

A personal reflection of the REIGNITE International Conference

I have worked within Education for 13 years. I have been a ‘School Secretary / Desktop Publisher’ (yes, one title!), an ‘Event Administrator’, and a ‘Communications Coordinator’ with an increasing side of ‘all things Marketing’. In every iteration, my work has been conducted as a ‘team-of-one’; my non-teaching colleagues each wearing a distinctly different hat.

It was this sense of operating within one’s own ecosystem that motivated my request to attend the Ignite International Conference. I’ve been a member of Educate Plus for two years and following my participation in 2021’s Advancement Practitioner Training, knew that this conference would provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore best practice and build networks within my field.

The first keynote set the tone; the personable Sir Ian Taylor’s energised presentation reminding us of the magic that can happen if we love our work and meet challenges head on. Andrew Gossen’s recount, of how Cornell University transitioned its Alumni publications from print to digital during the height of COVID, reflected challenges I could directly relate to. Today, I can’t accept an AirDrop of candid pics from a teacher, without imparting some of Jason van Genderen’s tips on how to (better) use a smartphone camera. My reports are flavoured with Cameron Pegg’s tips on data-driven storytelling. Future initiatives, whether a new array of graduate gifts, a virtual tour, or data management system, may be directly driven by the options uncovered within the Conference’s Marketplace (which was also the place to be for free coffee and office swag). And my forays into Marketing Strategy and Social Media management are emboldened by the knowledge and assurances imparted by the likes of Mel Deacon, Natalie Khoo and Claire O’Connell. I could go on: each session I attended had some measure of value and relevance to my work.

Ultimately, I learned that whilst my tertiary degree in Communications instilled me with the foundation to navigate my way in my current career, it takes regular, industry-specific insight to put that knowledge into context and keep up to date with best practice. Returning to my workplace, I no longer felt like a team-of-one. The challenges and triumphs that make up my days are experiences shared by many, across different schools, and the network of fellow Advancement Professionals across the chapters are friendly, open, and ‘get it’.

If you’re a Member who has been on the fence about attending, or a School reluctant to see key staff – plural – out of the office for 3-5 days… it is well worth the imposition. Block out the time in your calendars. Include projected attendance costs into the base line of your next 2 year budget plan. I hope to see you in Perth in 2024.

Danielle Nicolas

Communications Coordinator | St Dominic’s Priory College

A reflection on changing jobs

I have personal news that I wanted to share with you all. After five years at Scotch, I have decided to move on to new opportunities. I am excited to share that I started as the new Director of Philanthropy (Development) at Pulteney Grammar School this week. It’s been an honour to represent Scotch at the Educate Plus table, and I intend to continue serving in the SA/NT Committee as the Chapter President. 

Changing jobs is both scary and exciting. Starting a new role also presents an opportunity to pause and reflect. As strange as it may seem, sometimes you only realise how much you have learned and grown by pressing and taking stock. 

We hadn’t realised until now how much the Educate Plus community meant to me. The truth is that being part of it for the last 10+ years has propelled my professional learning and growth. 

As I reflect on all the benefits of my involvement with the organisation, there are three key takeaways that I will carry forward with me: 

• Show up with a Growth Mindset: I have attended as many face-to-face events and webinars as possible. I said yes to scary opportunities like doing a TEDx, leading the Chapter Committee and chairing a Conference. All of which have led to some profound learnings and to develop and nurture professional relationships in the industry.
• Invest the time to meet people: I made an effort to be part of the Educate Plus community from the outset. I wanted to be a sponge and absorb everything EducatePlus had to offer. After being a member for 10+ years, I can tell you that the most precious commodity it has is its people. For me, the Educate Plus community is the network around me that I can rely on for support, inspiration, advice and creativity and who I can help give the same to others. It is a two-way street of mutual support. 
• Networking (a.k.a time to recharge): Late nights meetings and events are commonplace in our roles. But being a part of Educate Plus will get you out of the office to connect with like-minded professionals who likely share some of your interests, challenges and passions. Take time to connect with others and attend our local events. 

Ana Gozalo | Educate Plus SA/NT Chapter Chair

e: ana.gozalo@pulteney.sa.edu.au | t: 08 8216 5537 | m: 0413 032 115

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

There are a number of events lined up over the coming weeks and months. These events are a great opportunity to meet colleagues who work in the same areas and streams as you…to ask questions, network with other professionals and leave feeling inspired!

Please take a moment to view the details below – there is something here for everyone.

You can also check the EVENTS page for updates.

Archives: Using archives to engage your community | Monday 22 August | Online SIG
All schools have a history that is unique, but how can you use your school’s history and Archives to engage your school community? Two School Archivists will join us online to share their ideas and experiences with us. Whether you are not sure where to start, or you have a well-developed Archives, this SIG is for you.
Register here

Philanthropy and Asian cultures | Tuesday 23 August | Webinar
A three way conversation about how Asian cultures perceive philanthropy, and how best educational institutions can navigate the cultural sensitivities.

Register here

Advancement Practitioner Training | Thurs 1 and Fri 2 September | Face to face training
If you are looking to further your career in Advancement within the Education Sector, then the Advancement Practitioner Training courses are for you. Each course, in your chosen field of either Admissions, Alumni & Community Relations, Marcomms or Fundraising will give you all the practical and theoretical knowledge you need to fulfil the expectations of your role.

Spots are filling quickly so please register soon if you would like to participate this year.

Find out more…

Admissions: Keeping your pipeline flowing | Tuesday 6 September | Online SIG
Whether your waiting list is long or short, it’s essential to keep families engaged with your institution to acquire, retain and build loyalty.  We will consider how you can improve your engagement with future families, deepening your connection with them and ensuring that your messaging is timely, targeted and engaging.

Register here

SA/NT Coffee catch-ups

How does a free coffee sound to start the day?

The SA/NT Chapter Committee invites you to join them for coffee and conversation on Thursday 25 August.

With three different locations to choose from, these coffee mornings provide Advancement professionals with the opportunity to meet new members and catch up with peers in an informal and relaxed setting. 

Event Details

Date: Thursday 25 August

Time: 7:30am – 9.00am

Cost: Remember – your first coffee is on us!

For your convenience we are hosting coffee mornings at three different locations. Please indicate which venue you will attend when you register.

Venues

• 30 Acres Norwood, 233 The Parade, Norwood
• MILK + HONEY, Wynn Vale Drive, Wynn Vale
• Rivergum Café, St Philip’s College, Alice Springs

Register Here!

Join us for networking drinks

With canapés and one free drink on arrival, please join the SA/NT Chapter Committee for an informal get-together at Prohibition Liquor Co on Wednesday 14 September.

You are welcome to drop by for a quick drink or stay as long as you want.

Members and non-members are welcome. 

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 14 September

Time: 5:30pm to 7:00pm for drinks and networking

Venue: Prohibition Liquor Co. 22 Gilbert St, Adelaide SA 5000

Cost: FREE to members | $50 for non-members (free drink on arrival and canapés)

Register here!

Welcome to our new members!

A very warm welcome to our new members! We look forward to meeting with you at one of our upcoming coffee catch-ups, PD or networking sessions. Please feel free to jump onto our website forum to ask a question, seek advice or listen to other hot topics. We also invite you to join our Facebook Group to stay updated with latest events and discussions.