From the Chapter President

 
What’s in Your Advancement Toolbox?  
 

 

The first quarter of a year in education always brings a unique mix of excitement, energy, and—let’s be honest—overwhelm. The to-do lists are long, the inboxes are full, and amidst the busyness, it’s easy to dive straight into the daily grind without stepping back to assess whether we have everything we need to set ourselves up for success. 

In Advancement, we talk a lot about strategy, engagement, and long-term impact, but how often do we take stock of the tools we need to make those goals a reality? Just as a well-prepared teacher or lecturer walks into a classroom with carefully chosen resources, we as Advancement professionals need to check that we have the right structures, skills, and support to execute our plans effectively. 

 So, as a new quarter is almost upon us, now is the perfect time to ask: what’s in your toolbox? 

 Whether you work in Admissions, Alumni & Community Relations, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, Leadership or People & Culture, or any of the other areas which exist in Advancement in our institutions, there are a few key ‘tools’ that can make all the difference between just keeping up and truly moving forward. Here are some essentials to check in on: 

  • CRM and Data Strategy – Are your systems working for you, or are they just another thing to manage? Good data is the foundation of effective engagement. 
  • Storytelling and Messaging – Do you have a clear, compelling way to communicate your institution’s impact? Consistency is key, and now is the time to refine your messaging. 
  • Professional Learning and Networks – Are you taking the time to invest in your own growth? The best Advancement professionals are always learning, sharing, and evolving. 

Building Your Toolbox at the Educate Plus WA Chapter Summit 
If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, connect with peers, and walk away with practical tools to elevate your work, then our upcoming WA Chapter Summit on 22-23 May is exactly what you need! 

The Summit is designed to give Advancement professionals, leaders and those in People & Culture the resources, strategies, and inspiration to drive meaningful impact in their institutions. Whether you’re new to the sector or a seasoned leader, the sessions will offer insights into best practice, emerging trends, and real-world solutions to the challenges we all face. 

Beyond the sessions, the real value of the Summit comes from the connections you make. Our community is one of the most supportive and generous networks in the industry, and this is a chance to tap into that wealth of knowledge and experience. 

So, as you consider your toolbox, I encourage you to join us at the WA Chapter Summit. With just over 1 month to go, it’s an opportunity to not only build your own toolkit but to contribute to the collective strength of our sector. 

Will we see you there? For more information and to register, CLICK HERE

Kind regards,

Laura Kendall
WA Chapter President, Educate Plus

Director of Community and Sustainability
Guildford Grammar School