AFP CT, Fairfield County Connecticut Chapter Spotlight: IDEA Panel Discussion

The AFP CT, Fairfield County Connecticut Chapter, founded in 1993 and now 115 members strong, hosts an annual IDEA panel to foster equity and inclusion in fundraising and the broader community. This year’s event highlighted strategies for expanding access and collaboration across sectors, with thoughtful discussion driven by diverse local voices and a shared commitment to lasting change.

Q: Why did you decide to host this IDEA panel?
A: We host this event annually as part of our chapter’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization—one that reflects, respects, and responds to the diversity of the communities we serve. 

Q: What is the objective or primary goal of the panel? 
A: The panel aimed to explore how community leaders are expanding access, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for all Fairfield County residents—while also highlighting the importance of collaboration, leadership, and listening to community voices in building a more inclusive future.

Q: Why was this initiative important for your membership and/or community? 
A: This initiative was especially timely and important given the current uncertainty around government funding and increasing challenges to IDEA-related principles. Our members are deeply invested in creating inclusive environments, and the panel offered a valuable opportunity for shared learning and solidarity. 

Q: Who was involved with planning the event and what was the planning process like? 
A: Planning was led by our IDEA and program committees, with support from experienced board members who helped identify potential panelists. Key planning tasks included:

• Defining the panel discussion topics
• Identifying and confirming panelists with relevant expertise
• Selecting the venue and coordinating catering
• Managing logistics through email and virtual meetings
• Promoting the event, including member-driven social media outreach

Q: What was the focus of the content? What key messages were shared? 
A: The panel emphasized:

• Grounding work in both research and lived experience
• Communicating with intention to foster stronger, more inclusive relationships
• Building cross-sector partnerships to improve community outcomes
• Elevating local voices to ensure programs meet real community needs

Q: How are organizations within Fairfield County leveraging inclusive strategies for long-term change and success?
A: Organizations in Fairfield County are:

• Using data to understand and address equity gaps in areas like income, education, and housing
• Engaging with diverse communities to inform their work and decision-making processes.
• Providing training and resources to strengthen the capacity of organizations to advance equity
• Fostering collaboration between organizations to share best practices and resources
• Advocating for policy changes to increase access and fairness

Q: Were there any challenges you encountered and how did you address them?
A: Yes, we initially struggled to secure panelists due to scheduling conflicts—June is a busy time of year. We leaned heavily on our board’s networks to identify strong alternatives.

Q: Did you meet your goals and if so, were there any key strategies that you employed that made the event a success? 
A: Yes, we met our goals. Around 25 attendees gathered for lunch and networking before the panel, which was both engaging and energizing. The moderator facilitated a dynamic discussion. Each panelist spoke passionately about advancing IDEA principles and the audience responded with thoughtful questions. The event could have easily continued beyond the scheduled time.

Q: Do you plan to host a similar event again, and if so, is there anything that you would change based on what you learned hosting this panel? 
A: Definitely! We discussed moving the event to a time likely to draw more attendees.

Q: Do you have any advice for other chapters interested in hosting a similar panel?
A: Start planning early, and stay informed about current legislative and policy developments to ensure your content is timely and relevant. Leverage your network to secure diverse and insightful panelists, and encourage your members to actively promote the event. 

See the event webpage.