Community Happenings: April 26 2017

Stay in the know and up-to-date on what's happening in the Blackbaud Community.

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Hello Community!

Can I let you in on a little secret? While you all get to see the end results of my Community Happenings posts, they often start as thoughts like this:

"Is there a holiday today? How I can connect peanut butter and jelly to the nonprofit world? Will they find it boring? What if I did a political theme…ha, no, I like my job."

This week has me stumped. I’ve rearranged wording ten times and wondered where all my inspiration went - that ever happen to you? I'll chalk it up to an off week and get to the good stuff:

Make an Appearance

Join us on May 17 at 1:00 p.m. EST for a Raiser’s Edge interactive webinar all about integrating action tracks & recording actions.
Are you constituents receiving your emails? Join us April 28 for our Email Deliverability 101 webinar and get your message to the right people.

Stay Informed

Before it happens learn what’s coming in May for the AngelPoints 2017.1.0 release.
Believe it or not – we’ve taken your Blackbaud NetCommunity ideas and turned them into reality. Check out the information in the latest blog post.

Get Involved 52d9b126609f63694ef45a828ddf001a-huge-in

Have you sprung into action? If not, this week is your last week to enter the contest for an amazing Amazon Echo.
Help a fellow Community Member convince their boss to send them to bbcon 2017 in the bbcon Community.

Alright my favorite Community, what do you do for inspiration when the well runs dry? Do you turn to music, to art, or to your fellow co-workers? Maybe have a favorite quote? Share with me below!

Posted by Shannon Emery on Apr 26, 2017 8:45 AM America/New_York

Leave a Comment

Katie Peterson

We have been unable to use email through RE. We are hosted out of Boston and the time stamp is eastern instead of central. Is there a work around for this?
Katie Peterson
RVC Foundation
k.peterson@rockvalleycollege.edu

Posted Wed 26 Apr 2017 09:16 AM EDT

Jen McGahan

When the well runs dry, I try to plumb outside of my usual resources to trigger a new idea. I might listen to an unusual TED talk subject, or browse a new section of the bookstore when I have some free time. I always keep a file of unexplored ideas to draw
from when I'm out of inspiration. There's also an app (forget what it's called at the moment) that shoots you three unrelated words. It's amazing how three seemingly random words can connect you to a powerful, relevant thought!

Posted Wed 26 Apr 2017 09:52 AM EDT

Sharon Sandberg

Music is my go-to for just about everything (I can blurt out random song lyrics to just about anything). But, I thought of something recently, a mantra for myself that I came up with when I was really struggling with something that happened at work.

"My success is their success, and their success is my success." It really helped me get over my hangup and be able to move onward and upward. I still remind myself of this any time I find myself struggling.

Posted Wed 26 Apr 2017 11:29 AM EDT

Sunshine Watson

When I am low on inspiration/ideas, I go for a walk, out to coffee, or out to lunch. A change of scenery always helps.

Posted Wed 26 Apr 2017 11:37 AM EDT

Judith Youngblood

I get up and start moving. I often walk when I am trying to put words together for a presentation or proposal. I dance when I have a thorny data problem to work on. Yes, it can get pretty hilarious if you're unfortunate enough to be a spectator!

Posted Wed 26 Apr 2017 01:20 PM EDT

Shannon Emery

Hey Katie! I'd recommend posting your question in the Raiser's Edge Community: https://community.blackbaud.com/products/raisersedge7. The members there can help you! :)

Posted Thu 27 Apr 2017 05:54 PM EDT

Shannon Emery

Thank you for the inspirational ideas - who wouldn't LOVE random dancing parties? Granted, I'm a crazy dancer anyway so that's definitely going on the list. I appreciate it everyone! These ideas are going on the post-its around my desk space as a reminder!

Posted Thu 27 Apr 2017 05:55 PM EDT

Michelle Gallagher

When I have a brain block I get out a pad of paper and just start writing all of the random thoughts that pop into my head. Somewhere in those nonsensical musings I usually find what I need to get me back on track.

Posted Mon 01 May 2017 03:47 PM EDT

Tara Beechey

This came today and the webnair offered was for last Friday? WIll it come again?

Posted Mon 01 May 2017 04:40 PM EDT