Congress 2021
Message from the Chair
The past 18 months have challenged us all in ways we never could have imagined – from re-evaluating the importance of interpersonal connection, to re-examining our personal and professional relationships, to redefining what connection with our families, peers and community stakeholders looks like, to re-imagining what it means to be relationship-builders.
That’s why, Congress 2021 will focus on the human connections that underpin our work and everyday lives. This year, we will highlight and celebrate the experiences, insights, successes and learnings of our peers across Canada to help guide our work into the future.
AFP Greater Toronto Chapter’s Congress, in its 27th year, is the largest fundraising conference in Canada and the leading opportunity for you to connect with and learn from your peers across the country. As in previous years, Congress 2021 will offer educational content on fundamentals, deep dives, the latest trends, and hot topics in our sector.
Recognizing the continued health and safety challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be gathering virtually again this year for Congress. While we won’t yet have the chance to reconnect with friends (and make new ones), this year’s Congress will feature morning mentorship and networking opportunities, evening social activities, as well as opportunities throughout each day for you to re-focus on your physical and mental health and well-being.
In keeping with the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter’s IDEA mandate, we have also developed a program and platform as inclusive as possible – from educational sessions that reflect the diversity of thought and lived experience in our sector, to speaker bursaries ensuring financial barriers are no longer a reason why thoughts, learnings and expertise cannot be shared with peers, to enhanced captioning for all plenaries and educational sessions.
I’m incredibly excited to connect with you virtually this November 22 – 24, as we focus on the human connections that are at the very core of our work and everyday lives. I look forward to “seeing” you in November and wish you and your loved ones good health and happiness until then.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please note that all sessions will include live American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and real-time closed captioning; the video conferencing system is also screen reader compatible. Should you require any other accommodation, please contact Penny Connors at pconnors@afptoronto.org in advance of the event.
Sincerely,
Klim Khomenko, CFRE (he/him)
Chair, Congress 2021
