Needs From: VolunteerCNY.org

To grow Wisdom Keeper, we need to grow the committee that powers it! 

This signature FOCUS fundraiser is evolving, and we are actively seeking new members to help grow our impact and strengthen our fundraising capacity!

Wisdom Keeper is FOCUS’ signature annual fundraiser, an inspiring celebration of local individuals who embody leadership, generosity, and a forward-looking commitment to Central New York! Each year, we honor those shaping a stronger, more connected community.

Recent Honorees: Nan Eaton, Stephanie Crockett, Sheena Solomon, Maarten Jacobs, Pam Brunet, Melanie LittleJohn, Rob Simpson, and more!

Join the Wisdom Keeper Committee! FOCUS is inviting new committee members to help shape and grow this cornerstone event!

In this role, you could:

Help FOCUS decide who the next Wisdom Keeper(s) will be!Greet guests at check-in during the event Help design and coordinate key fundraising elements Support sponsorship outreach and donor engagement Secure or serve as a volunteer photographer for the event Take mobile video (vertical format) during the annual event Secure donated décor to enhance the event's visual aesthetic Assist with storytelling through video, scriptwriting, and marketing Contribute to fundraising efforts before and during the event Secure donations for raffles and fundraising Assist with emails and social media content to promote the event (Canva experience required) Create social media reels, using Canva, to showcase our Honoree

This is a hands-on opportunity to bring creativity, organization, and connection-building into a shared effort that continues to evolve each year!

Meeting Structure: 

When: Tuesdays, 8:00–8:30 a.m. (You do not need to be available for every meeting.) Format: Virtual, via Zoom. Schedule: January–February: As needed. March–November: Bi-weekly

As Wisdom Keeper grows, so does the opportunity to shape its future. Your perspective, skills, and energy can help elevate this experience even further.  

Help shape the conversations that inform and connect our community!

The FOCUS Forum Committee supports the Executive Director in delivering engaging, relevant, and informative Forums that reflect what matters most across Central New York. As interest in these conversations continues to grow, we are seeking additional committee members to help strengthen both planning and on-site execution.

In this role, you could:

Ensure topics reflect community input and are informed by local data!
Support on-site Forum programs by volunteering for setup and breakdown Greet and mingle with participants to cultivate relationships Review program evaluations and actively contribute to continuous program improvement Help identify and recommend potential panelists Create social media reels using Canva to promote Forums Volunteer as a photographer at our live forums

FOCUS Forums are grounded in community insight, topics are citizen-suggested and aligned with current needs and priorities!

Commitment:

Monthly Meeting: Mondays (virtual), 3:00–3:30 PMForum Support: 3rd or 4th Friday of each month, 11:30 AM–1:15 PM (Forums run from 12:00–1:00 PM)

This is a hands-on opportunity to help bring meaningful, community-driven conversations to life!

The Fund Development Committee has had a strong year! The Committee has grown its membership, launched new initiatives, and set new goals. With a dedicated social media lead now driving visibility, the Committee is active, engaged, and hosting fundraisers and campaigns that are strengthening FOCUS' fundraising efforts and building the team behind it.

The Fund Development Committee plays a central role in advancing FOCUS' sustainability and growth! As we expand our reach, we are seeking additional members to help deepen and develop relationships, improve campaigns, and volunteer for fundraisers!

In this role, you could:

Build and steward relationships with individual donors and supporters Plan fundraising events and initiatives Help with FUNdraising and FRIENDraising events! Contribute to growing FOCUS' individual donor base Support and enhance annual and targeted giving campaigns

Meetings: Bi-monthly on Tuesday, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Meetings are hybrid.
Chairperson: Emily Minnoe

This is an opportunity to directly support the long-term sustainability of FOCUS while helping expand the resources that power its programs and impact!