Queer eye for the fundraising guy (and gal)
Grist recently posted a very funny article that every environmentalist should read. Author Lou Bendrick has great advice for people trying to lead social change.
His point: fashion matters. What you wear says a lot about you and helps people relate to you (or not). Environmentalists would have more impact if they traded the hippie look for a style that is admired by (or at least somewhat familiar to) the people they are trying to influence.
I think about the fundraising calls I’ve been on with people whose clothes did not position them well with donors. Inside some organizations, dressing wildly is totally acceptable. Hair doesn’t have to be combed. Matching socks are so boring. High school goth style can be cool. Head-to-toe fleece might be the de facto office uniform.
When meeting with donors choose something resembling smart business attire. You’ve heard the phase “dress for the job you want” and I think it applies to fundraising: “dress for the donors you want.” There are always exceptions… when wooing Marilyn Manson as your new celebrity spokesperson, go with the goth outfit.
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