Would it be 'tacky' if...
 

Hey everyone!

I'm more of a reader on this site than a poster but I have a question and you all are the best to answer. So here goes...

I'm running for Fundraising Chair within my sorority and will be giving my speech tonight. I work in fundraising for the university and will be mentioning that in my speech. However, here's the line I've been deliberating on: Do I tell them exactly how much I've raised for the university? It's a pretty impressive amount and I'm proud of my skills to be able to do this and I think my abilty to do this would make me an asset to this chair.

Basically, as fellow Greeks, would you think of it as 'tacky' (for lack of better word) if someone running for this position mentioned it? I know better than to deliver it as 'bragging' but I do think it is a point worth mentioning as I feel I'm a great fit for this position, not to mention fundraising will be a part of my career when I graduate.

Anywho, any replies would be great. I didn't feel right about asking some of my sisters as they will be the one's voting, you know? Thanks!

I would briefly mention how much you have raised for the university, but I would focus more on what you will do for the chapter. Bring concrete ideas.

Agreed. It's definitely a qualification for the job, but shouldn't be the focus of your speech.

maybe don't give an exact number but rather an approximation?

If you would mention it in a resume, mention it in your speech.

This is a really good question.

I agree with Benzgirl for the most part.

Numbers don't mean anything w/ out statistics to back them up. i.e., maybe you raised $1 million, but maybe it came from 2 very rich donors and everyone else you asked said no. That doesn't make you a successful fundraiser, it makes you lucky.

I would go with a variation of the "are you better off now than you were 4 years ago" angle. Let them know how what you did improved the university's donor percentage, amount per donor, things like that, compared to your predecessor in the position, rather than just a $$ amount. Also if you were responsible for coordinating a specific fundraiser (for a specific building or something) I would mention that as well.

I agree with all of the advice above. The most important thing is to have real ideas about what you'll do to improve fund raising within the chapter.

I'm very intrigued that you're giving a speech... we're not allowed to campaign for offices at all.

Mention it in passing, but don't make it the crux of your appeal.