Global Development Affinity Groups

  • Global Development Affinity Groups

  • Thank you for your interest in Global Development Affinity Groups! These community-led communities of practice bring together professionals working on specific topics or in particular regions for peer learning and collaboration. Please see details below on how to join each group.

  • Current Affinity Group Interest Areas

  • AI & Technology for Social Impact

    (Second meeting scheduled 5/20. Please sign up using this link: this google form)
    For those navigating the intersection of technology and social impact—whether you’re a tech startup in the nonprofit space, an organization or individual integrating AI into your work, or simply curious about leveraging emerging technologies for development. Facilitated by Kyle Linton, Executive Director of OurWave, and Beth Roberts, Director of the Center for Women's Land Rights at Landesa, this group will shape its focus based on member needs and could include topics like AI applications, technical partnerships, ethical considerations, and practical implementation.

    Leadership & Professional Development

    (Inaugural meeting scheduled 5/19. Please sign up using this form)
    This group will bring together global development practitioners across career phases, from emerging leaders to executive directors, for peer learning, skill building, and professional support. This group is co-chaired by Global Leadership Forum and Mary Williams, Learning & Development Consultant and Leadership Coach, this group aims to serve practitioners across all sectors, including programmatic staff, consultants, funders, and career transition professionals, with a focus on the unique challenges of leadership and capacity building in global development work.

    Global Development Fundraising

    (To join, add your name to this directory and join the WhatsApp group)

    The Global Development Fundraising Affinity Group will bring together fundraisers and development professionals in the Seattle area for informal gatherings to connect, share experiences, and support each other around the unique challenges of raising funds for international development work. Initially facilitated by Danny Rees, Senior Advisor at Save the Children US, this group will meet quarterly in person for conversational, member-driven discussions. Topics will emerge organically from what members are currently navigating, such as major gifts strategy, corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, communicating impact, or navigating organizational transitions and burnout.

    Development in the Indo-Pacific Region

    (Second meeting scheduled 5/7. Please sign up below to be added to the meeting)
    For those working on or interested in international development across South and Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Facilitated by Bryan Averbuch, a professor with extensive expertise in the region, this group will explore development challenges based on member interests, which could include public health, governance, media freedom, women's economic empowerment, and more.

    Additional Topics

    If you are interested in leading or participating in an affinity group on a different topic, we encourage you to share your idea in the Washington State Global Development Professional Network LinkedIn Group. 

     

  • Contact Information

  • Which affinity group(s) are you interested in joining? (Select all that apply)

  • Indo-Pacific Development Group Questions

  • What development topics are you most interested in discussing? (Select all that apply)

  • AI & Tech for Social Impact Group Questions

  • How is your organization currently using or exploring AI/technology? (Select all that apply)
  • What topics related to AI/technology would you like to explore in this group?

  • Leadership & Professional Development Group Questions

  • What best describes your current role/level?
  • What best describes your organizational type? Select all that apply.
  • What are your programmatic focus areas? Select all that apply.
  • What are your geographic focus areas? Select all that apply.
  • Which of the following topic areas interest you? Select all that apply.

  • Global Development Fundraising Group Questions

  • Logistics & Scheduling

  • In general, what times during the weekdays would be preferred for a virtual meeting? (Select all that apply)
  • If we were to consider an in-person meeting, would you be generally available to convene in the Seattle area?
  • Should be Empty: