Thread by @liz_hallett

Hi #fundraisingtwitter. Some people seem confused as to why I, and may others, consider Mr. Ahern's comments and sessions offensive. I've had some genuine questions, so let me do my best to explain here.

Last month a conference called "Inspire Webinar Series" came out featuring a series of fundraising "legends". @_David_Lacey rightfully pointed out that 19 of the 22 panelists were white men. It was called out on Twitter and LinkedIn for being insulting.

Some speakers like @ToastFundraiser upon learning this stepped down. Instead of following suit, Tom Ahern wrote this post that included the words "In half a decade or less, the same worth of "listening-to" speakers won't be male or white." He also told everyone "F U" at the end

Following this, he began promoting his session at AFP South Sound where he framed it as a donor communications session, but actively bashed @comm_centric as a "money-losing" way to fundraise.

He was asked again and again if he was being ironic, sarcastic, or just plain ignorant and his responses to people were rude and bombastic. He put down people questioning by stating "who are you?" or just flat out ignored them.

The breaking point for me, and why I spoke up, was that this was clearly hurting people. I am also not sure that @AFPIHQ or @AFPMikeGeiger were aware of what was happening on Twitter. It's a niche space.

These are some of the posts he did in the lead up to his AFP sessions:

@comm_centric principles are not about judging donors. It’s about questioning the origins of wealth. Can you as a fundraiser honestly say you’ve never questioned the influence and power yielded by those with $$$$?

Then there is this post.

Wannabe? This in itself is derogatory and insulting. A new fundraising philosophy that is being embraced by many does not mean you can call people wannabes. It’s patronizing and totally condescending. And somehow ok when it’s directed at women and #BIPOC?

And yet he persists. He doubles down. He will not reflect. He’s made a lot of people upset and sad. He’s the epitome of #WhiteSupremacy imbedded in the fundraising sector. He needs to stop.

I’d encourage anyone who doesn’t understand to think of it this way. If you tell your professions certain practices are #harmful to you and it ignored them that’s hurtful enough. To have someone actively mocking you for speaking your truth? That’s #gaslighting.

As a survivor of #sexualassault and #sexualharassment I experience gaslighting EVERY day. I will not sit idlely by as I watch a senior person in our industry do the same to #BIPOC people. It’s insidious.

I have filed a formal ethics complaint to @AFPIHQ. This behaviour does not meet the standards of our industry nor should it be tolerated. I will also follow up with @CFRE_INTL and others who purchase his work. We cannot be financially supporting white supremacy in our sector.

If you feel the same please contact both organizations and let them know how you feel.