Episode 24: Strengthening Campus Ministry with CCMA
The Heartfelt Art of Fundraising: A Conversation with Rosie Shawver
Welcome back to our blog, where we keep the spirit of giving alive and explore the latest in nonprofit strategies. Today, I'm thrilled to share some golden insights from our recent podcast episode, featuring a very special guest, Rosie Chinea Shawver. Rosie is the Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Minister Association (CCMA) and brought some truly inspiring thoughts to our virtual table.
A Personal Journey to Making a Difference
Rosie's journey into campus ministry is a heartfelt story of faith and mission. Growing up in a Puerto Rican and Cuban household, faith played a big part in her life. However, it wasn't until college that she really connected with her spiritual side, leading her to a career in campus ministry. We learned how that transformation helped her realize her calling to lead CCMA and make a real difference on college campuses across the nation.
The Role of Campus Ministry
In our conversation, Rosie talked about the critical work CCMA does today. With over 335 campuses and 600 campus ministers served, their mission is to empower others to build relationships with students and help them discover a deeper connection with faith. They achieve this through professional mentorship, spiritual direction, webinars, and conferences.
Challenges and Opportunities in Ministry
Campus ministry isn't without its challenges, and Rosie wasn't shy about discussing them. From resource limitations and staffing to cultural issues like isolation and a lack of meaning among students, these obstacles are real. Yet, Rosie views these challenges as opportunities. She believes they sharpen CCMA’s mission and bring clarity to their purpose.
Fundraising as a Spiritual Practice
One of the standout moments in our discussion was Rosie's perspective on fundraising. Instead of viewing it as a task, she sees it as a form of accompaniment. Fundraising is about building relationships and inviting donors to join in the mission. It's about treating donors as people and partners, not just financial supporters. Rosie shared how she maintains a personal touch by remembering birthdays and sending thoughtful messages to donors and board members alike.
Practical Tips for Nonprofits
Rosie emphasized the importance of having a plan in fundraising and sticking to it. She also highlighted the need for good organization, particularly in keeping track of donor relationships and important dates. Her advice? Treat fundraising as a spiritual journey that invites people into something greater.
The Call to Support
Our episode wrapped up with an important reminder for potential donors: you're not just funding a mission; you're becoming a part of it. For those looking to support campus ministries, now's the time to get involved. Rosie invites everyone to visit CCMA’s website for more information and resources.
Conclusion
We hope Rosie's story and insights have inspired you as much as they did us. Remember, with every relationship built and every donor invited, we strengthen the community and the mission we are all passionate about. If this conversation has resonated with you, please share it with colleagues or leave a review—your support helps spread the message further.
Until next time, keep your donors at the center of your work, and you'll see the results. A huge thank you to Rosie for joining us, and to all our readers and listeners out there, God bless!
