THURSDAY, APRIL 11 - 17, 2013
6A The Tennessee Tribune
‘Out & About’ Spotlights Rev. Joseph A. Blas By Dr. Harriette Bias-Insignares Poet Laureate
You never know who you’re going to run into as you move out and about our town. Sometimes the highlight of your day is just a few steps away in the mailbox. Such was the case recently when collecting my mail. I found an article from Tulsa People Magazine featuring my brother and former Nashvillian, Rev. Joseph A. Bias. He serves as Minister of Music and Worship at the First United Methodist Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Not only did the article remind me of his numerous accomplishments, it also reminded me of a childhood experience we shared. It was the day we met and had dinner with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, at the home of a mutual family friend. The conversation we had with Dr. King left an indelible mark on both of us. He talked to us about the importance of attending college, the mission of the civil rights movement, some wisdom from life lessons he learned, how to face the future with success, and our responsibility to future generations to always do our best. Dr. King had come to our hometown, Savannah Georgia, to speak at the Sunday Mass Meeting. I was often called upon to be the soloist at the Mass Meetings. Such was the case that allowed my brother and me to be the only youth at dinner with Dr. King. In looking back at those meetings in the 1950s and 60s, I realized I was in great company that included other Mass Meeting soloists, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, The Ward Sisters, Sister Rosetta Thorpe, The Staple Singers, Juanita Gilbert, and Angeline Butler to name a few. I am honored to salute my brother, a graduate of Morehouse College, who is founder of the Crescendo Music Awards that have served over 800 high school and college students over the past 14 years with awards totaling more than $375,000. Bias’ many musical achievements include performing as a 2006 Oklahoma Jazz Hall Of Fame Inductee, a soloist for the Billy Graham Crusades,
premiering in the Ragtime Opera “Treemonisha” in the role of the conjurer, and being a charter member of the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus under famed conductor Dr. Robert Shaw of the Robert Shaw Chorale among other performances. In addition, he had the honor
of being the soloist during the telecast of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s funeral singing the Negro Spiritual “Balm In Gilead” with the acclaimed Morehouse Glee Club. Bias’ television show, called “I Choose Life,” was aired on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and is still be-
ing broadcast in various countries. A baritone soloist and graduate of the Eastman School Of Music in Rochester, NY., Bias’ music is available for preview and download at josephbiasministries.org. The Tulsa article is reprinted here. See you out and about.
SUBSCRIPTION FORM Making the Ask - Part II Fundraising provides nonprofits with the money they need to deliver on their missions. When you ask others to join you in giving you become part of the nonprofit’s success team. In part one of this series we discussed how to prepare to solicit a gift. In this column we cover setting the appointment and what to say when asking. Here’s what we believe: asking for a gift should be done in person whenever possible. Make an appointment to talk with your colleague, family member or friend about giving. Let’s use an example of asking Jesse for a gift. “Jesse, would you have time to meet with me about All In For Children? I am committed to working with them to raise money for their new programs and I want to share that information with you and explore how you would like to be involved.” All you want from the conversation is a time to meet. If Jesse says, “Oh, we don’t have to meet. Put me down for $100,” you can respond with, “I understand. Would you make some time for me just the same? You might want to give even more after we talk!” Keep the conversation light, but get that appointment. As you prepare for your meeting, make sure you have brochures or online information you can share. Practice your presentation. You will want to talk about the organization’s history, current activities and vision for the future. You will also want to cover what specifically you
are raising money for and how the money will be used. Be prepared to communicate using emotion and facts. Talk about what the organization means to you and why you are involved. During the solicitation be sure to ask for a specific, reasonable and challenging gift. Know the amount you will ask for. It shouldn’t be too small an amount, nor too large. Remember to talk about the gift you made. If your gift is similar to what you would like your prospect to give, state the amount you gave and why. Always remember to make the ask. Be very clear and specific when asking: “Jesse, I would like for you to make a gift to All In For Children. Would you be willing to contribute $___?” Pause after you ask for the gift. Do not rush to fill the silence. Give Jesse time to respond, for he will. If he says “yes”, thank him and ask how he would like to make his gift. If he says “no”, ask what would be the right amount at this time. If Jesse says this is not the right time, ask what would be a good time. Regardless of the outcome, thank him for his time. After the meeting, send a thank you note. You can do it! Your nonprofit depends on you. Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” They provide fundraising counsel to nonprofits. Visit them at www.saadandshaw.com.
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