In keeping with our theme of AI, we decided to test out an AI image generator to come up with a cover shot for this issue of F2F.

Rather than choose a stock image, we wanted to see if we could use our team’s headshots to get a suitable image.

The images on this page were all generated from the initial staff headshots on the far left. Some worked and, if you look to the image of ‘Michelle’ in the white shirt, you will see that some didn’t - although, with three arms she could probably get more work done than most of us!

These images were all generated via the site gencraft.com

Our CEO’s headshot was used for the final cover image with the prompt; ‘female professional with blonde hair in a bob cut, but not in a suit, holding a VR headset, colourful image, facing camera and smiling for headshot’

Other prompts included: happy, relaxed woman facing the front with events happening in the background female marketing executive, headshot in a business environment, Sydney female accountant, numbers and charts in the background

The themes for the images were realistic and cyberpunk!

Publication of Educate Plus ABN 48294772460

Editorial Team

Mandy McFarland

Danielle Hargrove

Sandra Herd

Heather Barker Vermeer

Educate Plus 1300EdPlus admin@educateplus.org www.educateplus.org

Cover Image

Image generated via AI gencraft.com

Imagery

Personal submissions

Purchased stock photography Unsplash.com

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical - without permission from the creator. The material in this publication is of the nature of general comment only, and does not represent professional advice. It is not intended to provide specific guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on as the basis of any decision to take action or not take action on any matter which it covers. Readers should obtain professional advice wherever appropriate, before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law the authors and publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking action based on the information in this publication.

Contents

Educate Plus Board 2023

From the Chair of the Board

From the CEO

Chapter Report NZ

Advancement Practitioner Training

Chapter Report NSW/ACT

Chapter Report QLD

Chapter Report SA/NT

Chapter Report VIC/TAS

Chapter Report WA

How AI is deepening the landscape of Educational Advancement

By John Batistich

The AI revolution in Educational Advancement

By Timo Nieuwoudt

Smart AI adoptions emerging in fundraising

By Merryn Parks

Revealing untold stories: The value of school archives

By Emanuella De Ruiter

AI and the tin man

By Abhra Bhattacharjee F.EdPlus

By Myfanwy Stanfield F.EdPlus

By Sue Ellson

Unleashing the power of ChatGPT: A fundraising and marketing guide

By Ana Gozalo

How AI is impacting Advancement

By Scott Huntington

Revolutionising Educational Advancement

By John Groom

By Paulina Skerman

Enriching the creative landscape with AI and

By Catherine McVean

Transforming Education

By Kyle Thompson

Graeme Mullin

The brief to all the contributors for this issue of F2F was to discuss how they see AI impacting the Advancement industry. It is really interesting to note how similar many of the perspectives are regardless of where they are located, what their role is or which community they serve. Please enjoy their very personal and frank observations!

Please enjoy the digital interactivity of this issue of F2F Magazine.

Each article contains links to external information, from video links to contributor LinkedIn profiles. All of the embedded links will highlight on the turn of the page so that you can click on them in the article.

• Accept the cookies

• Click on the Full page option

• View the videos embedded

• Check out more about the contributors (the flashing box on the headshots)

All efforts have been made to ensure this eBook is readable on any device or computer.

Reflections

As I reflect on my final few months as Chair of Educate Plus, I wanted to share what it has meant to me to have been a member and leader of this organisation.

Through my attendance, reading and seeing images of the various Chapter Summits this year, it has reinforced in my mind the value of our organisation to our members. The sheer generosity provided by our volunteers, the breadth of professional development and the engagement from members creates such a positive, fulfilling and warm environment and this is what encapsulates Educate Plus.

Just prior to my tenure as Chair of the Board, the Board at the time set a strategic plan that covered four key areas:

1. To establish alternative income streams outside of the International Conference to cover operational expenses within five years.

2. To establish a leadership pillar to engage with leaders and aspiring leaders in institutions, Boards, Alumni Boards and Foundation Boards.

3. To invest in appropriate resources and systems to deliver and increase value to members.

4. To invest in data to inform decision making and action.

I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made on each of these, and that the current Board has taken further steps to cast an eye into the future to ensure that we stay ahead of the game and that our members are provided with even greater value and resource. As an example:

• Significant work has been completed on the reimagined Partnership program, which will seek to provide greater support for our key partners and deliver stronger income levels.

• We are looking strategically at new pillars to support those working in education and canvassing geographical areas of growth.

• We have developed a range of advanced webinars designed to engage with those in leadership from within our membership, coupled with an Excellence Series showcasing the best from our profession.

• We continue to investigate developing programs designed to educate leaders, prospective leaders and Board members in schools and universities about the Advancement profession.

• A significant amount of work has gone into optimising the efficiencies of our staff. I am delighted with the output being delivered, the level of responsibility being taken on and the engagement of our staff across all areas.

• We have continued the enhancement of our CRM program, including the ability for it to track engagement levels across membership. I am proud to have been involved with an organisation that has made some clear strides forward. Much of this is due to the hard working and diligent team led by CEO, Mandy McFarland. It has been wonderful to witness the positive changes that have occurred in the past two years, most notably the way we are communicating with our members and the products and services that we are delivering. Our professionalism as an organisation has lifted and, for that, I thank the entire team. Sincere thanks to my fellow volunteer Board members and, indeed, all the volunteers who put so much time and effort into this organisation. Your efforts are visible and have a profound effect on our members and the education industry as a whole.

Thank you.

AI Cover Image Out-takes