Episode 216: Emmie's Big Heart: Lessons of Love and Giving Tuesday with Emmie Erickson
Podcast: What the Fundraising
Host: Mallory Erickson
Guest: Emmie Erickson
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Introduction: A Special Guest for Giving Tuesday [00:00 - 02:04]
In this heartwarming episode, host Mallory Erickson invites a very special guest—her five-year-old daughter, Emmie Erickson. Emmie has participated in Giving Tuesday podcast episodes since she was three, bringing a fresh and genuine perspective to the conversation.
- Mallory: "Emmy, how old are you now?" [00:14]
- Emmie: "Five." [00:15]
The conversation begins with Emmie sharing her excitement about Giving Tuesday, highlighting it as "the best week of the year" [00:55]. Both Mallory and Emmie acknowledge the hard work fundraisers invest in engaging communities and striving to meet their goals, despite the inherent nervousness and challenges that come with the day.
Understanding Giving Tuesday and Overcoming Nervousness [02:04 - 05:16]
Mallory delves deeper into the essence of Giving Tuesday, explaining its purpose: "to invite people to participate in their nonprofits" [01:03]. Emmie adds her innocence and honesty to the discussion, expressing her understanding of the efforts behind the day.
When addressing the anxiety fundraisers might feel, Emmie offers simple yet profound advice:
- Emmie: "I just build over again and I'm okay with it. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I don't." [02:04]
- Mallory: "What would you say to people who are working really hard towards today?" [02:19]
- Emmie: "I'll help you. And if they say they don't want you to, that's okay. You can go help another person." [02:30]
These responses emphasize resilience and the importance of community support, encouraging fundraisers to persist and seek assistance when needed.
The Importance of Kindness and Being an Ally [05:16 - 08:37]
Emmie articulates the value of helping others, tying it to her experiences in her school's kindness challenge:
- Emmie: "Because sometimes my friends are not kind to other people, and I help them, like in our kindness Challenge. And I'm an ally." [03:07]
- Mallory: "You're an ally? What does that mean?" [03:19]
- Emmie: "It means somebody that's nice, somebody that's caring, or somebody that picks up something that somebody else cannot pick up." [03:22]
Being an ally is portrayed as a crucial component of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, both in everyday interactions and within the nonprofit sector.
Introducing "Fail-A-Bration": Embracing Failure [05:27 - 11:09]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reading and discussing the book "Fail-A-Bration" by Brad and Christy Montague. Mallory introduces the book's theme, emphasizing the positive aspects of failure:
- Mallory: "There are so many good lessons inside this book about what to do when things don't go as you wanted them to and how much you can learn from quote, unquote, failures." [05:39]
Emmie's enthusiastic participation brings the book's messages to life, highlighting that everyone makes mistakes and that it's essential to embrace and learn from them. Key excerpts include:
- Emmie: "Maybe you tried to impress your friends and it made everybody laugh." [07:03]
- Emmie: "I've got Great news for you. You are not alone." [08:29]
- Emmie: "Everybody makes mistakes." [08:39]
The narrative encourages fundraisers and listeners to celebrate their failures (“Fail-a-Bration”) as opportunities for growth and community bonding.
Encouragement and Final Messages for Fundraisers [12:30 - End]
As the episode winds down, Mallory and Emmie offer heartfelt encouragement to fundraisers:
- Emmie: "Focus on your fundraising, not your results." [12:50]
- Mallory: "Emmy, you're a fundraising coach." [12:54]
Mallory reinforces the importance of managing emotions and recognizing the value of the work fundraisers do:
- Mallory: "Things might make you sad or worried at different times. Big emotions sometimes take some time to feel your way through, and that's okay." [12:59]
The episode concludes with affirmations of support and pride in the listeners' efforts, reminding them that their contributions are meaningful and cherished.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Emmie on Giving Tuesday's Importance: "That it is the best week of the year." [00:55]
- Emmie on Helping Others: "I'll help you. And if they say they don't want you to, that's okay. You can go help another person." [02:30]
- Emmie on Being an Ally: "It means somebody that's nice, somebody that's caring, or somebody that picks up something that somebody else cannot pick up." [03:22]
- Emmie on Not Being Alone in Failure: "You are not alone." [08:29]
- Emmie’s Advice to Fundraisers: "Focus on your fundraising, not your results." [12:50]
Key Takeaways
- Embrace Failure: Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth fosters resilience and continuous improvement in fundraising efforts.
- Community and Support: Building a network of allies and offering mutual support enhances the effectiveness of nonprofit initiatives.
- Emotional Well-being: Acknowledging and managing emotions is crucial for sustained motivation and preventing burnout.
- Celebration of Efforts: Recognizing and celebrating both successes and failures can create a more positive and inclusive fundraising environment.
Final Thoughts
This episode of What the Fundraising uniquely blends professional insights with heartfelt, childlike wisdom, offering a refreshing take on the challenges and triumphs of fundraising. Emmie Erickson’s contributions highlight the universal themes of kindness, resilience, and community support, making it a must-listen for fundraisers seeking both inspiration and practical advice.
For additional resources, including top tips and tools, visit MalloryErickson.com/Podcast.