Season 1 | Episode 9: Bringing JEDI Principles To Life In Peer-to-Peer Events with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Deb Barge

Deb Barge of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America drops by the podcast to share her insights on how peer-to-peer events can better embrace the principles of diversity and inclusion

In 2023, leading nonprofit organizations are undertaking the essential and challenging task of scrutinizing their operational strategies through the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) lens. Big questions remain, particularly regarding racial equity and its intersection with the missions we champion, the positions we advocate, the donors we prioritize, and even the composition of our workforce.

And our small world of peer-to-peer fundraising is no different.

Our peer-to-peer fundraising events present a unique opportunity to translate these principles into action – in our capacity to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds around a common cause, in the role our events play as a mirror reflecting the broader community we serve, and in our commitment to dismantling barriers that might hinder potential supporters from connecting with our mission.

In this episode, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Chief Development Officer, Deb Barge, joins P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell for an important conversation about the critical need to prioritize the principles of JEDI in peer-to-peer fundraising work. Marcie and Deb discuss real-world examples of how leading organizations are bringing JEDI principles to life with their P2P events, as well as the role that staff and volunteers can play in creating an inclusive environment.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:
– The longstanding roots of JEDI in P2P events

– The importance of a diverse workforce
– The power of mission-connected volunteers

Mentioned Links
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
BeABigNow.Org
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Podcast Guest

Deb is a servant leader who has been honored to lead diverse, multi-affiliate, national fundraising and revenue- generating initiatives for worthy charitable causes across the nation to activate data-responsive, donor-centric teams to create record-setting events, cultivate major donors and innovate corporate collaborations in support of the organization’s mission. By building high-value partnerships with premier donors that understand and align with the vision and values of the organization, she strives to ensure retention and growth to serve the mission.

Podcast Host

Marcie Maxwell is the Managing Director of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum. Marcie joined the P2PPF team in 2021 after 15+ years as a front-line fundraiser, national events & campaign director and fundraising consultant. In her role, Marcie serves as a primary thought leader and community builder for the peer-to-peer fundraising industry. She started her career in fundraising with 10+ years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she ran local fundraising events, managed national volunteer partnerships and launched their national walk program. She then spent 5+ years as the Director of Chapter Fundraising Events with Make-A-Wish America, where she provided strategy, support & training to 60 chapters on the full event portfolio – walks, school fundraising, an endurance hiking program and galas & social events. In her most recent role at Charity Dynamics, she partnered with clients to provide strategic guidance and analysis to help them optimize and grow their peer-to-peer fundraising events & campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in Ethical Leadership from Christian Brothers University. She resides in Memphis, TN.