A CEO I was working with recently used the word propinquity as he referred to what their team SHOULD have with their supporters. I had not heard the word before so I went to one of my many dictionary sources and looked it up.

pro·pin·qui·ty   [proh-ping-kwi-tee] Source: Dictionary.com
–noun
1.
nearness in place; proximity.
2.
nearness of relation; kinship.
3.
affinity of nature; similarity.
4.
nearness in time.

Then I found this on Wikipedia: The propinquity effect is the tendency for people to form friendships or relationships with those whom they encounter often, forming a bond between subject and friend. In other words, relationships tend to be formed between those who have a high propinquity.

It’s a simple concept. The people who stay most connected to you will be in a deeper, more meaningful relationship. And in our social profit world that often creates more contributions of time, advice, “stuff” and money.

What a great word. Does your organization have propinquity?

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Tagged with: community connection, Fundraising, fundraising community