Gather Ye Data — Just Be Sure to Use It Well

And in this case, the data field really needs to be checked yes not only for “male” but also for “father” and “husband” — with a double verify to be certain he’s not a widower, or in the middle of divorce proceedings, or a father whose only child is dead.

You see where I’m going with this. Instead of data being our undoing, may we all aspire to collect and use it with care so every donor feels like she is known, respected and valued, and that she matters.