about
julie barton, ph.d.
I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to pursue a number of passions in my life, simultaneously learning about and mastering nonprofit management, fundraising, project management, and literature. In addition to fundraising work and nonprofit management, I’m passionate about the power of story to enact positive social change, and believe that the stories we tell children shape the adults they become.
Fundraising and Nonprofit Management
My 15-year international career in nonprofit management includes multiple positions at the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, being the Strategic Development Director for the Harry Potter Alliance (a national youth engagement organization), and the Development Director for Tandem, Partners in Early Learning. I believe philanthropy has an important place in society, and am passionate about bringing donor investments to worthy causes. From volunteer engagement through to large institutional stewardship, I know that fundraising success happens when the whole community is engaged to create the change we wish to see.
In 2015 I received Nonprofit PRO magazine’s “Rising Star” award, and recently received my CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management).
“Julie’s experience being deep in the trenches of fundraising and flying above with high-level strategic planning ensures that no stone is left unturned in developing a well-rounded, successful development plan.”
Literature
With a PhD in Literature and a MA in Children’s Literature, I have published multiple articles in The Journal of Children’s Literature Studies, entries in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children’s Literature, and a chapter in “Crossing Textual Boundaries in International Children’s Literature.” I have presented at a number of international conferences, spoken on panels, and taught at the University of East Anglia (Norwich, UK) and Goethe-Universitat (Frankfurt, Germany). While living in London I served for four years on the UK chapter of the International Board on Books for Young People and am currently a committee member for USBBY, the US chapter.
I have spoken about the importance of children’s literature, diversity in children’s books, and early childhood education around the country, from locally at the Bay Area Book Festival to NLC’s National Convention in Houston. My talk “Why Progressives Should Care about Kids' Books” was presented to 300+ leaders from around the country at New Leaders Council National 2018 convention in Houston. It explored the role of diversity and representation in children's literature, and discussed why what we learn the youngest stays with us the longest.
Service
Currently, I serve on the National Programs Committee and as the National Advancement Chair for New Leaders Council (the nation’s oldest and largest progressive training organization), and as the Events Director for the Children’s Media Association (Bay Area Chapter). I also travel to facilitate LEAD training weekends for New Leaders Council around the country, and am a mentor for StartingBloc’s 5-day Leadership Institute. A lifelong learner, I have been a 2016 Leadership San Francisco Fellow with the Chamber of Commerce, and a 2019 Social Entrepreneurship Fellow with StartingBloc.
However, I’m determined to never be too old (or too busy!) to read books written for children.
Beautiful Radical Change
I chose to highlight butterflies and sunflowers throughout my website, because though I’m a wordsmith at heart, I also believe in the power of symbols.
Butterflies are the classic symbol for growth and change. I see my work as helping to facilitate growth - of nonprofits, of funds raised, of individuals. Did you know that as part of the metamorphis the caterpillar completely disintegrates before it re-forms into a butterfly? I love this imagery - that sometimes the most beautiful, radical change comes from a complete reworking of your world.
Sunflowers, in addition to being a bright, hopeful symbol, are adaptable workhorses. They are tough, drought-resistant, live longer than most flowers, and provide food via their seeds and oils. They are phototropic, meaning they follow the sun’s light to capture the most light - what a perfect metaphor for learning, growing, and adapting to bring the most light into our lives!
Both butterflies and sunflowers have action as a key to their success. Caterpillars create their own chrysallis, breaking down their pasts to re-form into their future. Sunflowers track the sun across the sky, seeking to make the most from the hours of sunlight they have. While these two symbols are joyful, they also include this important aspect: that growth and development needs to be accompanied by intention and hard work.
