A few weeks ago, Sébastien Malengrez joined Planète Enfants & Développement, taking over from Laurence Nail after 25 years of commitment. Driven by deep-rooted values of mutual aid and listening, he shares with us his background, motivations and ambitions for the association.
A people-oriented career
After an initial experience in the banking sector, he realized that this world did not correspond to his aspirations.
It was at the age of 30 that something clicked. Hired on temporary assignment as a Donor Services Assistant, he finally found meaning in his work. "Listening to donors, having a sense of service and always providing a satisfactory response enabled me to blossom professionally", he confides. He then devoted 15 years to the voluntary sector: 8 years with Secours Catholique and 7 years with the Fondation pour le Logement des Défavorisés (formerly Fondation Abbé Pierre), while also volunteering for the association Les Auxiliaires des Aveugles.
Why Planète Enfants & Développement?
What attracted him to Planète Enfants & Développement was its commitment to early childhood. If Louis Aragon said "Woman is the future of man", Sébastien likes to remind us that children are the future of humanity. In the face of growing inequality, he believes it's essential to give every child a chance. The other aspect that convinced him was the association's dynamism: "With few resources compared with large structures, the employees and volunteers do a tremendous job, galvanized by the desire to help vulnerable families and children".
A transition marked by respect and continuity
Taking over from Laurence after 25 years of commitment is a challenge that Sébastien takes up with humility and determination. "I see this handover as a legacy, with deep respect, while bringing my skills to optimize the work accomplished".
Among the values he wishes to perpetuate: listening to and empathizing with donors, rigor and personalized interactions. "A donor is not just a number. We need to maintain a human and individualized relationship."
Key missions and ideas for the future
As Donor Relationship Manager, Sébastien will have several responsibilities:
- Responding to donor requests and providing support
- Track donations and allocate them to projects
- Ensure proper management of data and financial transactions
It also aims to improve certain processes and is even planning a donor satisfaction survey to better understand their expectations.
Despite financial uncertainties, notably the 2 billion euro cut in France's Official Development Assistance by 2025, Sébastien remains optimistic. "I have faith in the generosity of the French people and in Planète Enfants & Développement's ability to find the necessary resources for its actions".
A message to donors?
In conclusion, Sébastien wishes to reassure Planète Enfants & Développement donors: "Laurence has trained me perfectly, and I am committed to being a responsive and attentive contact, guaranteeing a response within 24 hours".
Her motto? "Whether you're a donor, an employee or a volunteer, the important thing is that we work together to improve the lives of children in great difficulty."
Welcome to Sébastien! And a huge thank you to Laurence for 25 years of loyal service!
A new telephone number is available to contact Sébastien Malengrez: 06.10.78.25.56.
It can also be reached at the siege@planete-eed.org address you were used to.
