Workshop Descriptions

Track A: Fundraising

Track B: Lifecycles

Track C: People

Track D: DEI (Diversity, Equity, inclusioN)

Track E: Governance

Track F: Program

Workshop Session 1: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

SESSION 1A: REVISITING FUNDRAISING BASICS

Presenter: Sarah Barton, CEO Profuse Solutions

This beginner fundraising workshop walks organizations through various aspects of fundraising: why is fundraising important for sustainability, key elements of fund raisers, creative ways to make the ask, working with partnerships, types of giving and donor care. Participants will be engaged in sharing personal successes and challenges within their organization, and will be provided templates to beginning a fundraising strategy at their organizations.

SESSION 1B: NONPROFIT LIFECYCLES PART 1

Presenters: Melanie Mitros, COO Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute & Amy Elliott, Director of Community Engagement Marietta College

In this first of three consecutive sessions, Melanie and Amy will introduce participants to the Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute and the Lifecycles model for nonprofit organizational capacity building. We will present the capacity table, Lifecycles curve, and the characteristics of each of the stages. This information will help organizations identify where they are and likely feel comforted by the normalcy of their situation.

SESSION 1C: CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT: SUPPORTIVE FRAMEWORKS FOR CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS

Presenter: Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, Executive Director Community Food Initiatives

Building skills to engage thoughtfully and authentically in conflict improves individual leadership skills and confidence, contributes to positive organizational cultures and stronger collaborations, and supports building more equitable and inclusive organizations and communities. This interactive session will introduce tools and frameworks that can help us navigate conflict more successfully while managing our own stress and anxiety. We will explore beliefs and assumptions about conflict and introduce research and techniques that can help broaden our perspective and build our courage. Participants will have an opportunity during the workshop to analyze a specific conflict from their own experience and begin to make an action plan for moving forward. While this workshop focuses on professional and community contexts, the information shared can be applied equally effectively in our work, social, and personal lives.

SESSION 1D: BUILDING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES: DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) IN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Presenter: Dr. Portia Smith, Consultant and Founder/CEO Angels Inspired, Inc.

In this dynamic workshop, participants will delve into the critical elements of fostering inclusive communities within nonprofit organizations. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in their workplaces. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with tangible strategies and tools to build inclusive communities, drive organizational success, and create positive social impact within nonprofit organizations.

SESSION 1E: NAVIGATING THE PATH TO EFFECTIVE NONPROFIT GOVERNANCE AND BOARD ENGAGEMENT

Presenter: Rosemary Ketchum, Executive Director West Virginia Nonprofit Association

Join us for an insightful session on nonprofit governance, designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to steer their organizations towards success. This session will cover key topics such as board responsibilities, ethical considerations, strategic planning, and best practices for fostering transparency and accountability. Participants will learn how to build and maintain a strong board of directors, establish clear roles and responsibilities, and navigate challenges unique to the nonprofit landscape.

SESSION 1F: COMMUNICATING YOUR CAUSE: METHODS TO PROMOTE YOUR BRAND

Presenter: Kristin Meeks, Owner WV Social Media

Does everyone know what your nonprofit is all about? Learn the ends and outs of promoting your organization online using proven methods that have helped nonprofits reach their ideal donors, clients, and participants.

Workshop Session 2: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm

SESSION 2A: CRAFTING YOUR CASE FOR SUPPORT

Presenter: Sarah Barton, CEO Profuse Solutions

Many organizations want to apply for grants and request funds, but few take the time to create their case for support. This workshop will walk participants through the process of building a case for support to be used with any type of donor. You will gain knowledge of the essential elements that make up a case for support including storytelling, organizational overview, vision, financial management, impact stories, project needs and donor engagement strategies.

SESSION 2B: NONPROFIT LIFECYCLES PART 2

Presenters: Melanie Mitros, COO Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute & Amy Elliott, Director of Community Engagement Marietta College

In this second of three consecutive sessions, Melanie and Amy will begin by answering questions on the intro session. We will then lead the group through an organizational self-assessment, a Selfie! Organizations will work in their individual groups to complete the selfie on their organization while Melanie and Amy float throughout the room answering questions and guiding the organizations through the process.

Participant Note: you must have attended session 1B in order to attend this workshop.

SESSION 2C: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK!

Presenter: Janelle Seevers, HR Manager and Allison Wentz, HR Associate Perry & Associates

This captivating presentation will be centered on the dynamics of teamwork, leaving attendees inspired and enlightened. We will dive into the intricacies of effective teamwork within diverse contexts. Drawing from real-world examples, this presentation will emphasize the critical role of communication, trust, and shared goals in fostering high-performing teams. Attendees will gain valuable insights into strategies for building cohesive teams, navigating conflicts constructively, and leveraging individual strengths. Our goal is to underscore the power of teamwork and a healthy culture in driving excellence and innovation.

SESSION 2D: RECRUITING FOR INCLUSION: STRATEGIES FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT

Presenter: Dr. Portia Smith, Consultant and Founder/CEO Angels Inspired, Inc.

This workshop focuses on empowering nonprofit organizations to build diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams through effective recruitment strategies. Participants will explore key principles and practical approaches to ensure that their recruitment processes align with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals. By the end of the workshop, participants will have concrete strategies and tools to enhance their nonprofit recruitment processes, attract diverse talent, and foster an inclusive organizational culture that reflects DEI values.

SESSION 2E: ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE: AVOIDING THE HR NIGHTMARE

Presenter: Faith Knutsen, Director Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ohio University

This hands on scenario exercise presents a standard small nonprofit volunteer board facing a significant human resources crisis on the basis of seemingly sudden intractable problems between two essential staff members. This session provides group-based decision making for a difficult personnel matter and suggested strategies.

SESSION 2F: CONTRIBUTING TO COLLECTIVE IMPACT: A RESOURCE AND BEST PRACTICE TOOLKIT

Presenter: Claire Ramsey, Network Resource Coordinator Building Bridges to Careers

This session includes data-driven information to demonstrate the power of collective impact and provide a workshop experience that includes a bank of resources and best practices for other nonprofits to implement within their own partnership networks. We will present our own survey data to demonstrate the impact of place-based, regional collaboration and discuss best practice models for efficiently, effectively pooling resources. Participants not only gain valuable insights but leave equipped with actionable steps and resources for immediate implementation. Opportunities for one-on-one consulting time with the session leader will be provided during and after the session, fostering tailored guidance and support from one nonprofit to another.

Workshop Session 3: 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm

SESSION 3A: MISSION POSSIBLE: A GUIDE TO ORGANIZING NONPROFIT FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Presenters: Jessie Siefert Managing Director/Education Director Parkersburg Art Center and Amanda Stevens Executive Director Downtown Parkersburg

Growth often takes money. Being able to execute successful fundraising events is one way to raise money that enables growth. These events should build collaborative partnerships, boost brand recognition and help the organization diversify their revenue. This session will include support on building a planning committee, reaching out to event sponsors, marketing, collaborations, the nuts and bolts such as food, music and entertainment. Participants will engage with experts on fundraising and have the opportunity to ask questions and have one-on-one conversations.

SESSION 3B: NONPROFIT LIFECYCLES PART 3

Presenters: Melanie Mitros, COO Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute and Amy Elliott, Director of Community Engagement Marietta College

In this third of three consecutive workshops, participants will use the information they learned about Lifecycle stages in Session 1B and the Selfie results from Session 2B to create their very own Capacity Improvement Plan. Melanie and Amy will explain why this plan matters and how to use it, so that organizations in this workshop leave with next steps outlined to move forward.

Participant Note: you must have attended workshops 1B and 2B prior to attending this session. Organizations who attend all 3 sessions will receive free access ($200 value) to the Online Selfie to share with their full organization.

SESSION 3C: MOBILIZE THE POWER OF YOUR VOLUNTEERS

Presenters: Katie Thompson, Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist & Tara Herbert, Senior Volunteer Engagement Specialist, American Red Cross, Sue Yancy, Volunteer American Red Cross

Are you looking to expand your volunteer base for your organization? Are you interested in attracting and retaining volunteers? Look no further! Volunteers make up 90% of the American Red Cross's workforce, and this workshop will teach you how to use the latest strategies and best practices to target the right volunteers for your organization. The workshop will also teach you how to engage your volunteers with your mission and build strong relationships with them. You'll be collaborating with other attendees, sharing ideas, and learning new ways to recruit and engage volunteers. You'll come away with an action plan to implement in your organization.

SESSION 3D: RETAINING DIVERSITY: STRATEGIES FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN EMPLOYEE RETENTION

Presenter: Dr. Portia Smith, Consultant and Founder/CEO Angels Inspired, Inc.

This workshop is designed to equip nonprofit organizations with actionable strategies for retaining diverse talent and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Participants will explore key principles and best practices to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in employee retention efforts. By the end of the workshop, participants will have practical strategies and tools to strengthen nonprofit retention efforts, foster an inclusive workplace culture, and promote long-term success in retaining diverse talent.

SESSION 3E: UNLOCKING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR IMMEDIATE IMPACT

Presenter: Kevin Hardin, Harding GPT

This workshop offers and an easy and practical introduction to AI for nonprofits, aimed at freeing up valuable time and increasing financial resources. It addresses the challenges of running a nonprofit with limited resources, presenting generative AI tools like ChatGPT as solutions to enhance efficiency, revenue, and impact. Designed for nonprofit leaders, the session offers actionable insights into integrating AI into operations. Participants will explore how AI can streamline tasks, foster innovation, and ensure sustainability. The workshop features live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and group activities to identify and solve real-world challenges that can be solved with AI. Attendees will learn to recognize opportunities for AI integration, develop implementation strategies, and navigate the latest AI technologies.

SESSION 3F: YOU’VE GOT TO JUMP BEFORE YOU CAN FLY

Presenter: Erin Augenstein, Executive Director, Northwest Territory Museum Society

Taking measured risks to make organizational changes that help you meet your mission. After a brief introduction which includes real-world models, participants will evaluate their own organization's mission and goals, and choose one goal to discuss in small group breakouts. Groups will then share their goals, what risks are required to meet them, what holds them back from taking the risks, and what support/positives they have to take the risk. Back in the large group, we'll discuss themes we found in our discussions, and how we can leverage our supports to help us take the measured risks needed to make changes.