The 2022 U.P. Nonprofit Conference features workshops and additional learning sessions on a wide variety of nonprofit management topics. Some sessions are still being finalized, so please check back for updates.
Workshop: How to Find and Leverage Innovative Resources for Any Budget
Presenter: Nicole Fende, The Numbers Whisperer®
Do you struggle to find (and afford) new and innovative software solutions? Are you looking for new ways to look fresh and stand out? Do you struggle to pick what’s in, what’s out, and what will actually connect you to your community? Discover new tools and resources. Ask about your organization’s needs. Get practical answers you can use immediately.
Workshop: YouthWork Conservation Corps: A Mission-driven Social Enterprise
Presenters: Amanda Scott, AmeriCorps Director, Child & Family Services
YouthWork Conservation Corps, and AmeriCorps program of Child & Family Services (CFS), is a unique nonprofit program designed to strengthen young people and their communities through service-based learning. YouthWork crews complete hands-on projects for nonprofit and public partners across Michigan that might include building trails, planting trees, removing invasive species, restoring historic structures and much more.
The projects completed by YouthWork are mutually beneficial and achieve four objectives. First, they build job and life skills for vulnerable youth, preparing them for careers in conservation and skilled trades while instilling an appreciation for community service, recreation and stewardship. Second, they save valuable resources for nonprofits and government agencies; projects are completed free or at a reduced rate by leveraging strategic partnerships and diverse funding sources. Third, they protect the environment and enhance community spaces for all to enjoy. Finally, they generate revenue for CFS that lessens its reliance on cumbersome grants and contracts and allows it to focus on its mission of helping children and youth succeed.
Workshop: Cyber BEWARE to Cyber AWARE: Steps You Can Take Today to Protect Your Organization Tomorrow
Presenters: Matthew Torres and Tanner Wagner, VAST
This workshop will take attendees past the “fear factor” related to the discussion of Cyber. We will discuss best practices within the industry and attendees will gain useful information and actionable steps to implement within their organizations today!
Workshop: Development 101 – Creating a Culture of Philanthropy
Presenter: Cari Detmers, Salvation Army
This workshop will give you the three pillars of Development that all nonprofits must navigate to expand their presence, cultivate their volunteer base and steward their current and future donor base.
Workshop: Development 102 – Strengthening Relationships: Connecting the Dots with Donors
Presenter: Michelle Walk, Mackinac State Historic Parks
Donor stewardship is a key component to development and fundraising. Whether you wear many hats or are part of a membership or development department this session will delve into things you can do to help donors feel valued which leads to more loyal members and donors. We will discuss topics from how you maintain your database to how often and what you communicate to your donors.
Beyond Crisis: An Exploration into Peer and Organization Suicide Loss Support
Presenters: Kate Hardy, Six Feet Over Executive Director; Sam McCullough, LMSW-Clinical, CAADC, CCS, Six Feet Over Program Coordinator
It is well documented that the UP has a higher-than-average suicide rate, which means it is likely you or someone in your organization will encounter a loss at some point. Individuals who have experienced loss through suicide suffer from a variety of traumas, leaving them at an increased risk of acting on suicidal thoughts themselves. While past and present awareness campaigns have encouraged individuals within these demographics to seek support, such as support groups and therapy, such generalized campaigns cannot address some of the very real and devastating effects of such loss, how those in a workplace or community can be empowered to support a loss survivor or even each other. This engaging workshop will provide real world tools to help staff, volunteers, and leaders navigate these tragic events if they happen, as well as tips on coping skills for support persons and creating healthy boundaries.
Learning Session for all attendees: Improv Your Way to a Better Team
Presenter: Nicole Fende, The Numbers Whisperer®
Laughter is a great way to bring people together, reduce stress, and boost creativity. The building blocks of improv force you to listen, share the stage, and take chances. You can’t break improv, so it encourages creativity and new ideas.
In this hands-on, interactive session with an experienced performer you will learn and practice basic improv techniques. Feel the impact and walk away with exercises you can introduce immediately to your colleagues.
Learning Session for all attendees: Resource Spotlight Panel
Presenters: Jen Fiandt, Customer Experience Manager for Michigan Nonprofit Association; Cindy Asher, Executive Director of Pregnancy Services of Delta County; Lisa Jahnke, retired educator/community volunteer; Elise Bur, Director of Northern Michigan University’s Center for Rural Health
Panelists will share an eclectic mix of resources and promising practices—from relief grants and employee surveys to encouragement folders and kindness signs—that can be used or replicated for impact in your organization or community.