Workshops & Peer Learning Circles 2024
Check Out This Year’s Workshop & Peer Learning Circle Topics.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
PEER LEARNING CIRCLES, 1:00-2:45 PM
BOARD GOVERNANCE TRACK – Shifting Power for Governance
Facilitated by: Susan Loucks, Principal, Susan Loucks Consulting
Governance is not just what happens in the board room – it’s how we make decisions and organize power everywhere. If you’re sensing potential to think differently or just want a sandbox to play in, join us to unpack and maybe re-shuffle how we’re imagining power for governance on the board, in our organizations, and in our connected communities.
FUNDRAISING/RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT TRACK – Taking the Feelings Out of Fundraising
Facilitated by: Kyla Alvarez, Associate Director of Operations, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy | Joe Kirkenir, Managing Partner, Grants & Fundraising, Spur & Sprout | Heather Maneval, Founder & Managing Partner, Strategy, Spur & Sprout | Roth Preap, Executive Director, York Art Association | Veronica Ann Rae, Founder, Veronica Anne Rae Consulting
Spur & Sprout invites attendees to peek behind the curtain of philanthropy to discuss brass tacks motivations and how to navigate partnerships. This interactive session blends formal presentation, panel discussion, and breakout formats to tackle big topics and offer practical next steps to attendees.
JEDI (JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION) TRACK – Organizations as Allies for Racial Justice: An Open Discussion
Facilitated by: Jamee Boone, President, Eddee Boone Consulting | Rosalind Spigel, Principal, Spigel Consulting
To frame the broader conversation, we will begin in this forum with context setting to provide background to examine the organized and concerted efforts to abolish diversity, equity and inclusion (or “DEI”) positions, programs, and progress. This conversation is based on recent rulings, reporting, articles (NYT), and research from the perspective of DEI practitioners (including Maggie Potapchuk). Given this societal background, we will move to discuss trends, data, impact, and how not only individuals, but organizations can be allies of DEI and go deeper to address the root causes of this division: racial justice. The format will transition into small group table discussions in which participants will be able to share their experiences and wisdom on what their DEI initiatives are up against and actions they are taking (promising or best practices).
Disclaimer: The content of this discussion will center around recent reporting and articles that expose ideologies opposing DEI. It may be emotionally, psychologically, intellectually challenging and triggering for some to engage with. Facilitators will try to make this a space where we can engage bravely, empathetically, and thoughtfully with this content.
OPERATIONS TRACK – The Push and Pull of Remote Work: Operating Effectively in a Hybrid World
Facilitated by: Stephen Shope, Senior Program Relationships Manager, PA Treasury
Operations is the root of your organization. If you change the root, you change the fruit. And change, while necessary, can be hard, whether you’re reacting to consequential change (post-COVID) or championing intentional change (improving efficiency, capacity, impact). In this guided discussion, we’ll help each other move from feeling uprooted by operational change to energized and inspired by what’s possible for our organizations, our missions, and our communities. We’ll explore the many ways that operational DNA influences all other efforts, honing in on best practices for developing high-functioning remote teams – including both our paid staff and our volunteer workforce.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
WORKSHOPS, 3:15-4:30 PM
BOARD GOVERNANCE DEVELOPMENT TRACK – The Board/Executive Partnership: Who Holds the Power & When?
Facilitated by: Becky Flaherty, Satell Institute
This 75-minute session will delve into the intricate balance of authority between the board and the executive director (ED). Participants will explore best practices for fostering a collaborative and transparent dynamic, focusing on key areas like implementing a fair evaluation process for the ED, developing a robust succession plan, and clarifying roles and responsibilities. The session will address questions around what information the board should expect from the ED, how to effectively oversee leadership without micromanaging, and when each party should take the lead. Through case studies and interactive discussion, attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to establish shared power and enhance organizational leadership.
FUNDRAISING/RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT TRACK – Mission Matters: Shifting Power in the Corporate Sector and What It Means for Your Organization’s Revenue
Facilitated by: Gail Bower, Bower & Co. Consulting
When was the last time you studied what’s happening in the corporate sector and saw doors opening for your organization? If it’s been a while, you may not have noticed multiple opportunities for your nonprofit to collaborate with the corporate sector. These opportunities could be the key to a brighter, more prosperous future for your organization.
If you’re frustrated with small sponsorships and wondering if they’re worth the hassle, join this session with revenue strategist Gail Bower to learn more about a wider array of opportunities. By attending, you’ll gain insights on how to secure larger and more impactful sponsorships, and how to up-level your approaches to leverage these partnerships. Bring your creativity and an open mind, and let’s explore ways to expand your value, engagement, and collaborations with the corporate sector.
JEDI (JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION) TRACK – Organizations as Allies for Racial Justice: Diving Deeper
Facilitated by: Jamee Boone & Rosalind Spigel
The peer-to-peer session is for participants who are part of a DEI change initiative, have an advanced level of familiarity with the topic, are aware of pitfalls of rolling out a DEI initiative, and are committed to maintaining momentum. Participants will build on the opening forum discussions and take a deeper dive into their DEI organizational change processes, examine if they contribute to eradicating systemic racism, white supremacy, and the responsibility individuals and organizations have to look beyond their own culture and practices. At the individual, small group, and whole group level, participants will interrogate their DEI strategies and reflect on how racial justice can be actualized by using their organizations’ with their collective voices to uproot systemic racism within and beyond their organizations. The discussion will end with ideas on disrupting the challenges that could derail DEI initiatives. Participants will walk away with strategies, resources, and specific steps individuals and organizations can take that would lead to transformative change.
Disclaimer: The content of this discussion will center around recent reporting and articles that expose ideologies opposing DEI. It may be emotionally, psychologically, intellectually challenging and triggering for some to engage with. Facilitators will try to make this a space where we can engage bravely, empathetically, and thoughtfully with this content.
LEADERSHIP TRACK – Shifting Influence: A 101 Workshop on Intergenerational Diversity & Youth Engagement in the Nonprofit Sector
Facilitated by: Ashley Priore, Founder, President, & CEO, Queens Gambit
In this 75-minute workshop, we will explore the critical role of intergenerational diversity in the nonprofit sector. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of key definitions and concepts, while learning practical frameworks for engaging youth at various levels within organizations of all sizes. Whether you’re looking to enhance youth participation in your programs or foster stronger connections between generations, this session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to create a more inclusive and dynamic nonprofit environment.
OPERATIONS TRACK – Managing Tech in a Hybrid World: An Outreach for Cybersecurity Readiness
Facilitated by: Jennifer Breese, Assistant Professor of Information Science Technology, Penn State Greater Allegheny | Melanie Meyer, Tech Impact
In this session Penn State Allegheny researchers will present early findings on the cybersecurity readiness for nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania.
Additionally, in collaboration with nonprofit technology firm Tech Impact, we will help define the current hybrid work landscape and discuss your IT infrastructure to identify threats, weak links, and high-risk practices. Finally, some training simulations to provide a stronger defense will be provided.
This workshops aims to provide you with both knowledge and tools for your hybrid world.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
WORKSHOPS, 9:45-11:00 AM
BOARD GOVERNANCE TRACK – HumAInity-Centered Design for Governance: Improving Nonprofit Effectiveness and Efficiency
Facilitated by: Emily Francis, Director, Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership | Olivia Benson, Chief Operating Officer, The Forbes Funds & Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership
In our era of rapid technological advancement, nonprofits must find ways to stay true to their missions while embracing tools that amplify their impact. This 75-minute interactive session will guide nonprofit professionals through the intersection of humanity-centered design and artificial intelligence (AI), offering practical applications for common board governance scenarios. Participants will engage in 2-3 exercises that demonstrate how AI can enhance empathy-driven approaches to problem-solving, service delivery, and stakeholder engagement from the top down.
For example, AI tools can help boards assess their performance in real-time, uncover biases and blind spots in decision-making processes, and ensure more inclusive and representative leadership. Attendees will leave equipped with clear insights for integrating AI while preserving the core human values that drive nonprofit work and receive actionable next steps to continue strengthening their mission work.
FUNDRAISING/RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT TRACK – Speaking in Ages: Opening Doors with Our Eldest Donors
Facilitated by: Greg Wilson, Founder + Lead Consultant, Stick Figure Fundraising
We all know different generations have different interests. How do you convey your message to a different generation? As we age our developmental drivers (what our minds seek – think teenagers and pushing limits) change, compounding this generational challenge. In this research-based session learn how to talk and market generationally & age effectively.
Communication and conversation are at the heart of everything we do as gift planners (and the fields related to gift planning), learning how to understand and become more effective with the eldest individuals we work with is critical.
This session is important to any frontline fundraiser as we each work to be better across the IDEA spectrum, I think we frequently skip over IDEA as it relates to age. This omission is going to become critical as the donors our nonprofits have counted on for the past 30-50 years change and the items (and nonprofits) that were important to them in the past lose value when they’re not re-contextualized in this last stage of life.
JEDI (JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION) TRACK – Holding it all together through DEIB
Facilitated by: Kashonna Marrow, President & CEO, Simply Kashonna
Incorporating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) into the workplace culture is not an isolated event, but an intentional thread into every component of the organization. To be woven, every aspect of it must be acknowledged and understood, disrupting any signs of bias to promote unity and collaboration. We will look at the various components of diversity and work through scenarios to become more aware and inclusive, creating a culture of belonging while transforming barriers to bridges.
LEADERSHIP TRACK – Managing Stress for Strategic Leadership
Facilitated by: Kerri Strauss, Founder, Kerri Strauss Consulting
How do we get in the right mindset to open doors for ourselves and others? How can leaders balance the need to both practice and model self-care with the needs of our teams AND the needs of our organizations? When everything feels up in the air today, how do we cultivate strong, impactful leaders for tomorrow?
Strategic leadership encompasses all these elements and more including goal-setting, visioning, and motivating people to achieve the goals we’re collectively setting. We can learn ways to turn stress into wellness for ourselves and our organizations – join this session on Strategic Leadership to do just that! Watch yourself grow, and learn to help others grow.
OPERATIONS TRACK – Generative AI Made Simple for Nonprofit Success
Facilitated by: Aaron Proietti, Founder, Today’s Innovator
Unlock the full potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the nonprofit sector with “Generative AI Made Simple for Nonprofit Success.” Discover how to harness the power of generative AI to drive innovation, amplify impact, and streamline operations. This interactive and informative session will break down the capabilities of generative AI, making its advanced technology accessible and actionable for nonprofit professionals. Whether you’re looking to revolutionize fundraising, enhance program delivery, or supercharge marketing efforts, you’ll learn practical strategies to integrate generative AI into your toolkit. Join us to explore the transformative possibilities of AI and take away valuable insights to elevate your nonprofit’s success.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
PEER LEARNING CIRCLES, 11:15 AM-12:45 PM
BOARD GOVERNANCE TRACK – Opening Doors to Effective Governance
Facilitated by: Debra Thompson, Founder & President, & Jacqui Catrabone, Director of Nonprofit & Community Services, Strategy Solutions, Inc.
If you serve on a nonprofit board or work with a board of directors, you may have seen (or done yourself) some problematic behaviors. It’s natural to behave in a way that you feel is “right” and seems to align with your job as a board member. But certain board habits can wreak havoc on an organization. That’s why it’s important to recognize when you, or someone on your board, is displaying problematic behavior. It’s even more important to intervene appropriately. This interactive session describes the “10 board habits to kick” and ways to address the challenging behaviors we may be all too familiar with. Pulling from both recognized best practices and the “wisdom in the room”, we’ll also review and reinforce what’s working in board recruitment and orientation to ensure appropriate board oversight and governance along the way.
FUNDRAISING/RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT TRACK – Extending Your Staff Capacity with the Support of Consultants
Facilitated by: Michele Walls, MW Strategies
Discover how to effectively leverage consultants and empower your nonprofit to thrive in this dynamic 90-minute session. Our expert panel will explore key strategies for selecting, engaging, and collaborating with consultants to amplify your organization’s impact. Learn about essential considerations, including needs assessment, compliance, budgeting, and best practices for engagement. Attendees will gain valuable insights through an interactive panel discussion, followed by personalized “office hours” with experienced consultants. This innovative format provides practical guidance for extending staff capacity, making informed decisions, and achieving organizational goals.
JEDI (JUSTICE, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION) TRACK – Build Justice Into Your Nonprofit Policies and Practices – Influence Promising National Trends
Facilitated by: Kevin Burrell, Strategic Initiatives Project Manager, & Anne Gingerich, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations
Our conversation will begin with early learnings from PANO’s 18-month cohort-based review of the nonprofit policies and procedures included in our Standards for Excellence materials. This review was grounded with questions like: how can we build “power with” vs. “power over” into daily nonprofit practice? Given that PANO will be taking the results of their work to the national nonprofit community in partnership with the National Standards for Excellence Institute, Pennsylvania nonprofits have the opportunity to add their voices to this important work. We will test early governance and fundraising learnings with participants to see which concepts resonate (or not), and which concepts participants might “test practice” in their own organizations – right now. One goal is to create flexible, accessible policies and practices so that organizations across the state (and nation?) can continue their lifelong learning about the impact of truly equitable policies and procedures on boards, staff, volunteers and ultimately communities served.
LEADERSHIP TRACK – The Nonprofit Leader’s #1 Superpower? Taking a Fresh Look at the Future
Facilitated by: Gail Bower, Bower & Co. Consulting
With today’s fast-paced and ever-changing marketplace, your organization is counting on your vision, strategic direction, and agile leadership. Your role is crucial for identifying and seizing opportunities, and in navigating the changes and uncertainties that lie ahead.
Therefore, the most critical superpower a leader can have is the ability to see the future with fresh eyes. Having a future orientation, also known as strategic foresight, is not about having a crystal ball or even being able to predict the future. It’s about seeing threats, surfacing uncertainties, recognizing opportunities earlier than others, and strategically knowing what to do next.
In this session, we’ll delve into the practical applications of strategic foresight in the nonprofit sector, helping you to anticipate and prepare for future challenges and opportunities. If you lead a nonprofit as a CEO, executive director, board member, or senior executive, this guided conversation introduces you to strategic foresight and an essential set of tools to fire up your creativity.
You’ll brainstorm and discuss what may be ahead and what these shifts might mean for your organization. You’ll leave the session with new capabilities and a fresh look at possible futures, equipped with practical tools and strategies to navigate them.
OPERATIONS TRACK – Systems Change: How to Become a Changemaker in Complex Environments
Facilitated by: Aaron Proietti, Founder, Today’s Innovator
Driving change in complex environments requires more than just quick fixes—it demands a new way of thinking. In this session, we’ll explore how nonprofits can embrace systems thinking to navigate the interconnected challenges they face. We’ll introduce the key traits of complex systems in clear, accessible terms, helping you understand how systems behave, resist change, and evolve.
Through interactive discussions and practical applications, we’ll introduce the C.H.A.N.G.E. framework to uncover new strategies for making progress in environments that are anything but straightforward. Bring your challenges, ideas, or opportunities, and join this conversation about what it means to lead meaningful change within a complex world.
Collaborative Conference Agenda.
While everything feels so up in the air, let’s ground ourselves in possibility. Come along for the ride!