Workshop Descriptions (by session time)
April 16, 2007 version – subject to change
- W1 – Tuesday, 10:45 – 12:00
- W2 – Tuesday, 2:00 – 3:15
- W3 – Tuesday, 3:30 – 4:45
- W4 – Wednesday, 9:30 – 10:45
- W5 – Wednesday, 11:00 – 12:15
Session I: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 – 10:45 a.m.
Rejuvenating Your Board
Nonprofits continue to ask how they can keep their boards vital. Using an interactive workshop, Marianne shares strategies for keeping engaged members enthusiastic, rejuvenating those with potential, and transitioning those who have reached their limit of service into different roles in support of your organization.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: 201
Learning Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Marianne Clauw, BoardConnect
Applying e-Business Philosophies to Your Organization
Building a good online strategy doesn't have to be as painful as it sounds. In this session we will cover topics on usability for the web, building online relationships, using the Internet to support an e-Donation program, building online community, and growing your organization through a structured online effort. Everything from building a clear navigation structure to e-Commerce and eMail marketing will be covered. We will demonstrate ways to increase value for your constituents, increase your marketing return on investment, improve volunteerism, and lighten the workload for your staff. You will leave with information that you can put to work right away.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: 202
Learning Level: General
Presenters: Dale Keipert, Creative Web Spinner
Things are Changing Every Day
It's hard for nonprofits to monitor and keep up with all of the regulatory and policy changes - even if you understand the policy process, it's hard to know how each new piece of legislation applies to you. Join this panel of experts for a user-friendly overview of what has changed in the last year at both the state and federal level, including specifics on what nonprofits need to do differently as a result.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: 203
Learning Level: General
Presenters: Catherine Bonnes, Plante & Moran, PLLC; Sandra Cotter, Dykema; Abby Levine, Alliance for Justice
Nonprofits & Data: Using Data to Support Grant Applications and Other Funding Opportunities
This session provides an overview of ways in which nonprofits can use data to further their missions, with an emphasis on funding opportunities. It includes information about steps in the research process, sources of data, sources for assistance with data, and examples of ways to use data in funding proposals.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: 204
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Maria Gajewski, Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership; David Bleckley, CRI - Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University ,
Branding Your Way to Sustainability
As competition for nonprofit funding intensifies, marketing and communications consultant Mark Doyal reveals how entrepreneurial nonprofits can use consumer based marketing and branding strategies to build sustainable funding. Participate in exercise to evaluate your own brand and discover what steps are necessary to build and improve your organization.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: 205
Learning Level: Advanced
Presenters: Mark Doyal, Consultant
Tuesday Toolmen
United Way of Northwest Michigan and Senior Services Inc. of Kalamazoo "Tuesday Toolmen" in partnership with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will demonstrate how a community can develop an organized program to enable consumers to more successfully age in place and stay in their own homes longer. This program benefits the entire community by connecting senior volunteers with people who need affordable home repair services. Emphasis is placed on affordable home repair, modification, home safety and fall prevention strategies. The Tuesday Toolmen program model is being replicated in other areas in Michigan and can be developed to supplement an existing home repair program or as a stand-alone version.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: Banquet 1
Learning Level: General
Presenters: Susan McQuaid, United Way of Northwest Michigan; Annie Morgan, Senior Services
Rethinking Capacity: From the Backoffice to the Bottom Line
This workshop is designed to encourage leaders in the sector to look both critically and creatively at their organizations and their environments to maximize opportunities for capacity building, and to leverage the underutilized capacity within and between their various organizations.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: Banquet 3
Learning Level: Advanced
Presenters: Robert Blumenfeld, Orchards Children's Services
Nonprofit Organizations and Volunteer Liability: Protecting your Organization and its Volunteers
Volunteer assistance is a valued resource for nonprofit organizations. However, even though volunteers are not paid employees, the nonprofit can still be responsible for their actions while participating/assisting in your programming. It is important to understand how to limit the risk of legal exposure for your organization and its volunteers.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: Banquet 5
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Tenecia Ross, MSU College of Law Small Business & Nonprofit Clinic; Nicole Dandridge, MSU Small Business & Nonprofit Clinic
Using GIS Technology for More Effective Planning and Decision Making
Participants will explore how with the right questions and right data, GIS mapping can provide concrete feedback for more effective marketing, outreach, fundraising, and membership campaigns. Participants will immediately apply techniques using a planning document template and other reference materials, based upon the needs of their particular organization.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 10:45 - 12:00
Room: Banquet 7
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Craig Wiles, Public Sector Consultants; Jeff Williams, Public Sector Consultants
Session II: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 – 2:00 p.m.
Fraud in the Workplace - How is Your Nonprofit Vulnerable?
Small organizations are especially vulnerable to occupational fraud and abuse. In this presentation we will raise your fraud awareness through a fraud IQ quiz, examine staggering statistics and what they mean for your organization, learn about the three elements of fraud through real-life examples, look at the various ways it is often discovered, how nonprofits are especially vulnerable and perform a quick analysis of your controls.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 2:00 - 3:15
Room: 203
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Charles Hawes, Yeo & Yeo, CPAs
Strategic Planning for Evaluation
Developing internal evaluation capacity usually requires training. That begs the question, "Training whom to do what?" Before this can be answered, consider the steps necessary to prepare for evaluation. These include creating a shared vision for evaluation; organizational design, culture and a budget supportive of evaluation among others.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 2:00 - 3:15
Room: 204
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Karen Russon, Evaluation Capacity Development Group - ECDG; Linda Easley, Evaluation Capacity Development Group - ECDG
Skip the Google Search! Where to Find Info You Need
Effective advocacy and needs to be based on a clearly defined message, and that message needs to be based on fact. But where do you find credible statistics and reliable sources of information? Searching Google isn't always the best answer... Join this team of researchers and policy experts to explore their favored sites and sources, saving you time and enhancing your impact.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 2:00 - 3:15
Room: Banquet 1
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Jeff Williams, Public Sector Consultants; Mark Wilson, Michigan State University; Mary McDonald, Grand Valley State University
For Accidental Techies: Basic Computer Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Do you find yourself in the position of being resident computer guru and you have no idea why?? Or are you flying by the seat of your pants and trying your best to keep your own computer system up to date? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, you are dubbed an Accidental Techie, and this session is for YOU! NPower Michigan staff will share the tricks of the trade for keeping your computer running smoothly and managing glitches as best you can.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 2:00 - 3:15
Room: Banquet 7
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Mark Shaw, NPower Michigan
Trends in Marketing Sponsorship
What does corporate America expect from non-profit organizations? A look at four timely trends. Case studies demonstrate innovative marketing benefits as well as explain calculations and fair-market value. Plus learn three techniques to assess value for your own sponsorship benefits.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 2:00 - 3:15
Room: 205
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Barbara Harrington, The Sponsorship Network
All in the Family – Engaging Families as Volunteers
The objective of this workshop is to give non-profit and community leaders the information, tools, and skills they can use to integrate family volunteering efforts in their organizations. Participants will walk away with a thorough understanding of how family volunteering can positively impact their capacity and management of their volunteers.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 2:00 - 3:15
Room: Banquet 5
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Cynthia Scherer, Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network
High Impact Grant Proposals!
High Impact Grant Proposals! is a lively, interactive workshop that provides attendees the basic tools they will need to create proposals that get funded! First, we will develop problem (needs) statements that make the case for the importance of your proposal. Then we will create goals that relate directly to your problem statement, but that also relate to the objectives you present as the solutions to your problem. Finally, we will learn how to create High Impact grant proposals - those proposals that make a strong connection between your proposal approach and the long-term impacts your proposal approach will bring about in your community. And Impacts are what High-Impact Grant Proposals are all about!
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 2:00 - 4:45
Room: 201
Learning Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Presenters: Edward Wollmann, Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
Fundraising – Get Your Board on Board!
Even though fundraising is one of the most vital responsibilities of board service, it is probably the one that causes board members the most anxiety and creates the most tension between board and staff. Turn the fundraising apprehension of your board into the desire to fulfill this most critical responsibility.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 2:00 - 4:45
Room: 202
Learning Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Mathwon Howard, Fundraising Focus; Heidi Grix, America Red Cross - Washtenaw County Chapter
Session III: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 – 3:30 p.m.
Strategic Planning Keeping Plans Alive and Off the Shelf
Our plan is approved and we have a three-year road map, at least in writing. This highly interactive session is designed to help organizations keep your focus and attention on effective strategic planning follow-up once your plan has been adopted. A variety of easy tools, proven techniques and fun interactive processes will be shared that can be adapted to various sized organizations.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 3:30 - 4:45
Room: 203
Learning Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Debbie Jackson, Jackson Consulting
DATA QUALITY: Treasure IN / Treasure OUT
One recommendation of Panel of the Nonprofit Sector's report to Congress, Strengthening Transparency, Governance Accountability of Charitable Organizations, is that nonprofits be more transparent about how they evaluate outcomes. This presentation will guide participants through eight critical steps for assuring the quality of evaluation data collection, analysis and reporting.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 3:30 - 4:45
Room: 204
Learning Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Victoria Essenmacher, SPEC Associates; Melanie Hwalek, SPEC Associates
Marketing Your Year of Service
AmeriCorps members make a big difference in their communities during their service. Your AmeriCorps experience is also a great time to build skills and a resume that will help you reach your career goals. Participants in this interactive session will explore ways to make the most of their experience and learn how to document and showcase their year of service.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 3:30 - 4:45
Room: 205
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Julie Chapin, MSU Extension ; Christopher Stickney, MSU Extension
Embracing the Talent and Diversity of People with Disabilities
People with disabilities bring unique life experiences and perspectives, both of which positively impact the diversity and quality of services provided by nonprofit organizations. Using a partnership with Michigan’s AmeriCorps as an example, this workshop will provide information about the benefits of inclusion, outreach strategies, and how to assure successful integration of people with disabilities in the organization.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 3:30 - 4:45
Room: Banquet 1
Learning Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Presenters: Cathy McAdam, DiverseAbility LLC; Kathy McCreedy, DiverseAbility LLC
Are You on Top of Everything - But Can’t Get to the Bottom of Anything?
Learn the best techniques to handle the onslaught of voice mails, emails, passing conversations and virtual and hard copy desktops. See how your organization can do more with less even in this era of information overload, the paper avalanche and data smog.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 3:30 - 4:45
Room: Banquet 3
Learning Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Kathleen Alessandro, Energized Solutions LLC
Michigan's Citizen Corps Programs & Opportunities
Citizen Corps programs are providing new opportunities for volunteers and organizations who are interested in disaster response activities. Recent disaster and the threat of pandemic flu increase the need for citizen volunteers in a disaster. This workshop will detail the programs and share information about resources available for interested organizations.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 3:30 - 4:45
Room: Banquet 5
Learning Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Denise Hubbard, United Way & Volunteer Connections of Montcalm; Sgt. Kevin Sweeney, MSP - Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division; Alexanne Stone
Analyzing Your Technology Needs: Explore the Thin Client/Open Source Alternative
Information technology often lags behind at nonprofits due to lack of funds and dedicated expertise. Participants will be asked to describe their IT environment, their limitations and advantages. The presenters will facilitate the exchange of solutions to the issues described and share strategies to move to lower cost computing platforms.
Session: Tuesday, 5/15, 3:30 - 4:45
Room: Banquet 7
Learning Level: General
Presenters: Francis Glorie, npServ™; Patrick Rady, npServ™
Session IV: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 – 9:30 a.m.
Community of Learners Approach to Successful Evaluative Learning
Evaluative learning is a philosophy and process that emphasize the collection of useful data and immediately applying it to improve the quality and effectiveness of a program, project, initiative or organization. The creators of the project are the creators of the evaluation. Learn how this approach works and how it can strengthen the work of your organization.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 10:45
Room: 204
Learning Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Chantell Johnson, TCC Group; Alan Brown, Family & Children Services
Creating a Marketing Plan that WORKS
Nonprofit organizations often rely on hap-hazard messaging and word of mouth to establish their place in a community. Lack of a focused plan affects sustainability, fund development, and program growth. Join us for an introduction to the key elements of an effective marketing plan and leave with a better idea of how to streamline your message and maximize opportunities for impact.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 10:45
Room: 205
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Traci Armstrong, Consultant
Tapping into the AmeriCorps Alums Network for Successful Partnerships
There are more than 400,000 former AmeriCorps members, and each one of them has a unique set of skills. They know how to serve as event organizers, service project leaders, webmasters, group process facilitators, resource gatherers, networkers, and much more. Come learn more about AmeriCorps Alums and opportunities to build partnerships with your local chapter.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 10:45
Room: Banquet 1
Learning Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Presenters: Christy Hicks, AmeriCorps Alums
Volunteer Management with Faith-Based Groups: Creating a Dialogue Around Service
Why does the "faith factor" often end up becoming a closed door to your outreach? Join members of the Faith and Service Task Force, of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network as they share their resources about engaging diverse religious groups in volunteering and about the power of infusing a dialogue into service. Through this workshop participants will engage in dialogue to share and learn best-practices in secular/faith-based partnerships. They will also gain tools to assist them in partnering with faith based organizations.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 10:45
Room: Banquet 5
Learning Level: Intermediate
Presenters: Kari Marciniak, Volunteer Center of Battle Creek; Daniel Tutt, Points of Light Foundation; Maureen Drummond, Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network Faith And Service Task Force
Predictable & Manageable Technology Needs & Costs?? How Managed Services Will Save You!
Does it seem like your technology needs take more and more of your time? Do you find the number of IT issues facing your org growing rather than shrinking? Are you unable to keep track of software upgrades, backing up, computer maintenance, and everything else? Struggling with how to get it all done? Well, the cavalry has arrived! Learn how your agency can take care of technology maintenance and support through the Managed Service approach. NPower Michigan will show you how the new wave of remote management & desktop support will save you IT headaches and money, while helping you plan & budget more effectively for technology.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 10:45
Room: Banquet 7
Learning Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Presenters: Andy Wolber, NPower Michigan; Kristine Mucher, NPower Michigan
The New World of ePhilanthropy: Meet Them Where They Are - Online!
This session explores all the various aspects of e-Philanthropy as it is being used in today's charity world. Our interactive panel will include folks from eTapestry, Network for Good/Groundspring, and Salesforce. The web is revolutionizing the development office and the art of fundraising is now upon us. Come listen to those who enable nonprofits everyday cut through the hype and explain what does and does not work. You will be surprised at how simple it can be! Ample question & answer time from the audience is included in this interactive session.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 10:45
Room: 202
Learning Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Presenters: Susan Ingram, eTapestry; Joseph Mouzon, Network for Good; Pat McQuaid, Salesforce
Follow the Yellow Brick Road: 1st Steps to Effective Public Policy Advocacy Begin at Home
Did you know that many elected officials in Washington, D.C. and Lansing got their start right in your neighborhood? Charting a path to effective public policy advocacy begins by walking around your own block. Learn strategies that connect you to allies who can help move forward your organization's legislative agenda.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 10:45
Room: Banquet 3
Learning Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Presenters: Debbie Macon, Metropolitan Detroit Volunteer Administration Network; Mary Kerwin, Institute For Local Government, University of Michigan-Dearborn Planning Commissioner
How to Ask for Money and Get It
This session will outline strategies and techniques for building your ability to secure funding. Four key actions will be explored: 1. Prepare (internally and externally); 2. Concentrate on the Prospect (not yourself); 3. Take Your Time (asking is a cultivation process); and 4. Close as You Go (answering objections, giving information). Walk away with increased skills, more confidence, and tools you can use TODAY.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 12:15
Room: 201
Learning Level: General
Presenters: John Fike, Philanthropy Solutions
Mission Centered Board Leadership
As agencies struggle to maintain financial strength, there is a risk that the organization might drift from its mission. This fast paced and highly interactive workshop offers experienced executive directors and board members a variety of insights and suggestions on how to balance issues related to income, expense and program development.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 9:30 - 12:15
Room: 203
Learning Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Presenters: Mark Fisher, Mark R. Fisher & Associates
Session V: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 – 11:00 a.m.
The Donor Experience! How to Deliver a Positive Experience that Attracts, Inspires and Retains Donors
If you have ever wondered why some donors only contribute to your organization once, then you will want to attend this session! The Donor Experience: How to Deliver a Positive Experience that Attracts, Inspires, and Retains Donors is based on nonprofit research studies and strategic planning conducted for nonprofits by Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. Learn the importance of the donor experience to your organization and how to develop a simple plan for delivering positive donor experiences – insuring your long-term fundraising success.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 11:00 - 12:15
Room: 202
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Gary Goscenski, Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc
Lifecycles in Action
Dr Stevens will lead a morning concurrent session focusing on participants’ own lifecycle issues and/or the five common lifecycle challenges nonprofits face at one stage or another (as addressed in the second section of Nonprofit Lifecycles.) Topics to be covered include: the founder transition, developing board ownership, building your “bench,” hiring for fit, and effecting a turnaround. At the end of this session, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their organization’s lifecycle stage and the importance of mastering “growing pains” at each stage of development.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 11:00 - 12:15
Room: 204
Learning Level: /Intermediate/Advanced
Presenters: Susan Kenny Stevens, Larson Allen Public Service Group
Networking is for Neanderthal's
Do you simply dread those after-hours networking events? Do you hide out by the cheese platter and scurry out the door at the first opportunity to jump ship? Do you arrive late, to avoid the dreaded blah blah blah networking conversations? Do you need a boost on how you currently connect with clients and potential customers? Shawne will show you how to clean our your networking closet and create business relationships that last, radically transforming your existing notions of networking and catapulting you to the next level!
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 11:00 - 12:15
Room: 205
Learning Level: General
Presenters: Shawne Duperon, ShawneTV
Game Plan: How to Get Started
The newest Alliance for Justice workshop helps organizations strategize how best to employ the advocacy tools at their disposal. The session begins with a discussion of advocacy fundamentals - helping participants define their goals and objectives, appropriate targets, and effective advocacy tools. Through an interactive session, participants design and implement an advocacy campaign which requires them to consider strategies to build coalitions, influence public perception, persuade policymakers, and run a media campaign.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 11:00 - 12:15
Room: Banquet 1
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Abby Levine, Alliance for Justice
Creating a Culture of Candor
This interactive session teaches practical ways to implement a culture of candor in your organization and life. Discover ways to create a safe space for candid discussions. Gain tips on hearing and sharing the truth in a way that is respectful, positive, and engaging. Learn to step away from telling and advice giving to a place of honest feedback. Experience how to inspire others with passion and ease.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 11:00 - 12:15
Room: Banquet 3
Learning Level: Introductory/Intermediate
Presenters: Mary Grill, Michigan Community Service Commission
Neighboring: Engaging Low-Income Communities in Volunteering
Participants will learn strategies and program models for engaging low-income and underserved residents in volunteer programs. The presentation will address the barriers that keep organizations from engaging underserved communities and devise strategies for overcoming those barriers. Discover practical strategies for building leadership skills and opportunities for civic engagement through volunteering in underserved communities.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 11:00 - 12:15
Room: Banquet 5
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: James Murphy, Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network; Polina Makievsky, Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network
Top 10 Tech Essentials
Utilizing the online Tech Purchasing Guide, Npower Michigan staff will outline the Top 10 Tech Essentials every nonprofit must consider and plan for. We'll discuss how tech impacts your mission achievement, your budget, and your ability to manage more effectively day to day. As a BONUS, you'll receive a take-home "FIve Ways that Tech Can Change Your LIfe" to get those resisters back home on board.
Session: Wednesday, 5/16, 11:00 - 12:15
Room: Banquet 7
Learning Level: Introductory
Presenters: Andy Wolber, NPower Michigan; Kristine Mucher, NPower Michigan