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Nonprofit Day 2004 Agenda-at-a-Glance

September 23, 2004 – Lansing Center, Lansing, MI

8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Registration

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Government’s Role in Nonprofit Accountability
Keynote – Carol Isaacs, Michigan Chief Deputy Attorney General

10:00 a.m.– 10:15 a.m.
Break

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Breakout Sessions

A. Economic and Social Trends Facing Michigan Nonprofits

This session will focus on newly released data highlighting the economic strength and scope of the sector, including information on nonprofit employment trends and the latest trends for individual giving and volunteering in Michigan. In addition, presenters will provide a nationwide comparison of the trends and share thoughts regarding what this data means for the sector.

Presenters: Mary McDonald, Dorothy Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University; Jeff William, Public Sector Consultants; and Mark Wilson, Michigan State University Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.

B. Challenges to Nonprofit Property Tax Exemption – What you can do

In recent years, Michigan nonprofits have increasingly faced challenges to their property tax exemptions. Considering the current state of the economy and decreasing funds to nonprofits, being required to pay a tax which organization s have in the past been exempt is proving to be both costly and burdensome. During this session the participants will discuss what an organization should do if confronted with this challenge, from both the advocacy and legal perspectives.

Presenter: Michele Halloran, Michigan State University College of Law

C. 2004 Election Forecasts

In addition to the presidential election, the full state House of Representatives, all County Commissioner seats and more are up grabs this year. During this session presenters will look into their crystal balls to provide insight into who will take these coveted government seats.

Presenters: John Chamberlin, University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and Zachary Gorchow, Gongwer News Service

D. Lobbying: You Can Do It!

Organizations often say that their reason for not becoming involved in the governmental process is because they believe their involvement will jeopardize their tax-exempt status. This workshop will put all of these myths to an end and provide information regarding what is lobbying, how to report on lobbying activities and why groups should be lobbying.

Presenter: Lary Wells, Michigan League for Human Services

E. Nonprofit Accountability – What you can do

As government grapples with regulation for the sector, there are best practice measures that organizations can consider adopting now. This session will explore the newly released Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Michigan, which is designed as a support mechanism for nonprofit management and governance. Nine Guiding Principles are supported by "recommended practices" for nonprofit excellence. The Principles and Practices will provide a framework for nonprofit assessment and planning, a valuable tool for nonprofit staff and board members alike.

Presenter: Robin Lynn Schultheiss, Michigan Nonprofit Association

11:45 a.m. – Noon
Break

Noon – 2:00 p.m. Luncheon

The Future of Nonprofit Accountability
Keynote: Diana Aviv, President and CEO, Independent Sector
Reaction Panel –

Moderator: Pat Babcock, Public Policy Associates

Panelists: Mary Carole Cotter, W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Sam Singh, Michigan Nonprofit Association; and Paul Thornell, United Way of America.

2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Post-Conference Sessions

A. 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
So you Want to Make a Difference?
Co-sponsored by Michigan’s Children

Nancy Amidei, author and former journalist with decades of experience in social policy, leads this post-conference session. This user-friendly, interactive workshop is designed to help busy professionals learn how to fit policy advocacy into their lives. Topics will include basic techniques for lobbying and advocacy by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, developing grass-roots networks, and influencing regulations.

B. 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
United Way and Public Policy

United Ways will review United Way of America and Michigan Association of United Ways public policy priorities, receive updates on efforts on those priorities, discuss emerging issues for United Ways and nonprofits, and discuss roles of local United Ways in public policy. Leading the discussion will be Larry Leatherwood, MAUW Public Policy Chair, Bob Parks, MAUW; Paul Thornell, United Way of America; and Mike Brown, Capital Area United Way. This session is open to any interested party and there is no fee to attend.