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17th Annual Conference on Sustainability Strategies

"What’s Next? Moving Boldly into the Future"

Oct. 15-16, 2009 • Desert Willow Conference Center • Phoenix


Thursday, Oct. 15th

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Pre-Conference Workshops*

"Community Resource Development: Raising Money & People" ($75) with Pam Betz and Missie D’Aunoy

People and money are the foundation of a nonprofit organization’s sustainability. Understanding and maximizing the natural synergy between volunteers and donors is critical in today’s challenging economic times. Strategies will be offered to develop an innovative Community Resource Development (CRD) Plan, with specific focus on the most compelling components of effective volunteer management and annual giving programs. Participants will learn strategies on how best to engage their donors as committed volunteers, and their volunteers as generous donors.

"Using the Digital Space & Social Media" ($75) with Margie Albert

In this pre-conference participants will learn about the changing ways in which our society is interacting, using the digital space and how that affects nonprofit organizations. In addition, participants will learn the basic terminology used, such as impressions and page views, as well as targeting methods like Web sites, surveys and e-mail. Participants will also learn the use of social media products and strategies, with an emphasis on Facebook and Twitter. Participants will be encouraged to bring laptops and have clearance from their respective organizations to set up Facebook and Twitter accounts.

"Getting Results When Speaking For Your Organization" ($75) with Cary Pfeffer

Have you ever stood up to speak, believing strongly in your topic, yet the audience didn't seem to buy-in? With this terrific hands-on session, participants will get a great refresher on making the most out of each public presentation. Geared specifically for the nonprofit speaker, this seminar focuses on fine-tuning your message and utilizing the most effective tools in getting that message across. Experienced speakers will get an energizing refresher, and those who are new to this work will walk away empowered to hit the mark with every public speaking opportunity that comes their way.

"Are You Ready to Start a Nonprofit Organization?" ($50) with Laura L. Bush and Robert E. Duea

After attending this workshop, participants will be able to identify the three main ingredients needed to start and sustain a thriving nonprofit organization. In addition, participants will be able to make informed decisions about whether one should start a nonprofit organization or take alternative paths, which will also be outlined in the workshop.

*Pre-conference workshops are available for an additional fee and are not included in conference registration.


12:15 – 1:45 p.m. — Opening Keynote Speaker & Luncheon

Art Taylor
President and CEO – Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance

2 – 3:15 p.m. — Workshop Session #1

"Development and Implementation of a Working Strategic Plan: Two Organizations' Experiences" with Allie Bones, Elizabeth Ditlevson and Doug Hirano

The Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence (AzCADV) and Asian Pacific Community in Action (APCA) participated in the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Innovation ENSTEP program to help them develop their strategic plans. This thorough process transformed the organizations and assisted them in developing focused, usable plans that are incorporated into every aspect of their work; and has led the organizations to be more mission-driven, client-driven, and goal-driven than ever before. This workshop will focus on the process for creating the AzCADV and APCA Strategic Plans and the implementation that has taken place for each organization. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to interact and inquire information from organizations with a first hand point of view of this necessary and often daunting task of developing and applying their own strategic plans.

"The Time to Prepare is NOW!" with Clyde Kunz

In this economic environment, a number of non-profit organizations have elected to put important campaigns, including building, endowment, and special-purpose campaigns, on hold. This session will focus on the need to be engaged in campaign planning NOW, and suggest some steps in which organizations can and should be engaged to better prepare themselves for their next campaign.

"Networking 101" with Robin Hanson

Networking can be a key to success in today’s world! Whether for your own personal development or in the interest of improving your contacts for your organization, knowing how to network is essential to get close to the people you want around and the resources you need. In Networking 101, participants will be joining Robin Hanson, a well versed presenter on networking and relationship building, to learn the most effective ways of leaving lasting and significant impressions. Participants will learn how to develop an effective and appealing elevator speech, become comfortable in networking situations, and learn how to expand networks as a whole.

"Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Long Term Sustainability" with James Teter

Do you know what it takes to be a successful “social enterprise?” Goodwill Arizona, with its long standing history of respect, stewardship, ethics, learning, and innovation has given 60 years of successful entrepreneurship with a non traditional fundraising model and positive impact on human services to the community. This workshop, led by Goodwill Arizona’s President and CEO, Jim Teter, will provide the lessons learned, road blocks and opportunities, and application of entrepreneurship and innovation to your organization. Learn from a nonprofit that has not only become a household name for the past six decades, but is also one of the leading entrepreneurial and innovative nonprofit organization in our state.

"From Stressed Out to Energized" with Marita Klein

"From Stressed Out to Energized" is a great personal development workshop that will help you identify the people, things, and situations that activate your stress response. In a time of new and heavier stressors being juggled into your already busy life, it is essential to be able to define your default way of dealing with stress and figure out when you need to use alternate methods and where to find them. In this interactive workshop you will learn some very simple, easy to implement tools to help you deal with that stress. And be able to identify the things that energize you and commit to implementing them.


3:30 – 4:30 p.m. — Affinity Group Networking

  • Generation Next/Emerging Leaders
  • Senior Professionals with 10+ Years
  • Small Nonprofits
  • Development Staff
  • General Networking Topics


Friday, Oct. 16th

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. – Plenary Keynote Speaker

Ruth McCambridge
Editor in Chief – The Nonprofit Quarterly

9:30 – 10 a.m. – Plenary Keynote Reaction Panel with Matthew Harrison, Pam Martin, Luz Sarmina and Todd Hornback (Moderator)


10:15 – 11:30 a.m. – Workshop Session #2

"Leveraging Creativity and Innovation for Problem Solving" with Jason Bronowitz

In a time when many organizations feel they need to focus on “staying afloat” and doing things “the way we’ve always done,” it is vital to keep the creativity flowing while facing every day occurrences as well as the newly faced challenges. This workshop will introduce the key concepts, visual models, and techniques of creativity and innovation that you need. Participants will be exposed to the processes related to developing creative skills and habits and demonstrate how to apply these new skills, both personally and in team situations in order to innovate and think creatively in a nonprofit organization.

"Surviving and Thriving in the Downturn: Winning Community Case Studies from AFP" with Penelope Cagney (Moderator); Christopher J. Bell, Robin E. Dunn, Joel Robin Goldenthal and Jack Marks (Panel Participants)

Hear how some Arizona nonprofits are raising significant funds today. AFP presents a panel of fundraising experts who will share how their organizations are succeeding in the current economic environment. Coming form a variety of organizational perspectives, each panel participant is meeting the challenge in different ways—but all adhere to the same fundamental principles for fundraising success. Learn how mission focus, a long view, sustained fundraising efforts and building solid relationships create an unshakable foundation of support. Take away specific tips and practical tools that you can apply to your own organization today. Ample time will be provided for Q&A.

"You Can’t Hide from the Media . . . So Don’t!" with Damon Gross

A reporter's job is to tell a story. Sometimes that story may involve you or your organization. And there's a chance that story may not be a positive one. Will you be prepared when the media calls? This interactive workshop will use real examples of interviews gone bad to help provide the tools and confidence necessary to manage any situation when a reporter with some tough questions is on the other end of the phone.

"Understanding the New 990 Form" with Robert J. Leslie and Brenda A. Blunt

The IRS 990 form is the first document the public can typically find regarding your nonprofit organization. It is also the document your board looks to in their fiduciary responsibilities. As the IRS 990 form changes, so does an organization’s preparedness and documentation requirements. To keep you abreast with the changes in the law and keep your public records at the best quality, this informative workshop will be covering the newly revised IRS form 990, including a review of the technical requirements, the appropriate role of the board and how the board’s effective, or not so effective, execution of their fiduciary responsibilities are highlighted. Practical considerations regarding the policies and procedures needed to document compliance with certain laws and regulations reportable in the 990 and crucial to maintaining the organization’s tax-exempt status will also be discussed. Each participant will walk away with a copy of the forms and practical tips on how to approach this new filing requirement, making their organizations better prepared to stay right in the eyes of the law, and in the eyes of the public.

"How To Tell Your Story" with Carol Klimas

Every nonprofit organization has a vital role to play in our community. But does our community truly understand the role your organization plays and why it is important to them? And, would your organization benefit from a one-to-one relationship with those who support and fund your programs? In this interactive session, we will discuss the key ingredients to a compelling story, ways in which to tell it, and how to ensure it doesn’t fall on deaf ears. We will use real examples of other nonprofit organizations and discuss where they’ve succeeded and where they fell short. We also will walk through worksheets so that you leave with action items specific to you.


11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Lunch with Affinity Groups / Exhibitor Fair


1:15 – 2:30 p.m. – Workshop Session #3

"Crash Course in Social Media" with Abbie Fink, Michelle Olson, Alison Bailin-Batz and Kari Mather

What is social media and how can nonprofits benefit from it to tout their sustainable elements? In this workshop, leaders from HMA Public Relations & Olson Communications Incorporated will give a crash course on what social media is; why it’s important; and how to get started on a limited budget. Everyone is talking about social media, be aware and prepared on how to use it best for your organization.

"Board Development: Is It Your Future?" with Pat Lewis

The key to effective governance is an effective, motivated Board of Directors. Is your board developing its own strengths? Is your board effectively recruiting and supporting board members? Does your board understand its role in funding current operations and providing for the long-term sustainability of your organization? Utilizing best practices, this workshop will discuss ways to create an active board that sets high expectations and achieves results.

"Advocacy- Lobbying, Organizing, and Education" with Cassidy and Sam Campana

Some nonprofits believe that advocacy and lobbying are only for associations and groups with a legislative agenda. They don’t know what the rules are for engagement for local lawmakers and how they can make a difference. During this workshop attendees will learn why advocacy is important to their organization, what the rules are for nonprofits and how to organize your constituents to make them into effective advocates.

"Effective Communication in the Workplace" with Paulette Tichenor

In our very busy work world, it is very important that people understand one another in conversations, problem solving, and giving direction and instruction. We generally think we do a good job and are surprised when they “just didn’t get it.” In this workshop, participants will experience the several different obstacles to effective communications that keep people from understanding one another. Participants will create strategies on how to immediately reduce or eliminate these obstacles and will learn and practice methods for ensuring better understanding.

"Go Big! with Your Fundraising for Special Events" with Dena Baldwin and Karen LaPolice Cummins

Go Big! With Your Fundraising for Special Events will focus on building a more successful special event by incorporating several “best practice” examples on recruiting donors, volunteers and reviewing additional revenue options. This workshop will provide fundraising activities that the attendees can learn from and incorporate themselves - including: why a “Signature” event is key for every organization, suggestions on how to be strategic in planning each step of the way, and tips for careful attention to budgeting and in-kind gifts. Another take-away piece of advice is how to use “Focus Groups” to improve chances of recruiting higher level volunteers. If you want to improve your organizations special event fundraising, than Go Big! And attend this workshop to learn how.


2:45 – 3:30 p.m. – Closing Keynote Speaker

Dick Bowers
President, Herberger Theater

 

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