Jefferson Spring 2020 Virtual Forum:
The Power of the Nonprofit Sector in Uncertain Times
The Jefferson Regional Foundation and Jefferson Community Collaborative are excited to announce our Jefferson Spring 2020 Virtual Forum: an online series of opportunities to connect, share, and highlight the power and resilience of our local nonprofit sector during these uncertain times. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a challenge for our entire community and has drastically altered life as we know it. Local Nonprofits have risen as a major force in protecting our community members and continue to play a crucial role in keeping our region strong during this time.
We hope you’ll join us for this series of highly-interactive, virtual opportunities. All Jefferson Organizations and their staff are welcome to attend.
Managing Stress in Uncertain Times: Self-Care During Social Distancing
Thursday, April 30th: 10:00-11:30 am| View the Recording & Resources Here
Speaker: Stephanie Walsh, Executive in Residence at Center for Victims
The COVID-19 pandemic is a time of rapid change and stress for most of us. Our typical routines have been up-ended and many of us are facing challenges related to altered work patterns, new caregiver roles, concerns about the future, and more. It is important for us to attend to our own needs so we can be helpful to others. This interactive, virtual session will offer helpful resources and actionable tips to help you take care of your overall well-being during this tumultuous time.
Growth Through Challenge: Moving Forward with Technology
Wednesday, May 6th: 1:00-2:30 pm| View the Recording & Resources Here
Speaker: Bill Generett, VP of Community Engagement at Duquesne University
Many nonprofit organizations have adapted swiftly to the outbreak of COVID-19, embracing new technologies creatively to continue to serve their community. Nonprofits have leveraged new technologies to launch virtual programs, deliver services, and connect with residents, Board members, donors and other stakeholders, and develop new ways to stay connected and share information. What positive benefits are we seeing as a result of this innovation and how can it be leveraged for the future? What are the continuing challenges related to technology which hinder the sector? Who is being left behind? Will this adoption of new technologies make our organizations stronger in the long-run? This session will explore these questions and introduce a framework for inclusive innovation to help organizations ensure that their technology is usable and accessible for all.
This session will include two highly interactive breakout sessions which will provide help to organizations needing technology guidance in the following two areas:
- Breakout #1: A Beginner’s Guide to Running Virtual Meetings – this session will involve an overview of best practices for facilitating strong virtual meetings as well as basics on how to use key features in popular online video conferencing systems. Led by Frances Smith-Rohrich, Jefferson Regional Foundation Board Member and Director of Learning and Development & Leadership Development at PNC Bank.
- Breakout #2: Best Practices for Virtual Program Design – for organizations looking to develop or strengthen online programming, this session will highlight how several local organizations have used interactive technological platforms including Crowdcast, Zoom, Google Classroom, and YouTube to engage community members through online programming. Led by Todd DePastino, Executive Director at Veterans Breakfast Club and Sara Cole & Nicole Johnson, ESL Instructors at Literacy Pittsburgh
The Power of Nonprofit Voices: Advocacy & Civic Engagement Planning
Thursday, May 14th: 10:00-11:30 am| View the Recording & Resources Here
Speaker: Dave Coplan, Executive Director at Human Services Center/Mon Valley Providers Council
During this global pandemic, our country has witnessed the power of the nonprofit sector as a major force in keeping our community strong in the face of COVID-19 as well as advancing important policy forward to preserve the health of our community and its members during this unprecedented time. We are also evolving new strategies for outreach on important civic engagement opportunities with deadlines extended for the 2020 Census and the Pennsylvania Primary election (now on June 2, 2020). Join this session to learn how your organization can engage in advocacy through a three-tier approach of supporting federal, state, and local messaging during this crucial time. This session will involve tips for laying out your organization’s advocacy plan and include an interactive Question and Answer Session.
Resilient Fundraising: Keeping Your Revenue Streams Strong
Wednesday, June 3rd: 10:00-11:30 am| View the Recording & Resources Here
Speakers: Emma Gilmore Kieran, Principal at Pilot Peak Consulting
Resiliency is defined as being able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. During these unprecedented times for our country and the world, nonprofits need – more than ever before – to practice resilient fundraising. As the pandemic continues, what should your nonprofit consider to keep your community safe and your revenue streams strong? What are the tried and true – and also the new and innovative – ideas that will help keep your donors engaged, your mission present, and your pipeline strong? Join Emma Gilmore Kieran, Principal at Pilot Peak Consulting, for this presentation and discussion on the best ideas in the nonprofit fundraising industry. This session is offered in partnership with the Bayer Center of Nonprofit Management.
