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Schedule & Sessions
Detailed session and activity descriptions coming soon!
September 19, 2024
8 – 9 a.m.
Registration, Coffee and Breakfast, & Networking
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Round I Breakout Sessions
10 – 11:15 a.m.
Keynote Presentation
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion and Luncheon
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion and Luncheon
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Round II Breakout Sessions
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Round III Breakout Sessions
Breakout Sessions
Breakout session descriptions and presenter information are subject to change and will updated in the coming weeks.
Abundance Amplified: Moving beyond Sponsorship to Solidarity
Minnesota is one of the most generous states in the nation, and we come together each November to celebrate giving of all kinds. Yet only 5% of philanthropic dollars make their way into rural places. That’s why West Central Initiative (WCI) and GiveMN came together during Give to the Max Day 2023 to support the long-term success of Greater Minnesota nonprofits — moving beyond traditional sponsorship packages and logo placement to working in alignment toward shared goals of adequately resourcing rural people and communities. Sarah Casey (WCI) and Jenna Ray (GiveMN) will share learnings and tangible takeaways from the process, helping attendees to build their own skills in fundraising, relationship building, storytelling, and more. Attendees will take part in a fundraising coaching exercise and leave the session prepared to secure their own mutually beneficial sponsorships. After attending, they will tell stronger impact stories and engage donors in place-based fundraising campaigns.
How to Promote DEI work and Recognize and Celebrate Diversity in More Homogenous Communities
In Greater Minnesota, we often hear, “We don’t have that issue here” while also hearing how people of color, Indigenous people, and members of the LGBTQ+ community have faced discrimination, fear and lack of felt safety in our communities. This session will focus on the challenges of and opportunities for DEI work in rural communities where even getting community members to acknowledge racism/bigotry exists is a barrier.
Ethics is a Team Sport
Organizations can unintentionally act unethically when decisions in different departments combine to create unhealthy outcomes. Even though no one person acts unethically, the organization calls short of its own ethical standards. This session will use case studies and tools available to every nonprofit to show how all employees can guard against and address unethical outcomes. Objectives include developing vocabulary around unethical organization and highlighting tools to prevent unethical situations from occurring.
How Can Rural Nonprofits Thrive?
Nonprofit organizations operating in rural Minnesota encounter distinct hurdles in their endeavors. In this session, the presenter will to delve into these challenges and equip attendees with strategies to overcome them effectively. Participants will gain insights into enhancing advocacy efforts, expanding their organization’s reach, navigating daily challenges, and fostering stability within their operations.
Intro to Generative AI
You’ve probably heard about ChatGPT and other forms of AI. Perhaps you’ve dabbled with these tools a bit. In this session, we will explore real-world applications about how AI can help you accomplish more. We will work through real world examples related to fundraising, financial analysis and strategic planning to help you see how AI might benefit your organization and magnify your impact. After completing this session you’ll be able to use ChatGPT more effectively and have an action plan for using it in the future.
Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Psychological safety is the belief that you won’t be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. It’s about creating a work environment where team members feel free to brainstorm out loud, voice half-finished thoughts, and challenge the status quo, knowing they won’t face embarrassment or rejection. This workshop will explore the importance of psychological safety for a healthy, productive workplace and provide strategies to foster a culture of connection and trust.
Systems Thinking + Nonprofits + Equity: Let’s talk about it!
Come learn about key approaches and concepts that create equitable outcomes for all. In this session, we will share concepts to use when making decisions about policies, practices, and programs to work towards equitable systems in nonprofit work.