September 17, 2020

Since 2009, the Nonprofit Leaders Conference has provided an annual conference each fall. While nothing can replace the energy and excitement of gathering in person, as expected, we are modifying our program this year.

Our commitment to provide high quality content and opportunities to network with other nonprofits remains unchanged, we’re just delivering in new ways. By going online, we are able to expand our reach to more people doing good work in our communities, and to provide this resource at no cost thanks to support from our sponsors.

This year, instead of a one day conference, we are offering two free, online workshops from leading nonprofit professionals.

In September, we are thrilled to welcome local favorite and nationally recognized consultant Susan Howlett. Along with David Westerlund, their presentation “Amplified Engagement: Deepening Connections with Key Stakeholders During a Pandemic” will help you feel more connected to other nonprofit leaders and why it is important to engage your supporters and fellow leaders.

In October, we welcome Megan Sukys, with her presentation of “From A Mess of Intense Moments to Meaning: Storytelling Tools to Help Others Engage In Your Work“. As the Vice President of Communications for the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, Megan helps the community learn about the nonprofit needs, opportunities, and insights through connecting individuals and organizations to bring about solutions.  Her focus is on storytelling, and you will leave with a greater sense of confidence in your own abilities.

Plan to join us for one or both sessions. As always, you will:

  • Learn from and be inspired by nationally recognized nonprofit experts
  • Get practical tips and tools you can implement immediately to support your work, whether you are staff, volunteer, or board member.
  • Have a chance to meet and engage with others through affinity breakout rooms for small group discussions. Virtual does not mean impersonal!
  • Enter to win $500 in our Haiku contest (for nonprofits located in communities traditionally served by the conference in coastal and southwest Washington.)

We always look forward to seeing you in person, but until then, we’ll see you online!

June 30, 2020

After much thoughtful deliberation, we, the Board members of the Nonprofit Leaders Conference, have decided not to hold a virtual conference this year. We have discussed the options in great depth, and, given the wealth of free learning available online now, coupled with higher time demands on nonprofits, we have determined this is not the right time to try to duplicate an in-person conference.

We remain deeply dedicated to our mission of strengthening rural and coastal nonprofits. Over the summer we will be discussing ways we can fulfill this mission with alternative learning and networking activities.

To that end, please let us know what would be of value to you. Below you will find a link to a very quick survey that will help us meet your needs. Here are some thoughts;

  • Monthly, free, targeted networking gatherings among your peers across the region organized by topic or agency mission.
  • Occasional, low-cost, online presentations by leading nonprofit educators and practitioners.

We urge you to suggest other ideas for learning and convening. We will do our best to make them happen.

Here’s the survey link; thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. 

We will continue to notify you as we make decisions and create opportunities for learning and networking.

Sincerely,

Liz Heath, President (Sound Nonprofits)
Jill Rose, Vice President/Secretary (PCAF)
Craig Ottavelli, Treasurer (OrgSupport)
Lisa Smith (Grays Harbor College Foundation)
Mindie Reule (The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound)
Eric Potts (Grays Harbor Community Foundation)
Jessica Case (Medina Foundation)
Amber Martin-Jahn (Serve Washington)