Peer Networking
Research on capacity building shows that peer-to-peer sharing of information and problem-solving strategies is one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to strengthen nonprofit organizations. Thus one of VNR’s main objectives is to provide easy, geographically-focused platforms for nonprofit leaders to talk with each other, share their challenges and successes, and offer help to their peers.
Since VNR is a new program, peer networks are just starting to be built, and we would be glad to have your suggestions about them. The first VNR peer network is a small group of mental health professionals who are working to implement a program for involving families in mental health services in San Fernando Valley service agencies.
Information on other peer networks will be offered in this part of the VNR website—stay tuned!
Valley Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
As VNR grows in 2008, another peer networking activity will involve setting up a platform for networking and career development to professional and support staff of Valley nonprofits who are under the age of 30. The Valley Young Nonprofit Professionals Network will be aimed at helping people under the age of 30 move into leadership positions in the nonprofit sector—a critical need given all the baby boomer leaders who will be retiring in the next 5-10 years. It will also be aimed at providing them with a personal network for both professional and social uses, focused on the geography of the Valley where they work, and where many of them also live.
Information about the Valley Young Nonprofit Professionals Network will be available in this part of the VNR website. For information on other peer networking activities for young nonprofit workers:
- Valley Junior Chamber of Commerce www.sfvjaycees.org. The Valley Jaycees has regular meetings and sponsors an annual nonprofit fair at a Valley shopping mall.
- Young Nonprofit Professionals Network www.ynpn.org.
A Los Angeles Chapter of this organization is planned,
but not yet underway. Information on the Southern
California region can be obtained via e-mail.
- CAN Emerging Nonprofit Professionals has been recently created, but has not yet developed its own website. Information can be obtained by e-mail or by checking the CAN website at www.canonprofits.org
VNR Workshops and Conferences
VNR's December update will include announcements of two upcoming workshops for the nonprofit arts community in the Valley, and a workshop on fund development strategies in tough times, done in collaboration with the Executive Service Corps of Los Angeles.
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Community Workshops and Conferences
VNR also provides information about workshops held by other community organizations in the San Fernando Valley, as well as more major programs or conferences in nearby locations. To search for events by date, go to Calendar.
Annenberg Nonprofit Leadership Seminar Developed by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, and the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at USC, this seminar is a senior-level development program designed to strengthen nonprofit boards and the relationship between board chairs and executive directors. It includes an intensive two-day training session, and a half-day debriefing session approximately 90 days later. The seminar is offered three times a year, with the next offerings beginning January 2009. Sessions are held at the California Science Center. For more information: Annenberg Nonprofit Leadership Seminar.
Capacity Builds LA Specialty Workshops are for community and faith-based nonprofit organizations. This free training series is designed to enhance and augment the knowledge and skills of organizations working with special populations or issues. Space is limited and reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The events occur Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Scheduled topics are: 10/17/08 Employment Law, 10/31/08 Legal Issues for Non-Profits Serving Children, 11/14/08 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and 01/23/09 Technology: Web Based Fundraising & Marketing. For more information, contact Maricela Hernandez, 213/744-9307 or Maricela.Hernandez@lacity.org (TTY# 213-744-9329).
Developing a Powerful Need Statement Cynthia Adams, CEO of GrantStation, is offering a webinar on how nonprofits can create persuasive need statements. Need statements "paint a picture" so that grantmakers understand the extent of the problem or need faced by a community. The 90-minute webinar is designed for seasoned grant writers and also those with little or no experience. In addition, it will include advice on how to gather information from the Internet to enhance a need statement. The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at 2 p.m. EDT, and registration costs $89 per person. To register, visit: www.grantstation.com/partners/webinarnovember1.html.
Flintridge Operating Foundation Workshops on topics such as grantseeking, board governance and developing major gifts are offered periodically by the Flintridge Operating Foundation, which is based in Pasadena (CA) but opens these workshops to other nonprofits, such as those nearby in the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley. For more information: Flintridge Operating Foundation or call 626/449-0839, x106.
Grantsmanship Workshops The Grantsmanship Center's basic training program is designed for both the novice and the experienced grantseeker. The intensive 5-day workshop combines expert instruction with practical exercises through all the stages of planning programs, locating funding sources, and writing grant proposals. The next 5-day workshop will be held on December 15 - 19th at The Grantsmanship Center's downtown Los Angeles location. For more information and/or registration contact Joan Sullivan at 213-482-9860 or joan@tgci.com
How to Use The Web For Communications And Marketing This free educational webinar will be held Thursday, November 6 from 10:00-11:30 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the California Association of Nonprofits and Firespring. It is specifically designed to educate nonprofit professionals on how to get the most from their website, covering topics like the three biggest mistakes nonprofits make when developing a web strategy, what functional tools are crucial to end-users, the secret to creating a website with high vitality, and what constituents expect from a website. For more information: call 877/447-8941 or go to www.firespring.com/nonprofit.
Proposal Writing Seminar The Foundation Center is offering a seminar for nonprofit staff wishing to learn how to write proposals geared to foundations. Topics covered include how to write a cover letter and executive summary; how to prepare a statement of need supported by data; and how to prepare comprehensive project descriptions. Participants receive a copy of the Foundation Center's guide to proposal writing. The seminar will be offered in Los Angeles at the Center for Healthy Communities downtown on November 12, and costs $195. To register, visit the Foundation's Marketplace/Grantseeker Training Courses section, at www.foundationcenter.org.
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Funder Events
Several "Meet the Funder" events are being planned and will be announced when they are scheduled.
