Schedule: By Topic

Finance and Management | Fundraising | Governance | Human Resources | Leadership
Marketing and Communications | Public Policy | Theme-Related

Theme-Related

Bridging the Cultural Divide for Stronger Government – Nonprofit Partnerships

Thursday, 1 – 4:30 p.m.

This interactive session, appropriate for people working in both government and nonprofit organizations, focuses on helping each navigate the various dimensions of government – nonprofit partnerships. We will begin with an exploration of the changing nature of these relationships and expand our understanding of the accountabilities, roles, values, and decision-making processes of both government administrative agencies and nonprofits. This awareness will be used to hone how we communicate across the divide. State and local examples, case studies, and individual reflection and application will assure there are a number of take-aways from this session.

Kristin Batson, director, State of Minnesota Office of Grants Management; Jodi Sandfort, associate professor, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs; and Christine Wroblewski, chief community relations officer, Saint Paul Public Schools

Government and Faith Based Community Organizations: Working Effectively Together

Friday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Faith Based and Community Organizations (FBCO) and government human and social services partnerships are essential to fulfilling human services needs in our community. During this session, FBCO leaders and government partners will share how they can work more effectively together to support the human and social services they provide. Best practices government funding models and partnerships will be presented and discussed as well as opportunities for resource sharing. Leaders in FBCOs, government and program managers who desire to work more closely with medium to small faith based and community organizations should attend this session.

Bruce Bjork, director of programs, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches; Lee Buckley, special advisor, Governor's Office on Faith and Community Service Initiatives; Rolf Hage, director, Aging and Adult Services Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services; and Julianne Leerssen, director, 1-Stop Family Support Center, Jordon New Life Community Church

Making the Case: Articulating the Common Good in Public and Nonprofit Programs

Friday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

To demonstrate accountability and attract scarce funding, nonprofit and government leaders need to show the far-reaching benefits of their programs. Therefore learning how to communicate a program’s public value – the benefit the community receives apart from the benefit participants receive – is a powerful tool. Designed to meet the needs of both government and nonprofit leaders, this session will help you learn how to define, describe and articulate the public value of your programs. Learn how to walk through questions designed to undercover public value, distill the answers into a succinct message and dig deeper to find the research to support it. In the end, you’ll discover how to effectively communicate to policymakers and the public how your programs contribute to the common good.

Laura Kalambokidis, associate professor, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota

Global Perspectives: Nonprofit-Government Relations Outside the U.S.
Friday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Participants will have an opportunity to explore government relations in different political frameworks in different parts of the world. We'll explore common themes and issues including tensions between NGOs and national governments. For this session, anyone who has worked with organizations outside the U.S. is encouraged to bring their own experience to add to this analysis.

Ramon Leon, executive director, Latino Economic Development Center; Janet Lavoie, director, membership development, Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations; and Jon Pratt, executive director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Partnership is a Verb, Not a Noun: The Journey of Kujichagulia Partnership

Friday, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.

The Kujichagulia (Self Determination) Project, a unique partnership between Ramsey County, the Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center (CWC), and the Ramsey County African American Community Project, was undertaken after Ramsey County identified significant disparities in outcomes for African Americans utilizing MFIP for income support. The County acknowledged that its traditional service model was not working for African American families, and it approached African American community elders for guidance. Their work resulted in the Kujichagulia Project, which places welfare reform inside the larger community goal of creating stable, strong, and self-determined families. Session presenters will share the struggles and stumbling blocks, as well as the hard earned successes, including those in systems changes and community impact. You will learn direct strategies for replication in your own community, including the to-do’s and not-to-do’s.

Atum Azzahir, executive director, Cultural Wellness Center; Mary Kay Boyd, elder/consultant; Bruce Casselton, supervisor, Ramsey County; and Catherine Eichers Penkert, Humphrey Institute analyst, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs