MCN's Webinars

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits offers Webinar trainings via the internet and phone to help make nonprofit training more accessible to nonprofits. Whether you are located in Greater Minnesota and lack the time to travel to a metro-based training, don't have the time for a longer workshop, or just like to receive training from the comfort of your office or home, Webinars are a convenient and affordable way to train nonprofit staff, board members and friends of the sector. We hope you'll participate soon in one of our nonprofit managment, leadership or public policy Webinar trainings.

Please take a moment to review the below questions to help acquaint yourself with how MCN's Webinars work.

What is a Webinar?
Webinars combine two technologies – the internet and the telephone – to provide an integrated learning experience while sitting at your desk. You'll watch a live presentation on your computer (similar to watching a slide presentation at a live workshop) and you'll hear a presenter talking to you over the phone, just like in a conference call. You can interact with the presenter by talking or by typing, so you still have ability to ask questions and interact with your trainer. Please note that Webinars are sometimes called "Web seminars," and are different than a Web cast, where you would be watching a live or recorded video of a presentation.

I want to have a coworker, board member, or donor sit in on a Webinar with me. Do I have to pay for another registration?
Your Webinar registration is per phone line and computer connection, so you may have as many people as can sit around a computer attend! However, if you would like to have someone join the Webinar on a different computer and a different phone line, you must have them register (and pay) seperately. We appreciate your honesty.

How do I join a Webinar?
When you register for a Webinar, you will be added to MCN's list of participants for that Webinar. Then, by 5 p.m. of the day before your Webinar, you will be sent an access code that you will then use to log in to both the internet and to dial in to the audio part of the training over the phone. Please note that only online registrations are accepted for Webinars and that you must have a functioning email address to participate in a Webinar.

When will I receive my access code?
Access codes are emailed out to participants by 5 p.m. the day before the Webinar. If you have questions or do not receive your access code, please call MCN at 651-642-1904.

What are the system requirements?
To join a Webinar, you will need access to a computer connected to the Internet and an additional phone line for the "conference call" part of the Webinar. You will also need a functional email address capable of receiving email from MCN staff as we will need to email you both your access code and handouts. Handouts generally are 1MB or slightly larger.

MCN's Webinars are hosted through ReadyTalk, an MCN product partner. You can see technical specifications here, and perform a browser check by clicking on "browser check" right below the "Participant Login" in the upper left corner of ReadyTalk's homepage. If you are having technical difficulties before or during a Webinar, please contact ReadyTalk's technical support hotline at 800-843-9166.

Can I test my system beforehand?
Yes! Please visit www.ReadyTalk.com and perform a browser check by clicking on "browser check" right below the "Participant Login" in the upper left corner of ReadyTalk's homepage. If you are having technical difficulties, please contact ReadyTalk's technical support hotline at 800-843-9166.

What if I'm on a Macintosh? Can I use Safari?
ReadyTalk should function on your Macintosh using either Safari as a browser or Mozilla/FireFox products in OS X--refer to the technical specifications for detailed information. Please do a browser check by clicking on "browser check" right below the "Participant Login" in the upper left corner of ReadyTalk's homepage. If you have further questions, please contact ReadyTalk's technical support hotline at 800-843-9166.

I’m not very good with technology. Can I still take part?
Yes! It’s easy to take part in a Webinar. You will be given very straightfoward instructions and the Webinar will not require you to do anything more complicated than visiting a Web site. Rest assured that the staff at ReadyTalk and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits will be available to assist you should you have trouble.

What about handouts?
Materials for each session will be an integral part of the learning process. You will be emailed the handouts by the morning of your Webinar so you are able to print and review handouts (if there are any) prior to the Webinar. The handouts will be provided to you as a PDF document.

I'm still not sure. How can I get more information?
MCN's program associate, Nicole Garst, or program director Stephanie Haddad, will be glad to talk with you. You can contact both at 651-642-1904.

MCN Webinar registrations policies
Registrations and payments for MCN Webinars are processed solely online. To register visit www.mncn.org/events.htm. Payment is required at the time of registration. Fees are not transferable to other MCN Webinars or events, and refunds are not available, except upon approval of MCN staff. While staff make every effort to ensure that access codes reach participants, MCN is not responsible for bounced, delayed, misdirected, filtered or otherwise undeliverable email messages. Please note that Webinar recordings are not available at this time.

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