Breakout Sessions

Choose from more than 30 breakout sessions in several different tracks, all geared toward engagement, learning and action. Check back later, as several sessions will be added in the coming weeks.

Thursday, November 1

Opening Breakout Sessions
12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Become a Policy-Moving Organization

Is your organization contemplating its broad impact on community-building and policy-moving initiatives? How can you work with a variety of stakeholders to move policy? By acting as advocates, educators and policy developers, the Rainbow Health Initiative has successfully integrated LGBTQ issues into broader health efforts, as well as local LGBTQ efforts. In this session, you will learn from RHI’s work in order to take your own steps as a policy-mover. Participants will learn about RHI’s past and current efforts and leave with suggestions on how to become advocates for policy change within their businesses, organizations and events. They will also learn about sample health and wellness policies and a step-by-step process to successfully change the policies that impact the community and lead to even larger policy, system and environmental changes.
Ani Koch, director of programs and Joann Usher, executive director, Rainbow Health Initiative

Board Strategic Stewardship

As the nonprofit and philanthropic sector continues to evolve and respond to the changing external environment, boards need to change as well. In addition to providing oversight and leadership, boards are considering how best to be effective stewards of their organizational assets. These assets include the organizational reputation, finances, staff, strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships. This workshop will examine hallmarks of excellent stewardship, determining board risk tolerance and the boundary-spanning role of connecting the organization to the community and vice versa.
Julia Classen, principal and Allison Rojas, principal, Aurora Consulting

Budgets and Program Evaluation - One and the Same

Nonprofit organizations and philanthropic partners both want to understand how fiscal responsibility can amplify program outcomes, not be a sideline to them. This discussion will use real-world examples to show how a focused budget process can build strategic outcome measures into an organization's financials, so that stakeholders see a direct linkage from using resources to creating long-term change. Participants will learn to use an evaluation template which ties outcomes to resources, and to adapt this template in their grant budgeting process.
Steve Boland, loan officer & trainer, Nonprofits Assistance Fund and Jo-Anne Stately, director, grantmaking and special projects, The Minneapolis Foundation

The Impact Initiative: Co-creating a Future for Nonprofit Services 

Can self identified leaders in health and human services fields come together to increase trust, connection, knowledge and their common understanding of the new environment for their field? Can they then create strategic opportunities for new ways of working toward a common goal? The Impact Initiative is a collaborative pilot project providing tools and support to coalitions of willing nonprofit leaders from three fields: HIV/AIDS, disability and disconnected youth. The goal of the initiative is to create systems-level approaches to address the opportunities and challenges inherent in the changing nonprofit environment. Launched by a coalition of nonprofit technical assistance providers and key grantmakers with a spirit of innovation and risk, this session will feature various perspectives about the outcomes of the pilot project and lessons for others interested in working collaboratively toward an uncertain future.
Kerrie Blevins, foundation director, Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation; Jon Nelson, executive director, Residential Services Inc.; and Jodi Sandfort, associate professor, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota

More Effectively Promoting Your Services with Cost Benefit Analysis    

This session will  demonstrate how to apply cost-benefit analysis to selected nonprofit organizations and public policy initiatives. We will review a number of nonprofits and public programs, illustrating the mechanics of computing the return on investment (ROI) of dollars received from funders and taxpayers. In these times of severe pressure on personal, foundation and governmental budgets, this session will illustrate why it is advantageous to measure what works best in a climate of scarce financial resources.    
Peter Heegaard, founder, Urban Adventure

Navigating Destino, Minnesota: Five Lenses for Developing Cultural Competence

Is there one best approach to developing cultural competence? Is cultural competency measurable? Emerging from a 2010 research study of a pilot graduate course on cultural competence and leadership offered through Hamline University’s School of Business, this thought-provoking session will engage participants in exploring these very questions. This session will particularly benefit staff, administrators, supervisors, board members, volunteers, trainers and consultants who are interested in: a) examining the strengths and limitations of their own approach to cultural competence; b) addressing resistance to diversity using a variety of assessment instruments; and c) using the power of the Five Lenses Approach to more effectively address cultural conflicts in their workplaces, organizations and/or home communities.
James Francisco Bonilla, associate professor, conflict studies, Graduate School of Management, Hamline University

Protecting Your Brand: Surviving and Thriving in the Midst of Crisis  
 
In today’s world of uncensored communication, news travels as quickly as discrepancies emerge or new details are uncovered. Consequently, you must control a crisis or it will control you. In this session, you'll learn the steps you can take to protect your brand from a crisis you see coming or one that hits you broadside. Using a recent story of employee embezzlement at Open Arms of Minnesota, we’ll disect the crisis and uncover details about what could have and what did happen. What would you have done in a similar situation? How prepared is your organization? To survive and thrive, you must communicate, control and protect.
Margaret Ann Hennen, board member, Open Arms of Minnesota; Barbara Hensley, founder and CEO, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation; Ginger Sisco, owner, Sisco Public Relations, Inc; and Jennifer Van Wyk, deputy director, Open Arms of Minnesota

Social Networking Risks and Rewards

The surge in social networking has had a significant impact on the way we conduct our business. In the current business environment, more nonprofit and philanthropic organizations realize that leveraging social media can help build their brand and also play a crucial role in fundraising. Organizations must also be aware of the risks associated with social networking. Many employers are establishing policies geared at protecting confidential information and curbing misuse of social media which also preserve employees’ legal rights. This session will address the balancing act necessary to ensure organizations benefit from the rewards, reduce legal risks and stay nimble in their ability to adapt to ever-emerging technologies. Also included will be a discussion of practical approaches and solutions to the challenges and opportunities associated with social networking.
Natalie Lenz, HR generalist and Amber Richard, director of interactive marketing, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities; and Yvonne Shorts Lind, HR consultant, Associated Financial Group

Strategic Listening as a Tool for Connection and Leadership

Learn from an organization that has used “Community Listening” as an ongoing strategy in its work in a diverse, inner city community. This will be an interactive session where you will have a chance to talk about your questions, challenges and opportunities and discuss common issues. For example: “If I listen, I might hear about things to which I can’t respond. Then what do I do?” The session will focus on the key elements that make listening a success, especially with diverse audiences.  Attendees will learn about the basics of effective community listening and how “listening” differs from a “focus group.” Participants will have access to a written overview of the process and reports from actual listening projects.        
Mary Keefe, executive director, Chaka Mkali, director of organizing and community building, and Betsy Sohn, community organizer and program manager, Hope Community

Together for the Long Haul: The Struggles and Successes of a Foundation and Multiple Grantees Partnering to Achieve the Same Goal

This session will explore the challenges of long-term initiatives, including how to balance holding grantees accountable as circumstances change, how to maintain momentum and how to weather leadership transitions to ensure change is sustained over the long term. Participants will explore themes important to long-term collaborations like learning, transparency and trust, and offer attendees the opportunity to share their own stories and direct questions to our panel of Bush Foundation and grantee representatives.
Jean Haar, dean, College of Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Susan Heegaard, vice president, educational achievement, Bush Foundation; Louise Wilson, chair, education department, Bethel University

Who Loves You Baby? Developing a Successful Individual Giving Program

Take the fear out of asking for gifts and find out how to identify those who can help you. Learn HOW and WHY you should develop an individual giving effort. Participants of this session will leave with a greater confidence in their ability to identify prospects, ask for a gift in person, and create a concrete plan for engaging their board and friends in an individual gift program.
Inez Bergquist, president, Waltman Associates and Elaine Weber Nelson, adjunct professor, University of Minnesota

Friday, November 2

Morning Breakout Sessions
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Constitutional Amendments—What Have We Learned?    

Many nonprofit organizations and foundations have carefully considered whether to take a position on constitutional amendments. Campaigns on both sides of the issues have worked hard to build coalitions of organizations and community leaders. Political operatives have learned about the culture and legal realities of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, and we have learned about how they do their work. Since the legislature passed the marriage amendment in 2011 and the voter ID amendment in 2012, nonprofits and foundations have been thrust into new ways of considering and getting involved in the big issues of the day. Join us for a discussion of nonprofit and foundation involvement in the campaigns, an analysis of what worked and what didn’t, and some lessons learned for the future.
Susie Brown, public policy director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; Monica Bryand, senior program officer, The Headwaters Foundation for Justice; Dan Cramer, co-founder, Grassroots Solutions; Ann Kaner-Roth, executive director, Project 515; and Amy McDonough, associate state director for advocacy, AARP

Creative Problem Solving for Small, Community-Based Nonprofits: Challenges and Opportunities

This session focuses on how small, community-based nonprofits throughout Minnesota, including many within immigrant and refugee communities, can best accomplish their important missions. Using Greater Minnesota and metro scenarios based on real examples, participants will explore key issues, challenges, potential solutions and opportunities. The panelists will provide their perspectives, identify possible resources and respond to questions. Designed to address start-ups and more established nonprofits, the goal is candid discussion and real problem solving.
David Nicholson, program director, Headwaters Foundation for Justice; Janet Ogden-Brackett, associate director, Nonprofits Assistance Fund; Renae Oswald-Anderson, director, Project ReDesign, MAP for Nonprofits; and Lois Schmidt, nonprofit resource specialist, Bremer Bank

Engaging the Board to Build an Environment for Research, Evaluation and Learning

Cornerstone recognized a need for greater evaluation and research to ensure that it delivered high-quality services AND helped the broader community more effectively fight domestic violence. As a result, the Research and Evaluation committee of board, staff and community members was formed. In this session, you will learn about the committee’s evolution over time, as well as the lessons that can be applied to your organization. Participants will leave this session with concrete examples of data and materials created by board and volunteer members, how staff manages board involvement and how both board and staff use evaluation in their work.
Amy Kondziolka, children, youth & families program manager, Cornerstone Advocacy Services; Leah Goldstein Moses, president/CEO, The Improve Group; and Janet Pladson, director of teaching, Eden Prairie Public Schools and Board Member, Cornerstone Advocacy Services

Funding in Immigrant & Refugee Populations
    
Minnesota’s population of foreign-born immigrants and refugees is growing quickly. These residents represent an important part of Minnesota’s current and future workforce and are vital contributors to our state’s educational, cultural and civic life. What are their unique needs, and what challenges are communities facing as they try to create inclusive and welcoming environments? What role can nonprofits and grantmakers play in supporting new comers? Hear Minnesota Compass present current demographics of our state’s immigrant and refugee populations; the Minnesota Department of Human Services explain statewide initiatives to support new residents; and grantmakers from foundations working with immigrants share successes and challenges.    
Jocelyn Ancheta, program officer, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation; Gus Avenido, refugee state coordinator, Minnesota Department of Human Services; Allison Churilla, research scientist, Minnesota Compass, Wilder Research; Julie Hara, executive director, Marbrook Foundation; Mark Toogood, director, Transition to Economic Stability Division, Children and Family Services Administration, Minnesota Department of Human Services

Fundraising Events and Cause-Related Marketing

In an era when new revenue-generating endeavors have taken on increased importance for nonprofit organizations, the legal and regulatory paperwork can start to feel like an onerous or confusing obligation. In this session, the presenters will use case studies and real-life examples to review the critical requirements that impact fundraising events through invitations, solicitations, raffles, receipts and/or other communications to donors, as well as the sales tax and related issues in connection with fundraising events. Attendees will leave with greater confidence in their ability to manage various types of fundraising events, with resources for understanding tax and legal obligations and with assurance that fundraising won't lead to unanticipated tax and/or legal complications.
Sarah Duniway, principal, Gray Plant Mooty and Richard Ruvelson, nonprofit tax director, Wipfli CPAs and Consultants

Garnering Group Wisdom: Consensus-Building Conversations for You!

Deep and meaningful conversations can lead groups of individuals toward developing consensus or compromise in various areas of nonprofit and philanthropic leadership. During this session, nonprofit and foundation participants will gain knowledge and skills that enable them to facilitate meaningful, consensus-building conversations in any context, whether it is with staff, board, clients or cross-sector initiatives. Workshop participants will engage in a series of fun, engaging and consensus-building discussions and learn how to garner the group wisdom with practical tools. Attendees will also have the opportunity to develop and take with them conversation templates that are relevant and applicable to their real-life work challenges.
Susan Ault, senior director in strategic consulting for systems improvement, Casey Family Programs; Claire Chang, associate vice president, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners; Jaci David, program associate, public policy/engagement, Blandin Foundation; Rev. Eva Jensen, certified ToP facilitator and consultant; and Laura Johansson, facilitation and organizational development consultant

New Conversations Uncovering Five Myths That Support Racism (Part I)

In spite of the valiant efforts of nonprofits and foundations, racial disparities continue to dominate the landscape in Minnesota. Educator Dr. Peggy McIntosh attributes our lack of progress to the societal support of five broad cultural myths that help to reinforce the status quo. This interactive dialogue will explore these myths, provide participants with opportunities to spot them in their daily lives, intervene and take action to end racism. This is a two-part session; because space is limited participants are required to attend both sessions.
Sharon Goens, racial equity conversation coordinator, and Rowzat Shipchandler, racial equity manager, facing race, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners

Nonprofit Realignments for Community Results:  Engaging Philanthropic and Nonprofit Leadership for a Strong Nonprofit Sector

Recently-released research by MAP for Nonprofits, in collaboration with Wilder Research, sheds light on what it takes to build successful nonprofit realignments. This session will inform participants about the research results and will engage the group in dialogue about opportunities for Minnesota's nonprofits to optimize community results with available resources.
Judy Alnes, executive director, MAP for Nonprofits; Frank Forsberg, senior vice president, systems change and innovation, Greater Twin Cities United Way; and Greg Owen, senior research manager, Wilder Research

The Power of Social Media: Stories and Strategies from the Sector

This session will unpack the power of social media by opening up the floor to real-life stories of online success from fellow nonprofits, foundations and individuals. After hearing stories from the sector, presenters will walk participants through advanced social media strategies geared toward increasing online engagement. Come prepared to ask your advanced questions and to engage in higher-level discussions for taking your social media to the next level.
Jamie Millard, client relationship manager, Fast Horse and Chris Oien, web communications associate, Minnesota Council on Foundations

Reserves Aren’t Enough: Understanding and Planning Nonprofit Capitalization

Common financial management practices at nonprofits often emphasize the annual budget and, hopefully, a cash reserve fund. Too often, this short-term perspective hampers growth and change. In this session, we’ll discuss the different types of capital needed by nonprofits to maintain stable cash flow, seize opportunities and build institutions with buildings and endowments. What’s the right capital structure for your organization? What’s the strategy to get there? Walk away from this session with an understanding of the strengths and challenges of your current capital structure and tools to include the balance sheet and capitalization in your financial plans.
Kate Barr, executive director, Nonprofits Assistance Fund

Tuesdays at the Capitol: An Advanced Advocacy Strategy to Build Coalitions and Legislative Support

These difficult economic times create many significant challenges for nonprofits and funders, including how to increase the impact of advocacy initiatives and ensure positive legislative outcomes in times of stressed state resources. At this same time, nonprofits are operating on smaller budgets and foundations are seeking ways to support broad communities with fewer dollars. For the past three years, a broad coalition of disability organizations has been successfully coming together to host “Tuesdays at the Capitol” during the legislative session. Through these weekly events, the disability community has been able to increase political support of their issues while strengthening collaborations among disability organizations. This workshop will provide the tools and information necessary to carry out a “Tuesday at the Capitol” or similar grassroots advocacy activity within your own service sector.  
Christian Knights, public affairs associate, Courage Center; Jeff Nachbar, public policy director, Brain Injury Association; and Anni Simons, senior policy and program manager, The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities

Using Research as Strategic Investment and Action to Drive Social Change

Research is a tool used by both philanthropy and nonprofits to propel impact at a systems-level of change, provide quality services and further community engagement and policy advocacy on behalf of under-resourced communities. This session will cover a multi-sectoral perspective about the strategic use of research in supplementing foundations’ grantmaking, informing service delivery and supporting policy making.
Kim Borton, director of programs, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota; Suzanne Koepplinger, executive director, Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center; and Senator Patricia Torres Ray, District 62, State of Minnesota

Afternoon Breakout Sessions
2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

30 Ideas in 30 Minutes

Designed to spark the imagination of attendees, this fast-paced session includes ideas based on the successful experiences of practitioners, consultants and volunteers spanning 30+ organizations. Each of these ideas is classified into eight categories: Governance, Strategic/Tactical Planning, Finance, Technology, Fundraising, Research/Data/Evaluation, Communication and Volunteer Engagement.
Paul Hanscom, account executive, Ewald Consulting

Developing a Culture of Shared Leadership

As nonprofit organizations adapt to emerging realities in the sector and economy, developing a culture of shared leadership throughout the organization will be critical for organizational sustainability. This session will provide you with core concepts and practical ideas for creating and fostering a culture of shared leadership—aimed at building a networked collaborative community. Attendees will leave with specific actions to implement immediately and a framework for more long-term development of a networked collaborative community. Participants will also gain an enhanced understanding of succession planning, shared decision making and organizational culture.
Stephanie Bauer, student, Rob Routhieaux, director of nonprofit programs, and James Toscano, lecturer, Hamline University

Employment Law Update for Nonprofits             

Employment law compliance can be difficult even for seasoned professionals. It is critical to understand not only what employment laws may apply to your workplace, but also how those laws should impact your day-to-day decision making.  Some of the most important areas of legal compliance in the workplace include: employment-at-will, discrimination and hiring; ADA, FMLA and workers' compensation; harassment, discipline and termination; and unemployment. This session will provide an overview of key areas of legal compliance. Attendees will leave with an understanding of areas where their organizations might take small or large steps in order to increase compliance and build a more supportive work environment.   
Suzette Frith, Chief Operating Officer, TSE, Inc. and James Olney, Senior HR Consultant, Associated Financial Group

Got Ideas? Calling All Community Problem Solvers

New technologies that enable more people to connect, voice their opinions or influence a decision are mushrooming across the country. Find out how InCommons, Minnesota Idea Open and Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Minnesota are using some of these tools for broader—and deeper—community engagement. You’ll walk away with an understanding of the power and limitations of online competitions.
Lindsay Hanson, principal, Grassroots Solutions; Carolyn Link, executive director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation; and Naomi Pesky, director of marketing and communications, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners

Harness the Power of the Minnesota Transfer of Wealth Study    

A new study analyzing the expected transfer of wealth on a county-by-county basis is energizing nonprofit supporters to rethink how they promote planned gifts. Encouraged by the transfer of wealth numbers, development officers, professional advisors and nonprofit board members are creating a new buzz about how people can use charitable estate planning to look ahead by giving back.
Kim Embretson, vice president of development, West Central Initiative

High Impact Strategic Planning Practices and Tools

Strategic planning is a discipline that has evolved greatly in the past decade—especially as its importance to nonprofit and philanthropic organizations has grown—attracting new contributions from thought leaders within and beyond the social sector. This session will highlight a small number of classic and contemporary practices that have proven highly effective in the field—in terms of the strategic clarity they produce, the flexibility and ease with which they can be applied and their ability to strengthen participants’ capacity to follow through. At the end of this session, attendees will be better equipped to advocate for and use powerful, yet pragmatic planning tools in their own organization.
Diana Anderson, vice president and chief operating officer, Southwest Initiative Foundation and Andrea Fox Jensen, strategic planning consultant

Imagine That! The Humanities and Shaping the Future

To the question of the future vitality and sustainability of our shared future, the humanities bring sources of knowledge, wisdom and tools from multiple traditions. In this age, a critical task is to develop, articulate and strengthen a new narrative for Minnesota—one that connects and energizes rather than divides and raises fears. Programs and collaborations such as Prayers on the Prairie with the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, Why Treaties Matter with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Chicano-Latino Economic Leaders with the Chicano Latino Affairs Council, and Minnesota’s African American “Firsts” with the Council of Black Minnesotans are powerful threads of that narrative. In this session, we will share the tools that helped create these stories, the partnerships in place, and what has been learned and applied to that seemingly intractable problem: the achievement gap.
Matthew Brandt, vice president, Casey DeMarais, director of programs, and David O'Fallon, president, Minnesota Humanities Center

Lobbying and Advocacy: Foundations and Nonprofits as Partners in Policy Change

As foundations and nonprofits address complex challenges and seek meaningful impact, both recognize the importance of policy change. In this session, presenters will discuss the differing public policy roles and rules that guide foundations and nonprofits. This information can help us to make strategic choices about how our organizations use resources to individually make a difference. Plus, understanding the roles and rules of the whole sector will help us to have appropriate expectations and build meaningful and effective partnerships in order to have the greatest impact. Join this session to learn how both foundations and nonprofits can maximize their roles while complying with the appropriate rules in order to build effective, cross-sector advocacy and lobbying efforts.
Jeff Bauer, director of public policy and civic engagement, The Family Partnership; Susie Brown, public policy director, and Jeannie Fox, deputy public policy director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; Luz Maria Frias, vice president of community philanthropy, Minneapolis Foundation; and Terri Williams, vice president, The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota

The Marketization of Nonprofits

Market forces are given wide latitude to efficiently exchange goods and services on a global scale, and they are now being promoted even for areas of historic market failure—such as complex human services for people in poverty. While government outsourcing of straightforward tasks is widely accepted (road construction, IT support, waste management), Joe Soss has tracked the development of systems to create new market pressures “where problems are complex, goals are contested and process and outcomes are hard to evaluate.” His recent book “Disciplining the Poor” examines the intended efficiencies and mixed results of marketization (such as in Florida), with important policy implications for Minnesota and U.S. experiments in Pay for Performance Contracts and Social Impact Bonds.
Marcia Avner, senior fellow, and Jon Pratt, executive director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits; and Joe Soss, professor, Cowles chair for the study of public service, Humphrey School of Public Affairs

New Conversations Uncovering Five Myths That Support Racism (Part II)

In spite of the valiant efforts of nonprofits and foundations, racial disparities continue to dominate the landscape in Minnesota. Educator Dr. Peggy McIntosh attributes our lack of progress to the societal support of five broad cultural myths that help to reinforce the status quo. This interactive dialogue will explore these myths, provide participants with opportunities to spot them in their daily lives, intervene and take action to end racism. This is a two-part session; because space is limited participants are required to attend both sessions.
Sharon Goens, racial equity conversation coordinator, and Rowzat Shipchandler, racial equity manager, facing race, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners

OneMinneapolis: Using Data to Move the Needle on Racial Equity & Create a Vision for Our City’s Success

Did you know that Minnesota's educational achievement gap alone comes with a billion dollar price tag? Get OneMinneapolis' latest "Community Indicators Report" and find out how our community is doing across 25 fundamental indicators of well-being. You’ll hear from staff of The Minneapolis Foundation, researchers at Wilder and nonprofit leaders. Find out what’s working in education, economic development and civic engagement from your peers and discover what successful local programs are doing to close gaps in our community. Whether you live and work in Minneapolis, St. Paul or in Greater Minnesota, these lessons will challenge you to think critically about solutions and help you address disparities in your own community.
Jo-Anne Stately, director of grantmaking and special projects, The Minneapolis Foundation and Jane Tigan, research associate, Wilder Research

Using Design Thinking to Innovate Problem-Solving      

This fast-paced interactive session will engage all participants in Design Thinking theory and practice. Based on an activity created by Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school), small teams will be assigned a charitable giving challenge to solve using time-tested Design Thinking tools and resources. Throughout the session, experiences will be shared and real-time learning will be highlighted. The session will conclude with an examination of prototypes created by teams to solve the challenge. Reactions from the entire group to these individual solutions will foster a spirited conversation about diversity of thought and approach to the challenge. Emphasis will be placed on how to transfer this experience to the challenges that nonprofits and foundations face on a daily basis.
Dean Kephart, senior group manager, community relations, Target

There isn't a better opportunity for nonprofit and foundation staff and board members to meet, to learn, and to discover resources.

-Grant Abbott, former executive director, Saint Paul Area Council of Churches