Austin Community College: Highland Business Center

This learning opportunity will provide an overview on how busy nonprofit organizations can monitor and influence state policy as efficientlyThe 89th Regular Texas Legislative Session will convene on January 14, 2025. Although most nonprofit organizations are not positioned to maintain a regular and active presence at the Capitol, many may find that the policy and budgetary decisions made by the Legislature impact their work and/or the populations they serve. Luckily, there are free online tools that make it possible for nearly anyone to monitor what is happening at the Capitol from afar, and there are also numerous opportunities each session to engage with state policymakers at the Capitol in person. This learning opportunity will provide an overview on how busy nonprofit organizations can monitor and influence state policy as efficiently as possible.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Christine Gendron is an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, a systems thinker, connector, collaborator, and capacity builder. She has nearly 20 years of leadership experience serving as a resource for nonprofits, policymakers, government, and philanthropy organizations on strengthening outcomes for children, youth, families, and underserved populations.Christine previously served as the Executive Director of a statewide association and […]

This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing ones.This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to (1) cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing relationships; (2) use curiosity to understand others goals, needs, and concerns, so they can bring confidence and comfort to donor, board, and other external relationships; (3) employ simple but effective techniques for fostering chemistry and trust; and (4) uncover new opportunities, and win-win situations that accelerate momentum.The presenter, Rodney Schlosser, is a 20+ year executive responsible for his company’s senior relationships. He is senior vice president/business development at Asurion, and a billion-dollar vendor to the mobile, cable, telco, and consumer electronics industries, based in Nashville. Versions of this workshop have elicited kudos from participants in UT Austin’s HDO/executive education program and prior workshops for nonprofits, foundations, and professional services firms. He’ll cover what strategies have worked, failed, and how he’s adapted as technology has changed the way people interact. He’ll also explain how many of these same principles have applied to his leadership of several non-profit boards, and his current civic work as a Vice Chair of the DART (Dallas Area […]

This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing ones.This Special Program is a 3-hour workshop to help nonprofit leaders to (1) cultivate new business relationships and fortify existing relationships; (2) use curiosity to understand others goals, needs, and concerns, so they can bring confidence and comfort to donor, board, and other external relationships; (3) employ simple but effective techniques for fostering chemistry and trust; and (4) uncover new opportunities, and win-win situations that accelerate momentum.The presenter, Rodney Schlosser, is a 20+ year executive responsible for his company’s senior relationships. He is senior vice president/business development at Asurion, and a billion-dollar vendor to the mobile, cable, telco, and consumer electronics industries, based in Nashville. Versions of this workshop have elicited kudos from participants in UT Austin’s HDO/executive education program and prior workshops for nonprofits, foundations, and professional services firms. He’ll cover what strategies have worked, failed, and how he’s adapted as technology has changed the way people interact. He’ll also explain how many of these same principles have applied to his leadership of several non-profit boards, and his current civic work as a Vice Chair of the DART (Dallas Area […]

Colin Kendrick will share his insights and lessons learned in creating and growing Sonic Guild from Austin to a national organization.Colin Kendrick, founder of Sonic Guild, formerly Black Fret, will share his insights and lessons learned in creating and growing Sonic Guild https://www.sonicguild.org/ from Austin to a national organization with chapters in Austin, Seattle, Colorado and more. Sonic Guild's mission is to build communities to support the creation and performance of extraordinary new music via “A nationwide network of chapters providing financial and professional support to our finest local musicians to enable them to create and perform new music.’ Since its founding in 2013, it has distributed more than $7,000,000 to over 250 bands and local music businesses.His focus will be on what it takes to be an entrepreneurial nonprofit; defining the need andone’s role in addressing that need; the fully loaded cost of doing business; scaling impact with a long-term cost model; developing community partners and stakeholders; networking, donor and stakeholder stewardship; and the realities of directing one’s passion to achieve success.Richard Florida, best-selling author of The Rise of the Creative Class wrote “Sonic Guild helps build powerful communities that fuel the creative economy, social cohesion, and civic pride—all by investing in their local musicians.” […]

Nonprofit marketing can take many forms and have different goals. Join us to learn what might work best for your organization.Wouldn’t it be great if every nonprofit had a dedicated team of professionals focused onimplementing a detailed marketing plan? One that raises the visibility of the organization,attracts donors, and improves community engagement? Yes, please!The reality, unfortunately, is that most nonprofits run on a shoestring budget with minimal staff. Those organizations need guidance so they can do the most with what they have.This 3-hour interactive workshop will address important questions, like:How can nonprofits navigate the challenge of limited resources and still create impactful marketing campaigns?What are some key considerations for developing a comprehensive marketing plan?How does marketing affect fundraising and vice versa?Are there differences in how you market a nonprofit organization vs. a for-profitcompany?What are the biggest issues facing nonprofit marketing today and in the future?With hands-on exercises, we’ll also cover:Why Marketing MattersBranding and Target AudiencesMarketing for Campaigns & EventsBest Marketing Channels for NonprofitsNonprofit marketing can take many forms and have different goals. Join us to learn what might work best for your organization._____________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Michel Hudson, CFRE, CEFL, has more than 30 years’ experience guiding nonprofits and associations, in […]

Join us to discuss how to leverage resources to build and sustain nonprofit board.If you’re looking for a talented group of individuals to serve on your board, you are not alone. In fact, the competition is pretty stiff.  Today, there are 1.8 million US nonprofits seeking people to take up the demands, challenges and hard work required to sustain a relevant organization that fulfills its mission.     The good news is that there are many people willing and able to lend their support.  By building a sound structure, your organization will have the edge on the competition, will create attractive volunteer opportunities and will be rewarded with engaged and satisfied board members.     After this one-hour webinar, participants will   • Examine the board building process • Create a recruitment plan that will help ensure you have members with the right skills, expertise and community connections • Explore the benefits of a governance committee • Be able to cultivate candidates—help them find you • Identify board and committee recruitment tools and resources. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Wendy Biro-Pollard is a Certified Volunteer Administration (CVA) and BoardSource Governance Consultant. She has conducted webinars, keynotes, workshops, and retreats for individuals in the public-private sector, […]

Designed to help you understand what policies and procedures are needed, and how to develop them so they clearly communicate your mission.Policies and procedures serve many purposes. They provide direction to staff, volunteers, and the board, clarify expectations about the way your organization runs, help avoid inconsistencies, and protect your nonprofit from possible legal action or fraud. Policies and procedures can affect various parts of a nonprofit’s work, including governance, accountability, and operations.Well-written policies and procedures are the framework that holds your organization together, and they help make everything run smoothly and efficiently.This course is designed to help you understand what policies and procedures are needed, and how to develop them so they clearly communicate what you do and why you do it.During this interactive 2-hour workshop, participants will:• Discuss the importance and requirements of policies and procedures;• Learn about standard policies for nonprofits;• Work through policy examples; and• Receive tips for policy manuals that are easy-to-understand and user-friendly.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Michel Hudson, CFRE, CEFL, has more than 30 years’ experience guiding nonprofits and associations, in the roles of staff, volunteer, board member, and consultant.Her company, 501(c)onsulting TM – established in 2001 – currently focuses on providing groups with clarity and a […]

An overview of what is succession planning and why it’s important.An intentional process of succession planning, whether for your board or for your executive staff, will safeguard against unplanned and unexpected change and the potential chaos that can ensue. A clear and straightforward process is equally as helpful in facilitating smooth leadership transitions when change is predictable and planned. Either way, it will contribute to your organization’s sustainability and potentially grow leadership in your community. And it’s NOT complicated. It simply requires making the time and ensuring engagement. Learn how and where to start. Designed for both executive staff and board members, this interactive session will provide both strategic and practical insights into this essential practice. You’ll look at what is succession planning, why it matters, who’s involved, and how you can make it happen, including the potential challenges involved.Topics will include: (1) An overview of what is succession planning and why it’s important; (2) Look at what’s involved in executive staff succession planning; (3) Cover the benefits and processes of board development and sustainability, with the emphasis on succession planning, and (4) Discuss how it all aligns to achieve an organization’s mission.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Jane Baxter Lynn is passionate about working […]

Participants will experience a variety of methods to help solve problems and make decisions in a nonprofit setting.Participants will experience a variety of methods to help solve problems and make decisions in a nonprofit setting. The class will present tools to assist participants in examining problems and making decisions within nonprofit settings. It will start with the context in which problem solving and decision-making takes place, and includes examining ethical elements, communication, negotiation, various styles of decision-making, and the importance of stakeholders. The tools section of the class will present six steps and various processes to allow participants to examine the problem solving and decision-making tools they already use and add to their toolbox.Learning Objectives:• Understanding ethical issues when making decisions and solving problems.• Determining root causes.• Involving people in the process of decision making and problem solving.• Identifying steps to problem solving.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Kathleen McCleskey, KM Consulting and Training Connection, is a facilitator, trainer, consultant, and curriculum developer. She conducts classes in project management, multi-day presentation skills class, increasing personal effectiveness, strategic planning, and leading teams and groups are some of the classes Kathleen has conducted in her career.Kathleen has conducted workshops in the United States, Egypt, Guam, Korea, […]

This workshop will focus on how to tie nonprofit programs to its goals to help accomplish the mission.Managing a nonprofit takes strategic thinking and strategy to be able to purposefully tie their programs to their goals. To do this, program managers need to strategically consider the internal and external factors facing each nonprofit program and the outcomes and results each program will produce. This workshop will focus on how to tie nonprofit programs to its goals to help accomplish the mission. Participants will learn to develop the basic outline of a strategic plan by determining how each program fits into the overall strategic plan of their nonprofit.If possible, participants should bring their nonprofit’s strategic plan with a mission statement, vision statement, and priorities/goals/objectives/strategic initiatives.Learning Objectives:• Understand the differences and relationships between strategic planning, strategic thinking, and operations.• Develop an understanding of the relationship between nonprofit programs and the goals of the nonprofit.• Construct concrete goals.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Kathleen McCleskey, KM Consulting and Training Connection, is a facilitator, trainer, consultant, and curriculum developer. She conducts classes in project management, multi-day presentation skills class, increasing personal effectiveness, strategic planning, and leading teams and groups are some of the classes Kathleen has conducted […]

Review committee roles and responsibilities, determine who should serve, and learn how to create committee work plans and monitor progress.Given the difficulty in finding people to serve on boards, committees are becoming even more important. Strong committees contribute to strong organizations, and yet, in many nonprofits they are often its weakest link. When committee members have clearly defined roles and direction, staff support and organized and experienced leadership, there are no limits to their effectiveness. This 1.5-hour virtual session includes multiple handouts, resources and opportunities for group discussion and individual work.In this course, participants will• Review committee roles and responsibilities• Determine who should serve• Learn how to create committee work plans and monitor their progress.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter: Wendy Biro-Pollard is a Certified Volunteer Administration (CVA) and BoardSource Governance Consultant. She has conducted webinars, keynotes, workshops, and retreats for individuals in the public-private sector, for national and international associations, corporate and community foundations, and faith-based and governmental agencies.Wendy directed the Volunteer Center of Austin and healthcare volunteer programs at large hospitals in Austin and San Antonio. She has served on several national training teams including one for VISTA AmeriCorps. Wendy is an adjunct faculty member for Nonprofit Austin at Austin Community […]

Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help you rediscover joy by aligning your personal values with your professional life.Are you a nonprofit professional struggling to find excitement in your work and struggling to set boundaries so that you can take care of yourself?If so, join us for an interactive workshop designed to help you rediscover joy by aligning your personal values with your professional life. In this interactive session, you'll:• Discover Your Core Values: Engage in a values exercise to identify what truly matters to you and how these values influence your happiness.• Align Actions with Values: Participate in an action vs. values exercise to see where you might be out of sync and how to realign for greater fulfillment.• Gain Inner Peace and Job Satisfaction: Learn how living by your values can bring more inner peace and make your work feel more meaningful.What to Expect:• Interactive Exercises: Hands-on activities that will help you uncover and understand your values.• Group Discussions: Collaborative conversations with fellow nonprofit professionals to share insights and support each other in this journey.No prerequisites or materials are needed—bring yourself and a willingness to explore. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a […]

Participants will learn the key principles of Design Thinking and how to apply them to their nonprofit work.Today's nonprofit organizations face unique challenges, demanding innovative solutions that are both cost-effective and make a measurable impact. This 3-hour course introduces participants to the fundamentals of Design Thinking—a human-centered approach to problem-solving that empowers organizations to tackle complex issues with creativity and empathy.Through a blend of interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, participants will learn the key principles of Design Thinking and how to apply them to their nonprofit work. From empathizing with stakeholders to prototyping and testing solutions, attendees will gain practical skills to drive positive change within their organizations.By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of Design Thinking methodology and how it can be leveraged to foster innovation, improve program effectiveness, and ultimately, drive growth for their nonprofit initiatives.Key Learning Objectives:1. Understand the principles and process of Design Thinking.2. Learn how to empathize with stakeholders to uncover their needs and challenges.3. Practice ideation techniques to generate creative solutions.4. Gain skills in prototyping and testing ideas to iterate towards impactful solutions.5. Explore real-world examples of Design Thinking in nonprofit contexts.6. Discuss strategies for implementing Design […]

Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the key sections of the 990.Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the key sections of the 990, including how to report financial information, disclose organizational governance, and highlight program accomplishments. We will emphasize the strategic importance of the 990 as a public document. You’ll learn how to use the 990 to tell your organization’s story, demonstrating your impact and financial stewardship in a way that resonates with stakeholders.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:The success of Upbring's mission depends largely on two key components: finances and operations. Holly Raymond understands not just the importance of efficient operations and sound finances, but how to maximize both. As the Chief Financial Officer of Upbring, Holly directs finance, facilities, budget and procurement functions as well as information technology and human resource administration for the organization. Since joining Upbring in 2017, Holly has implemented structural modifications, strengthening financial operations that has resulted in a 25% overall organizational growth. In her prior role, as Senior Vice President of Finance, she deepened the finance and facilities resource capabilities by strategic staffing additions. Her success at Upbring is a testament to her outstanding leadership, determination and servant-hearted commitment to breaking the cycle of child abuse.Before joining […]

This learning opportunity will provide guidance on strategically engaging stakeholders to further an organization’s goals.This learning opportunity will provide guidance on strategically engaging stakeholders to further an organization’s goals. Participants will engage in stakeholder mapping and learn and discuss strategies for prioritizing and achieving engagement. They will have the opportunity to begin developing measurable stakeholder engagement plans. The discussion will address engagement of a range of stakeholders, including grassroots and grasstops stakeholders, potential partners/collaborators, and clients and others with lived experiences.______________________________________________________________________________________________________About the presenter:Christine Gendron is an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, a systems thinker, connector, collaborator, and capacity builder. She has nearly 20 years of leadership experience serving as a resource for nonprofits, policymakers, government, and philanthropy organizations on strengthening outcomes for children, youth, families, and underserved populations.Christine previously served as the Executive Director of a statewide association and advocacy organization for eight years. She stepped into that role when the organization was struggling, defined a new strategic direction, streamlined administrative functions, established partnerships with stakeholders across the state, and raised new funds, ultimately tripling the organization’s annual budget. She led legislative advocacy efforts that secured legislation and new state appropriations, led the coordination of high-profile capacity building initiatives for direct […]

This learning opportunity will identify and distinguish between different types of meetings that are common and importantChances are, your calendar is full of meetings - team meetings, weekly meetings, supervision meetings, project meetings, planning meetings, board meetings - you name it. For many nonprofit professionals, the meetings never end. The success of your meetings greatly influences the success of your organization and may even make or break your career. This learning opportunity will identify and distinguish between different types of meetings that are common and important for nonprofit leaders and will provide research and tools to support you in making your meetings as effective, efficient, and enjoyable as possible.Nonprofit Austin reserves the right to postpone this learning opportunity if thereis inadequate registration.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------More about our facilitator: Christine Gendron is an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, a systems thinker, connector, collaborator, and capacity builder. She has nearly 20 years of leadership experience serving as a resource for nonprofits, policymakers, government, and philanthropy organizations on strengthening outcomes for children, youth, families, and underserved populations.Christine previously served as the Executive Director of a statewide association and advocacy organization for eight years. She stepped into that role when the organization was struggling, defined a new strategic […]