(This post is from Jimeka Holloway, training coordinator, Foundation Center-Cleveland, who recently attended the 2009 national YNPN conference.)
Last week, I was asked if I knew any next generation “thought leaders” emerging from Northeast Ohio's nonprofit sector, particularly young leaders who embrace and effectively use social media and other technology, and who are not afraid to put their fresh, bold ideas out there for discussion and consideration. As a founding member of the Cleveland chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, I pondered this as I traveled to Washington, DC to attend the 2009 Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) leadership conference. Why don't I know who they are? We need them right now!
The conference was good and conference-goers were generally upbeat, despite the economic doom and gloom all around us. One conference highlight for me was a gathering with representatives from the Chronicle of the Philanthropy to talk about next generation interests and issues. When asked what online resources young nonprofit professionals find helpful in their daily work, the group mentioned Philanthropy News Digest, Cause Planet, All Top, Great Nonprofits, Beth's Blog, Forte Foundation, The Nonprofit Consulting Cafe, Blue Avocado, and Nonprofit Leadership 601. I've been taking the time this week to explore them.
Overall, I left the conference feeling personally inspired, full of information, and grateful to have had an opportunity to gather with such amazing people. I’m still wondering though, who are the creative, bold, emerging thought leaders making waves in Cleveland's and Northeast Ohio's nonprofit sector? Maybe it's you? How can YNPN Cleveland support them? How can we amplify their voices? I know they're out there!
--Jimeka Holloway
Are you a young nonprofit professional in Cleveland? Join the ongoing conversation on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1755987&trk=hb_side_g and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45453063186
Our upcoming events calendar is @ ynpn.org/clevelandevents.
Posted by: Katie | May 01, 2009 at 10:31 AM