On September 14, 2011, over 30 people converged at the Foundation Center-Cleveland to learn about mobilizing networks for change from 4 experts in the field, while exchanging business cards and nibbling on refreshments. (It's hard to make meaningful change on an empty stomach!) Those presenters, hailing from 4 different nonprofit organizations, spoke in "lightning round robin" fashion, dispensing 5-minute speed presentations for attendees.
Joy Roller, ED of Gordon Square Arts District, spoke about mobilizing community stakeholders. Josh Foote, Social Media Manager for The City Mission conveyed information on connecting with virtual stakeholders. Ben Light, Director of Operations at The Gathering Place shared information on working with board members, and Beth Lucas, Director of Development for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland, talked about engaging volunteers.
The organic group discussion eventually bent toward volunteer engagement and board motivation. Attendees also wanted to know more about social media strategies and smart marketing to recruit volunteers.
Were you at the event? We meant to ask you what you'd like to talk about next. A few of the people I spoke with indicated that a fundraising program with the focus on "storytelling" would be well-received. Do you have other ideas for an upcoming Networking Night at the Foundation Center? Leave a comment and let us know!
Stay tuned for more special programs like this one by checking our Cleveland calendar.
This post is from Katie Artzner, The Foundation Center's Online Librarian.
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