Nonprofits host spring events for community, leadership volunteers | Notes on Nonprofits

Alyce Lee Stansbury
·3 min read

Here’s a round robin look at upcoming events, conferences, and other resources for the community and local nonprofit leaders.

Tallahassee’s favorite spring events have returned with a flourish. As a community we can be proud of these beloved, award-winning events spearheaded by local nonprofits that contribute to economic development, create a sense of place, and raise money to meet community needs.

Chain of Parks Festival: Art abounds: Crowds throng to LeMoyne Arts' 22nd Chain of Parks Art Festival

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Recent and upcoming examples include Red Hills Horse Trails, Springtime Tallahassee, Word of South Festival, LeMoyne Arts Chain of Parks Festival, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra’s Pops in the Park, Southern Shakespeare Festival, First Friday, H.E.R.C.’s Holocaust Remembrance Day event, Tallahassee Museum’s Jazz and Blues Festival, and John G. Riley Center’s Walk-Through History Salute in the Park, just to name a few.

When attending these events, be sure to thank local businesses, city and county government, local funders, nonprofit staff, board members, and countless community volunteers who make these events possible.

Hundreds gathered at Cascades park to see country music artist Jamey Johnson perform as the 8th Annual Word of South literary-music festival began Friday, April 8, 2022.
Hundreds gathered at Cascades park to see country music artist Jamey Johnson perform as the 8th Annual Word of South literary-music festival began Friday, April 8, 2022.

Building Better Boards: May 10

If you are serving on a nonprofit board, I urge you to attend Leadership Tallahassee’s Building Better Boards on Tuesday, May 10, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at TCC’s Workforce Development building. This year’s annual training conference is sponsored by Big Bend Cares and designed for veteran and novice board members and staff.

Opportunities abound for nonprofit staff to network but this is one of the best opportunities for board members to meet and network with each other to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn tips for better governance.

Tom Derzypolski, Co-Founder and President of BowStern, is the keynote speaker and will address “The Impact of Telling Your Story.”

Sessions will be offered on the importance of board diversity, understanding financial statements, dealing with conflict resolution, strategic planning, fundraising, and a panel discussion with Executive Directors and board chairs.

Speakers include Darrick McGhee, Jeanne Curtin, Kelly Otte, Liz Murphy, Katrina Tuggerson, Mickey Moore, Dr. Cindy Bigbie, Royle King, Brandon Williams, Terry Whitaker, Kent Edmonds, Jennifer Powell, Stefanie Bowden, and me. Registration is open at leadershiptallahassee.com/events.

Thousands of Tallahasseeans gather downtown despite the rain to enjoy the Tallahassee Jubilee festivities Saturday, April 2, 2022. Unfortunately the thunder and lightning prevented the parade from being able to start.
Thousands of Tallahasseeans gather downtown despite the rain to enjoy the Tallahassee Jubilee festivities Saturday, April 2, 2022. Unfortunately the thunder and lightning prevented the parade from being able to start.

United Partners for Human Services leadership conference: June 7-8

United Partners for Human Services annual leadership conference is June 7 – 8 and is presented by James Moore and a host of community sponsors. Sessions are designed for all levels of nonprofit staff in four tracks: beyond resilience; diversity, equity, and inclusion; leadership; and sustainability. Topics will include work-life balance, building a strong team, cybersecurity, succession planning, generational leadership, and more. Registration is open at uphsfl.org/uphs-annual-conference.

Thrive Activator: May 9-13

The Institution of Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence is hosting Thrive Activator, a week-long training program from May 9 to 13 to help nonprofits identify a clear, focused marketing plan and a ready-to-launch fundraising campaign using the latest tools and trends. Register by May 5 at institutefornonprofits.org/events.

Riders compete in the cross country event at the Red Hills International Horse Trials on Saturday, March 12, 2022.
Riders compete in the cross country event at the Red Hills International Horse Trials on Saturday, March 12, 2022.

Notes on Nonprofits live, May 10

To help nonprofit leaders address the opportunities and challenges associated with the need to grow, merge, or close, the next edition of Notes on Nonprofits live will address this topic. Join me and Felina Martin on Facebook at noon Tuesday, May 10.

If your organization is wrestling with any of these issues or has successfully achieved a significant growth in services, completed a merger, or considering the decision to close, please contact me at notesonnonprofits@gmail.com.

I welcome your first-hand perspective and invite you to join our discussion or consider being a guest on the show. Your name and organization are never mentioned without your consent.

If there is a topic or burning question you would like addressed in the column, please reach out anytime. Hearing from you is the best part about writing this column!

Notes on Nonprofits is produced by Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE, President of Stansbury Consulting, and includes resources, responses to reader questions, guest columns, and timeless topics from the vault. Send your questions and feedback to notesonnonprofits@gmail.com.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Nonprofits host spring events for community volunteers