July 7, 2022
Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters,
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There is no easy way to say this, so I’ll just say it: it has been a pretty terrible start to the summer of 2022. After all the difficulties and sacrifices we collectively experienced through COVID (which is still clinging on), I felt like this summer would be a time where things would begin to get back to normal. I know that we all need that time for rest, reflection and recovery – both as a community of people that do public good and as individuals. Instead, the beginning of this summer has only laid bare the deep divides in our country; the obviously broken system which systemically discriminates against so many and provides for the rule over the many by the very few; and a sick obsession with allowing murder to be committed again and again with no substantive measures to check them. Even the protection of the very air we breathe and ground we walk on is being stripped away for short-term profit-making margins. I have to admit, there are times where it all really feels like too much.
We’ve been doing focus-groups, listening sessions, and advisory group meetings (THANK YOU to all that are participating!) and we are hearing from so many nonprofit leaders just how hard it feels right now. I’ve been on calls with a few people that could barely contain their emotions. We are all struggling with not only the broader challenges I’ve mentioned, but also the “tyranny of the urgent” each day: staff turnover and shortages; rising costs of goods and services; disrupted supply chains; and fickle funding mechanisms.
But here’s the deal: our communities need us. They value what we do and they know that they can rely on us. All of the different benefits that we bring to the people and missions we serve are “holding up the house,” as they say. And, I believe that we are standing at the edge of history right now. I believe that it is the nonprofit sector that is both holding back the tide and a big part of the solution to a better future for all. (Yes, I know I mixed some metaphors, but I hope you get the point.)
So how do we get through this? And not just survive but begin to recover and thrive? The only way I see it is together. We have to take care of ourselves and each other. We have to support each other both through formal and informal means. Wellness and self-care are the start of team care which leads to organizational care, which leads to community care. If we are burned out, we can’t possibly be our best nor do the vital work of our organizations.
So, I know it is easy to say that, but much harder to do it when so many critical issues are bearing down on us. I am not saying that every moment or every day is going to be easy and that we can simply take a few days off and everything will be better. I am saying that we need to sustain each other now. Meet. Talk. Vent (if necessary). And just be willing and available to peer-support one another. Not all the answers will be found that way, but I believe there will be a greater opportunity to share the burden and likely find solutions that weren’t there before.
NAO is going to help by holding both some formal and informal networking events through this summer and fall. These “salons” will allow you to connect, peer-support each other, and just take a few moments to breathe. Some will be virtual others will be in-person. Look for these opportunities coming out shortly and please jump into one.
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And, please, please take care of yourselves. |
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Jim White
NAO Executive Director
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Nonprofits and Government Contracting Survey – Still Open!
Many nonprofits receive revenue from government contracts, and there are problems with the way these contracts are administered. NAO is working on several initiatives to make changes and modernizations to the way that government works with our sector. We would like to understand your experience with government contracts in Oregon and what policy solutions we can move forward to support you and make nonprofit work easier. We have a short survey that will take less than 10 minutes to complete and will help us to work towards real reform of our government contracting.
Since launching this survey, we have received a great number of responses with valuable information and feedback – thank you to those who have already taken the survey. We’ll be sure your voices are being heard!
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Pro Bono Opportunities for Nonprofits
Are you looking for pro bono consulting work? Is your nonprofit understaffed and needs help with operations, marketing or even technology? We’ve compiled a list of pro bono opportunities that could help:
Organizational Development Network of Oregon
The Community Consulting Program (CCP) is an outreach effort sponsored by the Organizational Development Network of Oregon to provide pro-bono consulting services to public benefit non-profits. CCP is accepting applications through July 29th for their Fall Round of consulting assistance.
International Coach Federation-ICF
ICF Oregon pairs professionally trained coaches with nonprofit and BIPOC leaders across Oregon to provide mentoring and coaching. Sponsored by ICF Oregon Chapter, services are provided at no cost.
Metropolitan Family Service – Social Purpose Works
Social Purpose Works is a program of Metropolitan Family Service that connects pro bono professionals with short term, high-impact capacity building projects for Oregon and SW Washington nonprofits.
Taproot Foundation Virtual Services
Taproot Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that connects nonprofits across America with professionally skilled volunteers. The volunteers donate their time and expertise to support nonprofits in a wide range of areas including Finance, HR, Marketing, Strategy, and Technology.
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NAO's Upcoming Learning and Convening Opportunities |
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NAO Webinars
Board Bright: Governance Roles & Responsibilities
July 20, 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO
In this 90-minute webinar, participants will learn about the fundamentals of nonprofit governance and gain an understanding of the board’s role in the management of the organization. This webinar is part of NAO’s Board Bright Series – a quarterly board training designed for emerging and seasoned board members alike, and anyone else looking for a governance refresh. Free to NAO members! More details and registration information here.
LGBTQIA+ In the Workplace
July 26, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Presenter: Liana Avendaño, Construct The Present
In this webinar, participants will understand how the socialization of the LGBTQIA+ community can show up at work. We will explore what may come up for employees and how employers can better support their LGBTQIA+ staff. Participants will also begin to explore how policies and culture can impact or improve the experience of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. More details and registration information here.
3-Part Summer Series with Oregon DOJ
This summer NAO is partnering with the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section (DOJ) to offer a 3-part webinar series focused on nonprofit fundraising events, internal financial controls, and managing donor restrictions. The Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section supervises and regulates the activities of charitable organizations in the state. This webinar series will provide an overview of information to help keep your nonprofit in compliance with the DOJ’s rules and regulations.
Click through for more details and registration information:
Board Bright: Finance Fundamentals
August 23, 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO
In this 90-minute webinar, participants will learn the basic financial principles; including board member responsibilities, understanding restrictions, reviewing your statements for key financial indicators, and internal controls. Please note that this webinar provides fundamentals-level overview that is most appropriate for new board members, emerging nonprofit leaders, or those looking for a refresh of the basics. Free to NAO members! More details and registration information here.
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NAO Conferences
Guiding More Good – Save the date
September 10 | In-person: CH2M Hill Alumni Center, Corvallis
Mark your calendars for NAO’s Guiding More Good conference happening in-person this year! This day-long event for nonprofit boards, staff, and volunteers offers exciting expert speakers, practical resources, and networking opportunities. Session topics include fundraising, finance, and governance. More information coming soon!
High Desert Conference – Save the date
October 3 | In-person: Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Redmond
We're excited for the return of NAO’s High Desert Conference on October 3 in Redmond! This full-day conference will bring together nonprofit leaders and others who are advancing communities in the High Desert region. Join leading experts, practitioners and your peers for a day of learning, networking and connecting. More information coming soon!
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Thank you to the following FUNDERS and SPONSORS who are supporting NAO’s online events and communications during these challenging times. Their support is vital in helping NAO to bring much-needed resources and information to Oregon’s nonprofits – thank you. |
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