May 12, 2022

Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters,
Each year the month of May highlights the opportunity to celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The history behind AANHPI communities in America stem nearly two hundred years back and for that reason there is much to celebrate – the voices, traditions, and contributions of our AANHPI neighbors, friends, and colleagues are what makes our nation that much richer!
 
AANHPI Heritage Month is not only a time for celebration, but a time to bring awareness to the dangers, challenges, and hate incidents against Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, particularly over the last few years. In a recent study conducted by NAO member, Oregon Values and Belief Center, they discovered (of the 548 surveyed Asian Oregonians), 61% of survey respondents identified race-based harassment as a serious community issue; 49% of respondents indicated they heard someone use a racial slur, epithet or degrading language against them or a family member or both; 19% of respondents reported facing a threat to their person or property because of race; and 33% of respondents reported reducing the amount of time spent in the community to engage with friends and family, physical activity or go shopping because of a race-based bias incident or hate crime… We, as a state and a nation, need to do better; we need to continue to teach, to learn and unlearn, and rebuild our communities with love, empathy, and inclusivity. At NAO, we are encouraging you to take the time to visit The Library of Congress’s AAPI Heritage Month website to learn more about the history and contributions that Asians and the Pacific Islander communities.
 
May also highlights the opportunity to promote mental health awareness month. Over the past two years, we lived through a global pandemic, which for many has brought a considerable degree of fear, worry and concern. As nonprofits, we recognize the importance of supporting the social, emotional, and mental well-being of our youth, staff, families, and communities. As we continue on the path of reopening and enter the summer season with friends and family, we hope you find time and space to take care of your mental health and support others around you to do the same. To be resilient and care for our communities, we must empower our own mental health. Not sure how to start? Consider registering for NAO’s virtual cohort, Tools and Practices to Strengthen Resilience: A Deep Dive into the Recentering Model, with Michelle St. Romain Wilson on May 18! In this interactive cohort, participants will explore the Recentering model to strengthen our personal resilience and create tools to bring back to our organizations. The model is based on principles of trauma-informed care and resiliency work; integrative health; positive psychology; and positive workforce engagement. 
 
Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month!
With gratitude, 
Phillip Kennedy-Wong (he/him), Director of Public Policy at NAO
Brad Ramos (he/him), Digital Design and Communications Manager at NAO
At the State Level
Oregon’s Primary Election Is May 17 – Get Your Ballots In
 
We wanted to remind you to vote in this year’s primary, if you have not done so already. Your ballot can be postmarked up until May 17. There are many issues and candidates on the ballot that would have implications for the nonprofit sector, we encourage you to think about your communities while casting your vote. OPB has well-researched and informative election coverage that you can find here.
 
Paid Leave Oregon
 
As you may know, Oregon is building a new paid leave program based on legislation that passed in 2019. Later this summer, we are partnering with the Oregon Employment Department (OED) to host informational webinars for NAO members about this new program.
 
In the meantime, OED is working on rules about paid leave contributions, benefits, and equivalent plans, covering topics such as:
 
  • When an employer may deduct paid leave contributions from employee’s wages

  • When employees’ wages shall have paid leave contributions

  • What the employer needs to include in a poster about paid leave for the employees

  • How overpaid benefits need to be repaid

  • When an employer can file a Declaration of Intent to obtain an equivalent plan
 
Public meetings: Oregon Employment Department invites you to participate in the Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) virtual meeting on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on these rules, please register online to attend.
 
You can also provide written feedback via email. Previous notices regarding benefits rulemaking sent on May 2 and appeals rulemaking sent on May 3 are online.
 
More information: If you cannot attend the meetings virtually and still want to provide comments on the Paid Leave Oregon rules, telephone conference information will be provided once you register for the RAC. Written comments may also be submitted to OED_RULES@employ.oregon.gov no later than Wednesday, May 18 at 5 p.m.
 
Stay Informed: Visit OED’s website, and sign up to receive Paid Leave updates.
NAO's Upcoming Learning and Convening Opportunities
NAO Networks
 
The team at NAO is excited to also welcome back in-person sessions! The welfare and safety of our staff, volunteers and guests remains a top priority. Masks are optional but not required. However, we ask that anyone feeling ill or COVID-like symptoms to please stay at home and contact us to issue a refund. At this time, in-person sessions will not be recorded.   
 
Nonprofit Advocacy: Why Nonprofits and Why Now?  
Presenter: Phillip Kennedy-Wong, NAO 
Communities are going through unprecedented change. Oregon is making important decisions in the coming months about state leadership at all levels. Nonprofits have the right to educate civic leaders on the role our organizations play in our communities to help them make most informed public policy decisions. Join Phillip Kennedy-Wong, NAO’s new Public Policy Director, for an informative discussion on the importance of nonprofit advocacy during a time of social upheaval and unpredictable political challenges.  
 
This session will be offered in-person at four regional locations. Click through for more details and registration information: 

 
Managing Financials with an Operational Mindset 
May 26, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Presenter: Megan Fries, Frenzy to Freedom 
In-person session: Ecotrust, Portland 
Financial management is one of the key areas to gauge success, create plans for growth, and demonstrate our effectiveness as an organization—truly an area we can all use some support. This session walks you through financial aspects that will strengthen the operations of your organization. From division of accountabilities, internal controls, and documentation of policies and procedures, we will examine the core areas where intention can create a massive impact. More details and registration information here

Opinion Research: It’s a New Day, It’s a New Dawn 
June 2, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Presenters: Adam Davis and Amaury Vogel, Oregon Values and Beliefs Center 
In-person session: The Melody Event Center, Portland 
In this session with Oregon Values and Beliefs Center, participants will gain an understanding of diversity and inclusion in opinion research – its impact on research design and administration, and the implications for planning, policy, and decision-making. Participants will learn how opinion research has changed, how projects should be designed and administered, and how opinion research can support their work in building stronger communities. More details and registration information here.
Virtual Nonprofit Learning Cohort
 
Tools and Practices to Strengthen Resilience: A Deep Dive into the Recentering Model 
May 18, 25, June 1, 8, and 15| Facilitator: Michelle St. Romain Wilson, M.A., Wellspring Consulting 
The last two years have brought unprecedented changes to our world, bringing new challenges as we work to serve our communities. In this interactive cohort, we will explore the Recentering model to strengthen our personal resilience and create tools to bring back to our organizations. The model is based on principles of trauma-informed care and resiliency work; integrative health; positive psychology; and positive workforce engagement. By the end of this cohort participants will have created a personal plan and toolkit for recentering and building resiliency during times of challenge and change. More details and registration information here.
Partner Webinars

Let's Talk: Tips for Growing Nonprofits
May 17, 2 – 3:30 p.m. | Panel led by: Michael Jonas, Rational Unicorn Legal Services
Join Rational Unicorn Legal Services for a panel discussion with nonprofit leaders (DJ Ambush from The Numberz, Jim White from the Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO), Amy Fazio of Magnify Your Mission, others TBD) about nonprofit law and compliance, building a board, creating bylaws, best practices, and other tips with time for Q&A. Tickets are sliding scale $5-$20. More details and registration information here.

QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits 3 Day Webinar Series: Desktop
May 24 – 26, 11 – 1:30 p.m. | Presenter: Gregg S. Bossen, QuickBooks Made Easy
QuickBooks Made Easy is partnering with NAO to offer an updated three-part QuickBooks® training webinar for nonprofits. This webinar is for the Desktop edition of QuickBooks. Gregg will cover the basics of setting up and entering transactions specifically for nonprofits, an overview of the software updates included in the QuickBooks® Desktop Edition, as well as advanced topics covering a host of specific processes that will help you do more helpful and amazing things! Earn 7.5 hours of CPE credit. More details and registration information here.
 
QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits 3 Day Webinar Series: Online
May 31 – June 2, 11 – 1:30 p.m. | Presenter: Gregg S. Bossen, QuickBooks Made Easy
QuickBooks Made Easy is partnering with NAO to offer an updated three-part QuickBooks® training webinar for nonprofits. This webinar is for the Online edition of QuickBooks. Gregg will cover the basics of setting up and entering transactions specifically for nonprofits, an overview of the software updates included in the QuickBooks® Online Edition, as well as advanced topics covering a host of specific processes that will help you do more helpful and amazing things! Earn 7.5 hours of CPE credit. More details and registration information here.
If you have any questions or difficulties registering, contact NAO's Training team at training@nonprofitoregon.org.
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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