Community Foundation workshops elevate nonprofit leadership
Since January, more than 450 nonprofit professionals and volunteers have participated in the workshops, seminars, and networking groups organized by the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence. Events like CEOLink, DevelopmentLink, and professional development workshops make training, knowledge sharing, and collaboration accessible to staff and volunteers of the region’s more than 4,000 nonprofit organizations. Here is what a few participants had to say about their experience and the impact of these events on their organizations.
“I have attended every workshop the Center has organized this year. The range of topics has guided me in new ideas like ‘growing social capital’ and leading with empathy. As an organizational leader, it’s vital to say what you mean and mean what you say. The workshop clarified how I can use my position to influence change within the organization and in our community.
Reflecting on these trainings, I’ve focused on recognizing the strengths of those I work with and encouraging them. That’s the role of a leader.
It has been particularly impactful to learn these lessons alongside other nonprofit leaders. We all benefit when we share experiences and help each other work through the negative and positives that we face each day. If we all bring what we have, a greater number will be served.
I will continue to attend events at the Community Foundation because I want to grow as a community leader and build my knowledge so that I can share it with my organization.”
Joe Moreno
Nourish Director
Two Rivers YMCA
“The first workshop I attended at the Community Foundation was ‘Navigating the Middle,’ led by Becky David. The discussion gave me insight into how a manager can be a more effective leader; the workshop gave me quite a few new tools for my managerial toolbox!
We discussed new ways to communicate change to staff members to ensure they understand the information and feel supported. I learned from the workshop leader as well as the other nonprofit professionals who participated. Getting to network and learn with other nonprofits is paramount to the growth of my organization and the whole community. Getting to learn from each other, plan future collaborations, and share information has elevated our reach and is bringing awareness to the amazing opportunities we have in the Quad Cities.
We are so incredibly lucky to live in an area that prioritizes the well-being of citizens in a variety of ways, and these events are helping us do that better. My first workshop was a very positive experience, and I look forward to attending more in the future!”
Brittany Peacock
Community Outreach Supervisor
Davenport Public Library
“I have only been working in the nonprofit sector for three years—though it feels much longer than that! (Time flies when you are passionate about your mission.) As a new leader, I have relied heavily on the support of peers and their willingness to share knowledge. The Community Foundation has created a safe and welcoming space where this kind of collaboration can flourish.
Attending Community Foundation events for CEOs, Development staff, and other nonprofit professionals, I have met so many amazing people—I keep coming back to be a part of such a warm group of people who are all interested and engaged in learning how to better serve the community.
I love hearing how other organizations are doing in their work, I love sharing my own ideas, and sometimes, just having a safe space to share frustrations that others understand is invaluable. I have seen how these events can create and strengthen partnerships between organizations. There is so much potential in these rooms!
It doesn't matter what types of programs we are operating; the connections and sharing of resources and knowledge have been invaluable to me in my role. These resources and events make us all stronger, grow our success, and ultimately build a better community.”
Marcie Ordaz
Executive Director
lift Women’s Foundation
The Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence holds regular events geared toward nonprofit professionals. Find out more about the Center and see a full list of upcoming events here: https://www.qccommunityfoundation.org/centerfornonprofitexcellence