Westfield State University to Host Nonprofit Innovators Forum on April 7
WESTFIELD — On Monday, April 7 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., the second annual Nonprofit Innovators Forum, titled “Innovating Through Uncertainty,” will take place at Parenzo Hall at Westfield State University, hosted by the Master of Public Administration, Policy, and Civic Engagement program.
This conference aims to expand training opportunities for leaders of small nonprofits in Western Mass. They will be joined by students and others considering a career in nonprofits in sessions to explore creative solutions that benefit their organizations and the communities they serve. The event is open to students and nonprofit professionals. Click here to register.
Self-doubt, unstable finances, resource shortages, and political-climate changes are just a few of the difficulties nonprofit leaders commonly encounter. Because these challenges may impede creativity and affect an organization’s capacity to carry out its objectives, this year’s forum will address these common concerns and provide attendees with strategies to foster resilience and adaptability within their organizations.
The event will begin with a plenary session that will address how recent changes in federal policy affect Western Mass. nonprofits. Participants will then have the chance to choose from a selection of small group sessions facilitated by nonprofit leaders and Westfield State University faculty and staff.
The topics covered in these sessions will include how to deal with a lack of resources, how to lead effectively during uncertain times, how to understand one’s own leadership style, how to create motivated leadership teams, and how to write strong grant application letters. Following the forum, there will be a networking reception where participants can meet like-minded individuals, business leaders, and possible partners.
Confirmed speakers include Rebecca Coolong, Human Service Forum executive director; Irene Eberwein, president, and Michael Roeder, treasurer, of Sarah Gillett Services for the Elderly Inc.; Liam Horsman, regional director of the office of U.S. Sen. Edward Markey; and Wilbert Weche, founder and CEO of Willful Change LLC.
In addition to exposing graduate students to a range of leadership viewpoints, this forum seeks to introduce undergraduate students to nonprofit career paths, offer training opportunities for small nonprofit organizations in Western Mass., and foster networking opportunities among participants. The event will also showcase the nonprofit management concentration in Westfield State’s Master of Public Administration, Policy, and Civic Engagement program.
