February 16, 2012

2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Kauffman Foundation Conference Center

4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City Missouri

As the economy shows signs of resurgence and growth, foresighted nonprofit leaders are preparing to make the most of an emerging new era – an era that has new promise, but an era that will demand that we operate in new a different ways.  But what does that mean? What will enable and empower us, as a community and a sector, to serve well in the future?  Equally important, how do we ensure that we do more than merely adapt to this new era?  How do we ensure that we take an active role in shaping it?  The most effective of nonprofits already are engaged in developing a new generation of strategies and initiatives, new approaches that remain true to their missions and core values while positioning them to capitalize on all that this new environment has to offer.  Are you preparing for this new era?

This special twentieth anniversary program offers important and practical insights into the opportunities and challenges of this emerging era as we explore some of the most useful ways that successful nonprofit organizations and their leaders are preparing to master the forces of this new era.    

Our chief guide for this afternoon exploration will be Ruth McCambridge, Editor-in-Chief of the journal, The Nonprofit Quarterly.  McCambridge, a keen observer of the forces of change in the nation’s nonprofit sector, will challenge us with her provocative and thoughtful assessment of the nature and work of our sector, how it will and must change, and what is likely to be required of us as we build for this new era.  Ruth’s remarks will be followed by a time for all to push back – to participate in a pragmatic discussion about the issues she has raised as well as the ways that her observations are relevant to Kansas City nonprofits.  A panel discussion will complete the afternoon.  Dr. Russ Cargo of Carroll College will moderate a panel of resource specialists who will discuss specific ways that nonprofits are beginning to address some of these key issues.  Our panelists will include:

·        Ms. Rhonda Holman, on giving, philanthropy and accountability

·        Dr. Brent Never, on nonprofit finance and vulnerability

·        Ms. Cindy Laufer, on new strategies for communication in the digital world

·        Dr. David Renz, on boards, governance and accountability

·        Mr. Ben Nemenoff, on engaging a new generation of talent

Do not miss this unique opportunity to gain important insights into the ways that your agency can prepare to make the most of this new era in community!  Register now to join us for this engaging and instructive session!