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Seminar 1 - Your Nonprofit Organization (Elise Kieffer, PhD, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University Program Director and Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Leadership Studies):

Clarifying purpose, mission, and goals; establishing a logic model and identifying intended long-term impacts; examining structure, governance, and human resources; and reviewing legal and policy implications. The content of the session will be focused on effective leadership strategy in nonprofit organizational development, and creative methods for strengthening the impact on the organization’s mission. It will set the stage for upcoming sessions that examine structure, governance, and strategic planning.

Seminar 2 - Leadership Effectiveness: Exploring Leadership Style, Gender Dynamics, and Leadership Toxicity in the Workplace (Cris Ferguson, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University Dean of Libraries):

Leadership effectiveness is impacted by a variety of factors, such as leadership style, gender dynamics, and workplace toxicity. In this session, attendees will learn about various leadership styles and how different approaches to leadership impact team dynamics and organizational culture. We will explore some of the challenges surrounding gender in leadership, and participants will gain an understanding of how gender impacts leadership practice. Lastly, attendees will learn to identify signs of toxic leadership and acquire practical strategies to mitigate its impact. Armed with this knowledge, participants will leave with actionable steps to promote effective leadership and cultivate a healthy organizational culture.

Seminar 3 - Funding and Financial Sustainability (Tina Bernot, Ph.D., Executive Director of Development, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University):

Understanding the creative and leading role that funding plays in organizational effectiveness; building a working appreciation for financial management functions; and establishing an interconnected and collaborative strategy for fund development, financial management, and long-term sustainability. The content of the session will include the fundamentals of financial management and development, including quality practices and proven strategies for fundraising and financial sustainability.

Seminar 4 - Basic Strategic Plan Components and Application (Chris Wooldridge, Faculty and Director of Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University):

This strategic planning seminar assists nonprofit leaders clarify their vision and mission, identify their values and goals and incorporate internal and external aspects of the operation into an actionable plan. Participants will learn the basic strategic plan framework and process. The session is interactive, grounded in real nonprofit challenges, and designed to support confident, future-focused decision-making.

Seminar 5 - Engaging the Nonprofit Sector Support Resources and Infrastructure (Chris Dockins, Ph.D., Managing Director, All Points North Foundation):

Exploring the nonprofit sector support resources; identifying those that most align with your needs and challenges; mapping the nonprofit sector infrastructure and support systems; building a plan of action and schedule for engaging support resources and infrastructure; and distributing responsibility to key stakeholders for exploring and connecting with the selected opportunities. The content of the session will focus on understanding the organization's potential place in the larger system and strategies for engaging and capitalizing on available resources.

Seminar 6 - Broadening Your Circle of Support and Capacity (Gina Winchester, Calloway County Deputy Judge Executive):

Mapping the people and organizations that support your constituents and are dedicated to your mission; developing strategies to build or strengthen relationships and formal connections across the map; considering the creation of a formal network of kindred spirits to promote collaboration and support for your mission; and select some starting points for cooperative efforts that will enhance the mission of your organization and the other’s. The content of the session will be focused on claiming the public space, being valued as a community resource, and owning the right to be engaged in leadership roles across the community on activities that relate to the organization’s mission.

Seminar 7 - Strengthening and Motivating Volunteers and Staff (Robin Esau, Professor of Nonprofit Leadership, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University):

Establishing quality practices in nonprofit volunteer and staff development: understanding the value of multi-goal team building experiences; determining a set of next steps to take toward stronger engagement and commitment; and identifying methods of assessing progress. The content of the session will include effective strategies for management and supervision, needs analysis practices for development of human resource structures, and an exploration of the roles of leadership in organizational and individual performance assessment.

Seminar 8 - Effective Organization and Program Delivery (Mike Gowen, Professor of Nonprofit Leadership, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä State University):

Studying quality practices of organizational and program evaluation; creating a customized logic model to guide evaluation and assessment; increasing understanding of comprehensive organizational development strategies; establishing a plan of action for implementing a strategic planning process customized to the organization; practicing the art of identifying priorities and articulating goals that align with the mission; and committing to the application of the lessons learned throughout the certification sessions. The content of the session will include basic program development approaches that ensure collective alignment with organizational mission and strategies. The focus is on the identification of guiding principles and impact indicators that advance the mission and upon which programs are developed and evaluated.