#BTVSMB Social Media Breakfast & Social Hack on February 3rd

January 27, 2012 – 5:54 pm
Thanks to Rich Nadworny of Digalicious for organizing this innovative event. Seating is limited!
What happens when you mix together key social issues in Vermont, a bunch of smart people, and social & mobile technology? That’s what we’re going to find out at the #BTVSMB Social Media Breakfast & Social Hack on February 3rd.
At this all-day event at Champlain College’s Emergent Media Center we’re going to tackle a few key social issues in Vermont, by working together to design social and/or mobile solutions to help solve them.
We’ll start the day with breakfast, followed by talks by two of the smartest and inspiring people we know:
After the talks, we’ll break into a number of smaller working groups, each grouped tasked with designing a solution or prototype to a problem, using social or mobile technology. Using a collaborative creative and design process, groups of thinkers, designers and developers will work together to come up with the best idea or “hack.” At the end of the day, the entire group decides which idea we like the best. Champlain College is looking to fund further development, post-event.
Companies who are sponsoring and participating with designers, developers and other smart people include:
  • Jay Peak Resort
  • My Web Grocer
  • Select Design
  • Green Mountain Coffee Roasters
  • The Burlington Free Press
 Students from Champlain College’s MFA and Gaming Division will also participate as we work through our design thinking. The ticket price includes breakfast, lunch and beverages. Attendance is extremely limited, so if you decide to participate, we expect you to stay for the entire day.
Schedule:
7:45-8:30 Breakfast
8:30-10:30 Speakers
10:30-10:50 Break
10:50-3:00 Working groups (lunch break included)
3:00-4:00 Present group ideas and choose the best
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Recruiting for Step Up to Green Electrical and Plumbing

January 27, 2012 – 4:48 pm

Rachel Jolly of Vermont Works For Women asked us to spread the word about their newest recruitment:

VWW_Logo_REV_4cThe Building and Construction Trades Council and Vermont Works for Women are offering Step Up to Green Electrical and Plumbing; an eight week, co-ed, pre-apprenticeship course with a sustainability focus.  Starting in early March, this course will prepare participants for a career in the electrical and plumbing trades with hands-on skills, job readiness training, access to professionals and apprenticeship transition support.  Informational orientations are being offered now.

For more information contact Becky Tharp or Rachel Salloway at (802) 655-8900 ext  112 or rsalloway@vtworksforwomen.org.

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VPT Looking for NPO’s to Attend Town Hall with the Governor on 2/9

January 27, 2012 – 12:24 pm

Thanks to Chuck Pizer, the new Community Engagement Director at Vermont Public Television for this invitation.

Mr. Pizer  got in touch to see if Vermont nonprofits are interested in attending the VPT Town Hall With the Governor on Thursday February 9th from 8 – 9 p.m. The Governor will take questions from the live audience at the Vermont Public Television Studio (204 Ethan Allen Avenue in Colchester, Vermont).

Space is limited, please RSVP by Feb. 7 to engage@vpt.org or 1-800-639-3351 (Please provide a contact name, phone number & email address. We’ll contact you regarding details.) Audience must be in place by 7:30 p.m.

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Call to Participate in NPO Finance Fund Survey–Results Will Help VT NPO’s

January 26, 2012 – 9:33 pm

Following the lead of our colleagues in New Hampshire, we urge you to complete the 2012 Nonprofit Finance Fund nationwide survey that collects data on important financial issues facing organizations in our state and across the country.

Deadline: February 15th – Take the 2012 survey today!

With your help, we can gain invaluable data about the real challenges and progress being made in the Vermont nonprofit sector through  participation in the annual Nonprofit Finance Fund nationwide survey.

Now in its fourth year, NFF’s nation-wide survey provides robust data that is studied in detail by dozens of funders and featured prominently in leading publications (see previous results here). By filling the survey out, you help inform foundations, the media, government and other nonprofits about the state of the sector and showcase the smart decisions nonprofits are making to cope and adapt in difficult times.

The survey, which is anonymous and takes only 10-15 minutes to fill out, collects data on important financial and management issues facing the nonprofit sector.

Take the 2012 survey before February 15th!:

Please pass on the link above to other nonprofit leaders you know – the more survey respondents from Vermont, the more representative and accurate the findings will be for our state!

NFF will analyze the results and provide them to all of us – nonprofits, government, foundations, lending institutions, media, and umbrella organizations – in late March. Also, all survey respondents who choose to give their contact information will receive the results directly. The findings, and the comparison to previous years’ findings, will help identify the most critical areas of need in the sector.

The 2011 survey of more than 1,900 nonprofit leaders in markets nationwide found that while there are some signs of hope, many nonprofits are straining under year-after-year increases in the demand for services.

As one of the nation’s leading community development financial institutions (CDFI), Nonprofit Finance Fund® (NFF®) makes millions of dollars in loans to nonprofits and pushes for fundamental improvement in how money is given and used in the sector. Since 1980, they’ve worked to connect money to mission effectively so that nonprofits can keep doing what they do so well. NFF provides a continuum of financing, consulting, and advocacy services to nonprofits and funders nationwide.

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Job Alert: NAMI Seeks Development Director

January 26, 2012 – 1:27 pm

Pulled From the Twitter Feed @SevenDaysJobs. Have something you’d like to share with Vermont’s nonprofit community? Get in touch – Coordinator@CommonGoodVT.org, (802) 862 – 1645 ext. 21

 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Vermont (NAMI Vermont) seeks a highly motivated and experienced Development Director. NAMI Vermont’s goal is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.The Development Director works closely with the President/CEO and volunteers to provide support and leadership for all facets of fundraising for the organization, including annual giving; foundation and corporate solicitation; maintenance of donor information; and planning major fundraising and outreach events, such as NAMI Walks.

A successful candidate will be an energetic and personable representative of NAMI Vermont, with a proactive approach to outreach and record of achieving targeted goals. Bachelor’s degree, plus two years of fundraising experience required. This is a permanent 20 hour a week position. Applications due by February 10th.

To apply, send cover letter and resume, via email to: wbeinner@namivt.org

NAMI Vermont is an equal employment opportunity employer.


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UWCC: Resource Development Director

January 25, 2012 – 5:33 pm

The United Way of  Chittenden County is in search of a new Resource Development Director.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Resource Development Director will be responsible for the day-to-day management, expansion, and overall coordination of the entire range of United Way fundraising activities including: annual campaign; new business development; major gifts; planned giving; endowments and foundation grants. This position will oversee all areas with a special focus on developing a sophisticated major gifts effort, enhancing the corporate programs, and building programs for specialized constituent groups. Under the leadership of the Executive Director, this position will supervise and train the resource development staff team. Additionally this position will serve as a leader in the Chittenden County community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Major Responsibilities: Create and direct all aspects of resource development efforts, including developing a comprehensive resource development strategic plan and managing a leading major gift donor portfolio, in conjunction with the Executive Director of UWCC Support the staff in their work through high-level coordination and supervision of projects and the creation of systems within the department to ensure optimal overall performance Manage the day-to-day operations of the department, including all staff supervision, performance management and professional training Manage the Resource Development Committee (a committee of the Board of Directors) and all strategies and goals and all strategies and goals set in conjunction with the committee Oversee the development of the plan to identify, research, cultivate, solicit and steward current and prospective donors Build and enhance donor relationships and fund raising opportunities through new and emerging technologies and electronic communication strategies Facilitate and plan donor recognition and stewardship programs

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, public relations or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university or combination of directly related experience and education. Five+ years of development and managerial leadership experience in a nonprofit, governmental or for-profit corporate environment. Demonstrated track-record for developing and implementing fundraising strategies, meeting annual goals and consistently increasing revenues Knowledge and experience with e-philanthropy efforts Proven organizational and analytical skills with ability to prioritize and follow through on multiple initiatives Demonstrated ease in working with Boards, committees, volunteers and the community Experience in developing fundraising campaigns among workplace, corporate and individual donors Excellent verbal and written communication skills Personal integrity and solid reputation Ability to work within a community setting with diverse populations, including community groups, business persons, major donors, professional staff and volunteers.

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to Live United and advance the common good; to be a diverse and inclusive system is fundamental to achieving our mission and goals in Education, Income and Health. United Way of Chittenden County is committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the organization.

Email cover letter and resume to SearchCommittee@unitedwaycc.org by February 5th.
No hard copies please. Subject line must include: Resource Development Director. Be sure the document is in either Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format and please include salary requirements.

United Way of Chittenden County is an equal opportunity employer.

To review our mission, values and diversity statement, visit http://www.unitedwaycc.org/about-us/

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Pew Reports Public Priorities: Deficit Rising, Terrorism Slipping

January 24, 2012 – 5:26 pm
The Pew Research Center for People and the Press issues this report on January 23, 2012.

Economic issues continue to be the public’s highest priority as the 2012 State of the Union approaches. Fully 86% say that strengthening the economy should be a top priority for the president and Congress this year, and 82% rate improving the job situation as a top priority.

The annual policy priorities survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted Jan. 11-16 among 1,502 adults, finds that the federal budget deficit stands out as the fastest growing policy priority for Americans, largely because of increasing Republican concerns about the issue. Fully 69% rate reducing the budget deficit as a top priority — the most in any of the Pew Research Center’s annual policy priority updates going back to 1994.

Defending against terrorism and strengthening the military are given less priority today than over the course of the past decade. Republicans are placing far less emphasis on terrorism, which was their top priority in every year between 2002 and 2008, while opinions among Democrats and independents have shown far less change.

Read the full report for other major findings in these areas:

  • Social Security and Medicare
  • The environment
  • Money and politics
  • Illegal immigration
  • Tax fairness
  • Concerns about Iran
  • The federal deficit
  • Military spending
By CommonGood VT | Posted in News | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Homeless Point in Time Count Slated for January 26, 2012

January 24, 2012 – 4:33 pm

Thanks to Mary Ellen Mendel of VT 2-1-1  for news of state and local agencies teaming up for the sixth official statewide homeless point in time count on January 26 of 2012.

The Vermont Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC) and The Chittenden County Continuum of Care are again joining efforts for the sixth statewide Point in Time Count on January 26, 2012. The Continuums of Care are comprised of homeless & human service organizations as well as housing agencies and other partners that strive to eliminate homelessness  throughout Vermont. These efforts will be supported by the Agency of Human Services, the City of Burlington  the Vermont State Housing Authority, and United Ways of Vermont

The sixth coordinated Point-in-Time Count will collect data to be used by the Balance of State, Chittenden County, and local continuums in their funding applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as to provide a statewide baseline for measuring the success of housing and supportive services used to reduce the number of people who are homeless in Vermont.

Local Continuums of Care participating in this years count have participated in prior trainings to ensure an accurate count of the homeless population. For a copy of the Data Collection form or for additional information and instructions on how to administer the survey and where to send it after the count please contact:

Melinda Bussino |  Balance of State CoC Co-Chair |  badicmelinda@together.net

Kim Woolaver |  Balance of State CoC Co-Chair |  kwoolaver@goodsamaritanhaven.org

MaryEllen Mendl | Chittenden County CoC Co-Chair |  maryellen@unitedwaysvt.org

Daniel Blankenship | Vermont State Housing Authority |  daniel@VSHA.ORG

Margaret Bozik | City of Burlington|  mbozik@ci.burlington.vt.us

 

 

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Toolkit: IdeaEncores of the Week 2/24/2012

January 24, 2012 – 3:52 pm

Presented by our partner IdeaEncore, a nonprofit resource center and a community of people who exchange information, provides insightful and easy-to-consume information shared by leaders in the nonprofit sector.

IdeaEncore Logo 0909

More Money Next Year, Part 1 – Shared by Karen Eber Davis Consulting (Free)

FIO Partners Assessment Tool: Climate Survey – Shared by FIO Partners, LLC ($25)

Strategic Plan-to-Plan San Diego Cooperative Charter School – Shared by University of San Diego (Free)

The Two Hour Resource Development Assessment – Shared by Nonprofit Management Services, LLC ($5)

The (Quick) Skinny on Charitable Trusts – Shared by Notations on Non-profits (Free)


 

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News: Nonprofits Hold the Fort for US Economy, Strongest in New England

January 24, 2012 – 1:41 pm

This recent Johns Hopkins Study  finds nonprofit sector leading in national job growth! The report states “Nonprofits have been playing an unprecedented role during the current recession by responding to increased demands for services and have had to unfairly operate with a lack of access to equity funding, limits on the  ability to lobby for government contract business and other negative policy shortfalls.”

A recent study published by the Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University concluded that on the national scale, nonprofit job growth for the last decade has been greater than the for-profit sector. Analyzing national  data from 2000 through 2010, the nonprofit sector increased employment by 2.1% while the for-profit sector decreased employment by .6% on average  during the same time frame. In Vermont, nonprofit sector changes in employment have positively grown since 2000  while for-profit jobs have declined by close to 3%.

While nonprofits have certainly been negatively effected by the economic woes facing the nation, overall nonprofit employment actually grew 2.6%  during the first year of the recession and 1.2% during the second year. This is possible largely in part because many nonprofits work in fields that are less sensitive to the pressures of the business cycle,  demographic shifts that call on more nonprofits services and government support for many of these services.

Nonprofits employed nearly 10.7 million paid workers in 2010, accounting for 10.1 % of the nation’s overall private employment and places the nonprofit sector as the third largest source for jobs behind retail trade (14.7 million workers)  and manufacturing (11.5 million workers).  According to the report, nonprofits have been “holding the fort for much of the rest of the rest of the economy, creating jobs at time when other components of the economy have been shedding jobs at accelerating rates.”

Crucial findings from the report:

  • Nonprofit employment grew by 2.6 % during first year of the recession and 1.2% during second year of the recession.
  • The nonprofit sector employs twice as many workers as the wholesale trade, finance and insurance, and construction industries.
  • Nonprofit sector’s share of private employment is highest in New England reaching more than 16%.
  • Overall nonprofit employment has been growing faster than overall for-profit employment because nonprofit employment is much more heavily concentrated in service fields.
  • Government funding for many of the services nonprofits are involved with has been essential for maintaining and growing nonprofit sector jobs.
  • Demographic trends, such as the aging of the population and female participation in the workforce, are boosting overall demand for many nonprofit services.

The study suggests the significant job creation potential of the nonprofit sector needs to be nurtured in regards to national and regional efforts to boost job growth. Job promotion efforts that are intrinsincly linked t o the income tax mechanism are found to be insufficient because they leave out this vital source of job creation for which income tax incentives have little impact.

Nonprofits have been playing an unprecedented role during the current recession by responding to increased demands for services and have had to unfairly operate with a lack of access to equity funding, limits on the  ability to lobby for government contract business and other negative policy shortfalls.

The future of the nonprofit sector being a leader in job creation is at a critical juncture as public funding policy is being debated in state and the federal government  while nonprofits are experiencing unprecedented   demands for service.

Read the full report – Holding the Fort: Nonprofit Employment During a Decade of Turmoil

 

 

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