Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD unveiled three new tools designed to improve the health of Vermonters at an April 4 briefing for Health Department staff and partners.

Check out the Performance Dashboard and Toolkit.

Watch VIDEO on the Performance Dashboard and Toolkit.

“Even in the healthiest state, there are challenges ahead,” said Dr. Chen. “Nearly 100,000 of us still smoke. Like other Americans, we are growing more overweight. Not all babies and children are protected
against vaccine-preventable diseases, and we have too-high rates of binge drinking, substance abuse and suicide. That’s why it’s so important that we very deliberately and strategically set our course for better health.”

Now available online at healthvermont.gov are two new plans and a new performance management tool:

Healthy Vermonters 2020 documents the health status of Vermonters at the start of the decade, and sets population health indicators and goals that will guide the work of public health through the decade. More than 100 goals are detailed within 21 focus areas – such as maternal and infant health, immunizations and infectious disease, alcohol and other drug use, and cancer.

State Health Improvement Plan 2013-2017 prioritizes three broad priorities for the next five years and strategies that have been proven to be effective in 1) reducing the prevalence of chronic disease, 2) reducing the prevalence of substance abuse and mental illness, and 3) improving childhood immunizations.

Healthy Vermonters Toolkit/Performance Dashboard is a new online tool to track our progress in real time for improving population health indicators (such as smoking rates) and program performance measures (such as the number of registrants with the Vermont Quit Network). Data can also be viewed on maps and as trends by county, health department district office area, and hospital service area.

Hard copy publications of Healthy Vermonters 2020 and the State Health Improvement Plan will also be available at the Health Department’s 12 district offices.

Visit the Health Department at http://healthvermont.gov, follow us on Twitter and join us on Facebook for health information, news and alerts.

Common Good VT attended this free webinar and would like to again thank Nonprofit Vote 2012for their expertise in producing this great online event and a special thank you to the presenter, Founder and Director of Nonprofit Vote, Mr. George Pillsbury.  There are many many great resources on the Nonprofit Vote website, especially on the “Resources” section here.  You can also find them on Twitter @NPVote or your next-favorite social media outlet by visiting their website or blog.

Video Here:

You can also download the PowerPoint presentation and the audio portion of the presentation, or browse all of their voter engagement resources.

Senator Patrick Leahy announces significant new funding for water quality, fisheries and ecosystem restoration work on Lake Champlain during the coming year. The federal dollars, just recently confirmed, are part of the FY2012 budget.

Leahy is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the funds he secures for Vermont have long been the main engine for cleanup efforts involving the Lake and its watershed.

More Video

http://www.cctv.org/stream-player-build?nid=115405&streamtype=broadband&link=no

++ VCF Staff will be hosting an online Q & A to answer pre-application questions on March 19, 3 – 4 p.m.++

Christopher Kaufman-Ilstrup, philanthropic advisor for the Vermont Community Foundation, unveils the first of three new Community Fund grant programs, Innovations & Collaborations, which is designed to support Vermont nonprofits that come up with new ways of working and reach across issue areas to collectively solve community problems. He summarizes the goals, eligibility, and indicators of success for this program and also talks about other changes to the Community Fund.

The Innovations & Collaborations pre-application will be available online by March 15and the application deadline is April 2.

More information can be found at www.vermontcf.org/available-grants.

Honoring persons whose leadership has advanced the Legacy Plan vision through work on social equity, environmental stewardship, quality education, and/or economic growth and vitality in Burlington, Host Beth Truzansky, Coordinator of Community and Neighborhood Services at Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO), speaks with Chapin Spencer, Executive Director of Local Motion, and Hal Colston, Executive Director of SerVermont

Watch Part I for:

- Common Good Vermont’s 2012 Annual Meeting
with Anne Lezak and Lauren Glenn Davitian

- Opening Remarks
with Speaker of the House Shap Smith

- Nonprofit Legislative Briefing
Panelists:  Jessica Oski/ Sirotkin & Necrason , Mark Larson/ Commissioner of VT Dept. of Health Access, Todd Bailey, KSE Partners

– Preview of the Days’ Schedule. & How To: Fan Out, Learn, Be Known
Presenting: Liz Schlegel, Central Vermont Community Action Council
Andrew Maclean, Maclean, Meehan & Rice, LL

Read the Full Report from Vermont Nonprofit Legislative Day 2012

Watch Part II:

- Secrets of Successful Advocacy w/ James Haslam,/Director of VT Worker’s Center, Floyd Nease/ Director of VT Association for Mental Health, Jacqueline Majoros,/State Ombudsman for VT Legal Aid

- Meeting with Governor Peter Shumlin: Challenges Facing the Nonprofit Sector

Watch Part II for”

Vermont’s Congressional Delegation provides the latest on what’s happening in Washington, D.C.. Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Peter Welch. This is the second of the 2012 Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce‘s annual Legislative Breakfast Series.

Trine Bech, Founder and Executive Director of the Vermont Parent Representation Center speaks with Common Good Vermont about the importance of data driven management for nonprofit organizations.

Trine is a champion of Results Based Accountability and has extensive experience with the designing and implementing systems for measuring the effectiveness of social service programs in support of child abuse prevention. Trine admits that she is “addicted” to Results Based Accountability and provides consultation on this topic.

REGISTER NOW: VT NONPROFIT CONFERENCE: BENCHMARKS FOR A BETTER VERMONT

Results-based accountability with the United Way of Chittenden County

Monica Weeber (Director of Planning & Organizational Development) and Amy Carmola Hauf (Director of Community Impact & Engagement) of the United Way of Chittenden County discuss how nonprofits can improve their effectiveness with Results Based Accountability (RBA). They provide an overview of the RBA approach and discuss how Vermont nonprofits can learn more through the Benchmarks for a Better Vermont program.

The program provides a robust discussion of how the United Way of Chittenden County has established county wide measures of well being and supported their member agencies to address these issues through a practical application of performance measures and RBA.

More on the Benchmarks for a Better Vermont Project.

Recorded on November 14th, 2011 Part 2 of the Vermont Community Foundation’s annual meeting features an Irene recovery panel discussion with a Q&A session with Panelists : Neale Lunderville, Irene Disaster Recovery Czar, David Coates, Chair, Vermont Long Term Disaster Recovery Group, Chuck Ross, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Andrea Cohen, Vermont, Businesses for Social Responsibility, Sara Kobylenski, Upper Valley Haven, Upper Valley Strong and Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup, The Vermont Community Foundation .

Part I of the Meeting

Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters:

Thank you for getting to work so quickly. This is the earliest budget address in a decade, enabling us to accomplish the important work Vermonters sent us to do and adjourn in a timely fashion. Since my budget is being presented before the official revenue forecast is updated, refinements may be required if projections change significantly.

Today, I present a budget that makes the necessary choices to match our
spending with Vermonters’ ability to pay. This is a balanced budget that
protects our most vulnerable, strategically invests new dollars in making
Vermont the education state, and builds on our strong jobs future.

Last year, we made tough choices to close a $176 million gap. Today, I
present a budget that closes a $51 million shortfall without raising broad-
based taxes on hardworking Vermonters who continue to struggle to make
ends meet. This budget also preserves programs for Vermont’s most
vulnerable: our seniors, Vermonters with disabilities, our children, and those
who live in poverty.

***

We face two challenges this year: to rebuild this state better than Irene found
us, and to continue to build our bright jobs future. To those who say we can’t
do both at the same time, I say: we must.

We start by getting credit to entrepreneurs when they need it most. In
partnership with Treasurer Beth Pearce, we are asking the legislature to
increase the state’s moral obligation support for VEDA by up to $30 million.

Next, with over 600 historic buildings in our downtowns flooded by Irene,
many Vermonters who were put out of work are counting on us. I am
proposing an additional $500,000 in downtown tax credits. Each dollar leverages 16 additional dollars in job creation, and every million dollars
creates 110 new jobs.

For the municipalities hit by Irene, I recommend we provide assistance in
two ways: first, my budget increases the state match for town highways
on the federal aid system. Second, for those towns whose storm damage
completely overwhelms their ability to pay, the state will pay your entire
share of the FEMA match. My message to towns is clear: we stand with you
all the way as we rebuild together.

Many individuals and communities are facing tough decisions about whether
to rebuild in flood plains. The FEMA buyout program only covers 75
percent of the pre-disaster property value. The goal is for the state to cover
the remaining 25 percent where needed. Through the Vermont Housing and
Conservation Board we will provide a minimum of $2 million in matching
funds for Vermonters who seek buyouts for destroyed homes and towns who
seek flood mitigation.

Vermont’s transportation infrastructure pre-Irene was crumbling before
our eyes. We will take the lessons from Irene to rebuild our roads, bridges,
and rail stronger, faster, and more affordably. My budget proposes the
largest transportation program in Vermont history by adding $45 million
to desperately needed paving and bridge projects. It also increases town
highway aid by $1.5 million, the first such increase in six years.

We must turn the devastating flooding at our state office complex into
opportunity by building efficient, effective, green state workspace for the
future.

The following principles must inform our decisions as we consider how to
rebuild:

One, when making capital investments of taxpayer dollars of this magnitude
in real estate, facts really matter: weighing the cost of each of our options is
critical.

Two, with more intense storms looming large in our climate change future,
our investments must be protected from getting washed away by future
storms.

Three, we will use this opportunity to co-locate and integrate state agencies
that share a common mission.

I recommend the following actions:

First, it should be clear from the effective collaboration of the past four
months that the Agencies of Transportation, Natural Resources, and
Commerce be co-located and integrated on a permanent basis. It makes
sense to consolidate them in space that we are currently leasing at National
Life in Montpelier.

Second, the Department of Education is currently functioning in
two different locations in central Vermont, inhibiting efficiency and
collaboration. I recommend relocating the Department of Education to the
office building being proposed in the heart of Barre by Mayor Lauzon,
Representative Poirier and others. This action will help revitalize Barre’s
downtown and return it to a vibrant center for commerce and job creation.

Third, the Agency of Human Services is scattered between Washington
and Chittenden Counties. This inhibits our ability to provide seamless and
integrated service to the people who need state government most. I ask you
to support me in reuniting AHS into one location in central Vermont.

My first choice is to unite them in Waterbury. Before we make that decision,
we must first ensure that we can keep it dry and modernize the workspace
affordably.

Rebuilding in Waterbury would be ideal. My administration, working with
the legislature, will move as quickly as we possibly can, as our architects
and engineers develop the multiple scenarios under consideration.

Whatever the outcome, it is unlikely that the significant costs incurred will
be entirely covered by FEMA or insurance. That’s why I am requesting
that the House and Senate Institutions Committees redirect $18 million of
previously approved projects to help cover the investments that lie ahead.

***

Irene has also delivered an opportunity to create an outstanding mental
health system for Vermont.

We will not return to the State Hospital, whose decrepit condition did not
dignify our most vulnerable Vermonters or high quality of care provided
by our state employees. Since that fateful August day when we evacuated
the hospital, we have worked tirelessly with our mental health community –
state employees, community providers, hospitals and designated agencies,
to put in place a plan to address our short-term crisis and design a long-term
solution.

Guided by the simple principle that quality care for the patient is our
top priority, we will expand community services, increase peer services,
enhance hospital care regionally, and build a new state of the art facility.

In our effort to achieve mental health parity, it is inexcusable that we require
patients seeking acute care for mental illness to travel far from home to
receive it. Our plan allows for acute care and community-based care in
multiple locations throughout Vermont to keep patients close to home.

While we should be proud of our collective response since our hospital was
flooded, let us not forget that we remain in a crisis situation. While we have
been fortunate to avert disaster or loss of life thus far, that could change at
any moment.

I appreciate your commitment to address this emergency in an expedited
fashion. Your authorization of the acute care beds at the Brattleboro Retreat,
Rutland Regional, and in Windsor County cannot happen soon enough.
Vermont’s taxpayers will be relieved to learn that most of these costs will
likely be paid for by FEMA. We must also break ground on our new state
16-bed state operated facility in central Vermont this summer. I am counting
on you to put a bill on my desk by February 17 that implements this plan and
moves us from crisis management to quality care.

***

Some critics have argued that this session we must limit any discretionary
spending to only Irene-incurred expenses. I say: we must not pit Vermonters
against Vermonters. We must not say to our low-income seniors in
Springfield that we can’t provide heating assistance to keep them warm
this winter because Irene did not impact them directly. We must not tell
small businesses in the Northeast Kingdom that they don’t deserve support or a struggling dairy farmer in Swanton that we can’t help them stay in
farming because they were not impacted by Irene. Pitting Vermonter against
Vermonter is not the Vermont way, it’s not Vermont Strong, and we must
not do it.

***

Building the best education system in the country will create jobs.

My budget proposal includes a $282 million appropriation to the Education
Fund. For the second year in a row, we are increasing Education Fund
dollars, this year by $6 million, in our effort to hold the line on property
taxes.

Recognizing that in recent years, Vermonters gathering at town meeting
have chosen to spend more per pupil than almost any other state in America,
I commend our local school boards for holding the line on new spending
over the past two years and urge them to do it again. Rising property taxes
continue to be a tremendous burden for Vermonters struggling in this
recovery, and a failure by local boards to hold the line again will result in
unacceptable property tax increases. As student enrollment continues to
decline, we are finally seeing a downward trend in the number of teachers
and staff, which should make level funding our school budgets even more
achievable.

I am a strong supporter of local control. I firmly believe that we in
Montpelier should never live under the illusion that we should decide
which schools stay open and which schools consolidate. However, we can
save money and retain local control by cutting administrative costs and
consolidating supervisory unions. Senator Kevin Mullin has proposed
consolidating our 60 supervisory unions, reducing bureaucracy and saving
taxpayers roughly $9 million each year. This bold proposal deserves your
consideration.

Your recently released school funding study demonstrates that, through Act
68, Vermont has found more success than any other state in converting the
regressive property tax into fair education funding.

Now is our time to move on from the old battles about whether our
financing system works. The opportunity now is to partner with our locally controlled education community to do the more important and difficult job
of enhancing creativity and quality for every student.

Our challenge is two-fold. First, despite our progress in achieving equity,
educational achievement continues to stubbornly track family income.
Second, our delivery system leans too heavily on the rigid model that time
spent together in class with blackboard and pencil will collectively result in
acquisition of skills for our diversity of learners.

From early education to higher education and technical school, we have
among the most innovative offerings in the country. By creating a seamless
system that allows each student to take advantage of these offerings, we
will achieve excellence. However, we have to have the courage to do some
things differently.

We must start by elevating the Commissioner of Education to the Secretary
of Education, appointed by the governor.

We must also continue to partner with our local communities to expand
access to pre-K education. Last year, we lifted the cap that gives every
community equal access to quality pre-K education. Continuing to build
universal pre-K in Vermont will assure a strong start for every student.

Flexibility is critical for all students, and I strongly believe that expanding
our limited school choice to all of our public high schools in Vermont
will enhance innovation. Additionally, allowing high school juniors and
seniors to take college courses for college credit wherever they choose will
make higher education more affordable for low- and middle-income, first-
generation students. This flexibility, with the money following the student,
should be available to all high school juniors and seniors in Vermont.

In my travels to businesses across the state, I hear consistently a similar
story: businesses are hiring, but they can’t find enough Vermonters with
skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

To address this growing problem, I propose an $8 million innovation
investment in the University of Vermont and the Vermont State Colleges.
This one-time investment from the Higher Education Trust Fund will still
leave the fund ten percent higher than last year.

Under my proposal, the University of Vermont will use its one-time
investment of $4 million to undertake the following:

Expand successful university-industry partnerships, giving seniors
the opportunity to get hands-on job experience with businesses and
nonprofits.

Create an international center of excellence in complex systems at
UVM that will enhance economic growth. The new multi-million
dollar Sandia National Laboratory is just one example of the kind of
innovation this investment will stimulate.

Develop a program that facilitates the re-entry of critically needed
science and engineering professionals back into our workforce. By
targeting women who have temporarily left their fields, often to raise
families, we can help retain already skilled workers.

The Vermont State Colleges will use its $4 million to:

Allow more high school students to enroll full-time in college during
their senior year, saving their families money and getting a head start
on finishing a college degree.

Create an applied educational institute supporting the renaissance in
the agricultural and food production sectors.

Improve access to CCV and VTC in southern Vermont by supporting
a consolidated academic center in downtown Brattleboro. Both CCV
and VTC School of Nursing now operate in antiquated leased space;
this investment will be an economic shot in the arm for downtown
Brattleboro, which has been hit hard by fires and floods.

We hear a lot about the need to invest in innovation and the future
workforce; this is an opportunity to back our words with action, and I urge
you to support these initiatives.

***
To build jobs, we know that strong, coordinated marketing of the Green
Mountain State led by the Department of Tourism and Marketing, works.
Leaf peepers poured into Vermont despite Irene. To keep our tourism
industry vibrant, my budget fully funds our marketing efforts.

Manufacturing in Vermont is showing signs of life. I have asked Secretary
Lawrence Miller to lead an Advanced Manufacturing Initiative that will bring together education, industry, labor, and government to make
recommendations about how to advance the manufacturing gains we are
making.

One way to grow jobs is to make sure our permit process is predictable,
transparent and timely. Secretary Markowitz and Natural Resources
Board Chair Shems have been holding public meetings around the state,
hearing from hundreds of Vermonters about what works and what should be
improved in our permit process.

The message is clear: we need more efficiency and transparency. Under Act
250, when an applicant or neighborhood group makes their case before the
local environmental commission, that should count for something. I ask the
legislature to require the environmental court to use the commission’s record
of the hearing to settle an appeal, avoiding the costly and inefficient process
of starting all over again.

***

Stewardship of our natural resources requires us to manage our wildlife and
habitat by promoting hunting and fishing. Hunters and anglers have been
the backbone of Vermont’s fish and wildlife conservation efforts for many
years.

Unfortunately, over the last seven years, General Fund dollars appropriated
to the department have plummeted by almost 60 percent. As a lifelong
hunter, I know firsthand how important hunting and fishing is to Vermont’s
quality of life and economic success. It is clear to me that we can no longer
rely solely on revenue from hunting and fishing licenses to adequately
support our fish and wildlife resources. That is why my budget includes a
150 percent increase to $2.4 million to Fish and Wildlife, an investment that
leverages nearly $8 million in federal dollars to ensure a bright future for
Vermont’s sportsmen and women.

***

One year into our war on recidivism, we are seeing progress. Despite
corrections spending doubling in the past decade, at an average cost of
$48,000 per year per inmate, our incarcerated population is finally declining
and is now at the same level as eight years ago. Our progress represents a $2.5 million savings since last year.

I propose reinvesting half of these savings to deliver on our promise of
providing housing, counseling, job training, drug and alcohol prevention and
treatment to non-violent offenders who have completed their sentences. This
will add 93 community based treatment beds to help us win the war.

Our fight against prescription opiate addiction is directly related to our
war on recidivism. There are three components to addressing this growing
epidemic.

The first, as I outlined last week, is giving law enforcement access to the
Prescription Drug Monitoring System.

Second, our Department of Health is creating a cutting edge system that
will increase substance abuse treatment for the many Vermonters who
desperately need it.

Third, we will work with prescribers to help them implement best practices
to responsibly dispense addictive opiates.

***

A final word about my budget proposal: last year at this podium, I called on
the legislature to raise our reserves to eight percent as soon as we return to
better times. As the first step toward that goal, I am recommending a down
payment of $3.1 million to the stabilization fund. Should revenues exceed
our forecasts in future years, I will insist that we go the rest of the way to
fulfill this commitment.

***

I know I have outlined an ambitious agenda to rebuild our state while we
create a better economic future for all Vermonters. While I believe strongly
in the principles and proposals I have outlined today, I also welcome your
suggestions for improvement. This year, as last, we will work together in a
bipartisan spirit to do our best for the state we love.

Thank you, let’s get to work.

2012 Training Calendar

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General
Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters:

Thank you. It’s been such a privilege to serve as Vermont’s governor over
the past year. Our partnership of community, courage, and common purpose
that has empowered us through the unprecedented challenges dumped
upon us by Mother Nature, combined with our willingness to make the
tough choices necessary to grow jobs and economic opportunities for all
Vermonters, has made us stronger.

I want to recognize a few of the thousands of Vermonters who have made us
so proud in the last year, and serve as symbols of Vermont at its best.

We are so grateful to the dedicated women and men of our armed forces,
whose service both overseas and during the Irene recovery has been
exemplary. Please join me in honoring our Vermont troops, led by Gen.
Michael Dubie.

The magnitude of devastation from Tropical Storm Irene astounded General
Dubie and me as we landed in community after community in the days after
the storm. I knew that we needed effective, experienced leaders to help us
cut through bureaucracy and rebuild at breakneck speed as we raced winter
weather. I am so grateful to our Irene Recovery Officer Neale Lunderville,
who took a leave from his job to join our team in Vermont’s time of need.
Neale, all Vermonters join me in thanking you for your selfless service to
the state you love.

This has been an especially tough year for Vermont’s local government
leaders. I want to acknowledge four of our storm-tested, hard-working
mayors: Thom Lauzon, Barre; Marty Manahan, St. Albans; Chris Louras,
Rutland; Mary Hooper, Montpelier: please stand so we can acknowledge
your service to Vermont.

I also want to acknowledge an outstanding legal mind and a pioneer in civil
rights who made history this year by joining the Vermont Supreme Court.
Justice Robinson, thank you for your service to justice in Vermont.

***

Today I report to you on the state of the greatest state in the nation, one that
has demonstrated over the course of the past year what it means to be united
as one community to overcome tragedy. In the wake of a deep recession,
two spring storms, and a tropical storm that devastated our infrastructure and
exacted an unimaginable toll on the lives of thousands of Vermonters, I can
tell you without reservation or exaggeration: the state of our state is strong.
Vermont strong!

From Halifax to Hartford, Wilmington to Waterbury, Roxbury to Richmond,
the hundreds of individual actions of bravery and courage in the days and
months after Irene will be forever etched in my memory. I want to share one
of them.

Rutland Mayor Chris Louras, who like most local leaders was working long
days without sleep after Irene, called me every few hours with progress
updates on the unfolding tragedy – the search for Mike Garofano and
his son, who went missing during the storm. With Route 4 nothing but a
streambed in sections where roadway once ran, I came in by National Guard
helicopter to join Mayor Louras and give son Tommy Garofano a bear hug
from all Vermonters.

Tommy’s dad, Mike Sr., grew up in Rutland and went to work for the city
for over 30 years, rising to become the manager of the water plant, a job to
which he dedicated his life. Mike and his wife Sally had two sons – Mike Jr.,
known also as Little Mike, and Tommy; Mike also had a son Robby. Robby
lost his life in a tragic accident in 2010, and Little Mike and Tommy’s tight
bond with their mom and dad helped them all in the face of such adversity.

On the evening of Irene, with Mendon Brook raging, Mike and Little Mike
braved through the storm to the water plant to check on the inlet valve that
Mike had closed the previous day to make sure polluted water would not
enter the city’s reservoir. It was a risk, but they were determined to protect
Rutland’s water supply. With Mendon Brook carving craters where solid soil

once stood, the banks gave way, sweeping them both away. Mike’s body
was retrieved the next day, but the search for Little Mike went on for weeks.

While Sally was comforted by family and friends, Tommy heroically joined
the search and rescue effort, digging through mountains of Irene’s debris
looking for his brother.

Today on behalf of our state, we honor two Vermont heroes, Michael
Garofano and Michael Garofano, Jr. with a promise that we will never
forget. Joining us in the chamber are Sally and Tommy Garofano.

To Sally and Tommy — and the families of the six other Vermonters who
lost their lives as a result of Tropical Storm Irene — our admiration and
support will never cease. Thank you.

As Mayor Louras and I gave what comfort we could to Tommy on that day
at Mendon Brook, something else happened that characterizes Vermont
strong. With Route 4 shut down, and community after community isolated
islands where roads and bridges once served, brothers John and Doug
Casella had an idea. Doug said, “Governor, you get the Department of Motor
Vehicles to lift the ban on hauling heavy equipment across what’s left of
our roads and get us permission to retrieve some of the rock and gravel that
Irene washed from our roads into our streams, and we’ll partner with other
private contractors like Belden Company, Markowski Excavating, Mosher
Excavating, Wilk Paving, the Agency of Transportation and the National
Guard. We can have Route 4 open in three weeks.”

As soon as I got high enough in the chopper to actually have cell
service in Vermont, I called Secretary Searles, Secretary Markowitz and
Commissioner Ide, and within hours, our team applied Doug’s request, not
just to Rutland, but to the whole state of Vermont. And guess what? Nine
days later, Route 9 from Brattleboro to Wilmington to Bennington: Open.
18 days later, Route 4 from Woodstock to Rutland: Open. And today, all the
roads destroyed by Irene: Open!

Team Casella, Belden, Wilk, Mosher, Markowski are here today, and
I would ask you to please stand. You represent the many Vermont
construction companies who, along with AOT, the Vermont National Guard
and Guard troops from around the country rebuilt us Vermont Strong, and
Vermont honors you today.

In this public/private partnership, with winter looming, we did it right,
with Vermont ingenuity, fiscal prudence, and common sense. We rebuilt,
for 35 cents on the dollar, bringing total estimated damage down to $250
million for state roads and infrastructure, and $140 million for town roads.
Thanks to the skill of the best Congressional delegation in America, Senator
Leahy, Senator Sanders and Congressman Welch, the Leahy amendment
became law, ensuring that Vermont will get the federal aid we need in our
time of need, reducing our projected cost to the General Fund to under $30
million. Please join me in recognizing the great work of Senator Patrick
Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Congressman Peter Welch as well as
our partners at FEMA.

***

There are two Irene lessons that we must seize from our experience over the
past four months.

The first lesson is clear: if after Irene we can rebuild over 500 miles of
damaged roads and 34 bridges in four months for a fraction of normal
cost, with dwindling federal funds in our future, we must apply those
lessons to maintaining and rebuilding Vermont’s aging transportation
infrastructure from this point forward. We will build faster, smarter, and
more economically.

Instead of having state workers bunkered in their individual agencies,
processing paper, we broke down the silos, forming a partnership between
AOT, ANR, private contractors, and municipalities. Contracting procedures
were modified; access to stone and gravel was expedited; dangerous debris
was removed from brooks and streams as engineers worked together with
environmental experts to get the job done. Projects that pre-Irene would
have taken years got done in months; environmental quality was preserved;
taxpayer dollars were saved; and roads and bridges were built to withstand
the assault of extreme weather that looms even larger in our future.

The second lesson comes from the remarkable tenacity of the hundreds of
small businesses that were drowned in water and mud, putting hard working
Vermonters out of work overnight. A year ago at this podium, I pledged the
following: My jobs agenda will expand the ability of emerging entrepreneurs
and businesses to get access to capital when they need it most.

When Lt. Gov. Phil Scott and I traveled the state together, reaching out to
the hundreds of small businesses shuttered by triple storms, our message
to job creators was: We stand by you, we stand with you, and the state of
Vermont will do its part in helping you get back on your feet.

Partnering with the Vermont Economic Development Authority, we created
an emergency low interest loan program that, with minimal bureaucracy
and maximum effectiveness, got credit of up to $100,000 to crippled job
creators within days. More than 340 businesses and farms were granted
loans, totaling $15.3 million. With liquidity, Vermont ingenuity and hard
work, miracle after miracle happened as business after business reopened.

Bartleby’s Bookstore in Wilmington: Open
Leader Home Center in Brattleboro: Open
Simon Pierce in Windsor: Open
The Red Wagon Toy Company in Woodstock: Open
Winhall Market in Bondville: Open
Sunrise General Store in Bridgewater Corners: Open
Wall-Goldfinger in Northfield: Open
Nelson Hardware in Barre: Open
The Rochester Café: Open
American Flatbread in Waitsfield: Open
Positive Pie in Montpelier: Open

And the list goes on and on. The lesson for Vermont government in helping
to grow jobs in Vermont is simple: Getting credit to entrepreneurs when
they need it most grows prosperity and grows jobs. In fact, there is nothing
standing in the way of Vermont’s job creators that cannot be made right by
a partnership with state government that is built on a foundation of common
sense, trust, and expedited risk credit for businesses when others won’t lend.

Vermont’s response to Irene perfectly illustrates the strong state of our
state. Perhaps the greatest lesson that we can take from the challenge of
the previous four months is that despite Irene’s devastation, despite our
heartbreak and pain, we are bound by common purpose.

We are also bound by tragic loss. To the hundreds of Vermonters who
lost so much – lost their house, lost their belongings, lost the land that
their homes rested on or the land they tilled, we stand with you in the long

recovery that lies ahead, to help you close the gap between your hopes
and dreams that were washed away and the paltry $30,200 maximum
reimbursement afforded you by our federal government. While we know that
we can never make you whole, our resolve as your neighbors and friends to
continue to help you rebuild your lives remains as strong as ever.

We are so grateful to everyone who has stepped up and contributed, from
the students at Moretown Elementary School who passed a jar in class to
the countless church groups, non-profits and private companies who have
contributed millions of dollars. Vermont musicians like Phish and Grace
Potter held concerts that raised well over $1 million, and Tony Pomerleau,
who just recently pledged a very generous $1 million to the Vermont
Disaster Relief Fund. At a youthful 93, Tony is here today. Tony, we thank
you for your generosity.

Vermonters have been so generous, but we have many miles to travel before
we rest and many dollars to raise before we sleep. In that spirit, we are
pleased to introduce our new Vermont Strong license plates, which can be
purchased at vtstrong.vermont.gov. If you purchase this plate for the front
of your vehicle, the proceeds will go to the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund to
help those who need us.

***

I could devote this entire speech to our recovery, because I do believe that
Tropical Storm Irene represents a defining moment in Vermont’s history.
But now is our moment to apply that same courage, strength and ingenuity
to our most pressing need: growing jobs and prosperity for all Vermonters.

Having witnessed what Vermont can do together, I have never been more
optimistic about our ability to keep getting tough things done to help us
grow jobs in 2012.

If we can rebuild destroyed roads and bridges in less than four months,
we can meet my promise of connecting every corner of Vermont to high
speed internet and vastly improved cell service by the end of 2013. In the
past year, we have connected 7,500 locations, and installed 1,600 miles of
fiber in our ongoing effort to connect Vermont. We are going to keep our
promise of closing Vermont’s connectivity gap and we are going to grow
jobs as we connect.

If we can rebuild our transportation infrastructure at 35 cents on the dollar,
we can lead the nation in arresting the skyrocketing cost of health care that
is hurting job growth and picking the pockets of our struggling middle class.
Your Green Mountain Health Board is hard at work building that system
now.

If we can reopen hundreds of flooded businesses in 14 weeks, we can
transform Vermont into the innovative education leader, where from early
childhood to higher education to continuing education, we train employees
for the prosperous jobs of our future. In my budget address next week, in
addition to addressing the challenges and opportunities of replacing our state
hospital and state office complex, I will propose significant state investments
in higher education and dual enrollment, all aimed at making Vermont
students even more competitive and creating opportunities for employers to
recruit the employees they are now seeking.

If we can turn the lights back on in just three days for over 70,000 utility
customers, thanks to the heroic work of our utilities, we can create jobs by
harnessing the sun, wind, water, forests and fields to produce community-
generated renewable power. We have made progress this past year, but we
need to keep building. This session, I will propose requiring an affordable
and achievable Renewable Energy Portfolio standard that sets a goal to
obtain 75 percent renewable electricity in 20 years. I will also recommend
that Vermont build on our Standard Offer program so that we can build
faster.

If we can reconnect hundreds of miles of washed out dirt roads in just days
so that milk trucks can get to our dairy farmers who had to dump milk
during the storm, we can create jobs by fueling the renaissance in locally
grown Vermont food. This year we will continue to focus on farm to plate,
farm to fork, buy local, and farmer’s markets, while addressing the challenge
of producing enough Vermont-grown milk to meet the needs of our value-
added dairy companies.

If we can build partnerships between state and municipal governments to
keep our citizens safe and secure, we can work together to address two of
the most serious problems we face: winning the war on recidivism, and
stemming the epidemic abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opiates, that
is driving crime and destroying the lives of too many of our neighbors.

Next week, I will also propose changes to our Prescription Drug Monitoring
System. Access to the system by law enforcement needs to recognize an
individual’s right to privacy while giving law enforcement the tools they
need to track down abusive access so we can fight our prescription drug
epidemic. This growing problem is so frightening because while FDA-
approved prescription opiates are easy to get, many are just as addicting and
dangerous as street heroin and crack cocaine.

***

Since taking office a year ago, I have visited countless businesses
throughout the state, and met with small business owners, from Bo Muller-
Moore who had a simple idea to put the phrase “Eat More Kale” on t-
shirts and now works 14 hour days to fill orders from across the country, to
Briar and Adam Alpert of BioTek, a global leader in medical applications
technology. I am so optimistic about our jobs future, and every day I see
evidence of Vermont’s entrepreneurial success.

But we have a lot more work to do. Too many Vermonters continue to
struggle to make ends meet for themselves and their families.

But to those who say that Vermont is a bad place to do business, that our
bold policies for job growth aren’t getting results, that our optimism about
Vermont’s jobs future is not matched by progress, I ask you to consider
these facts: our unemployment rate at the peak of the recession was 7.3
percent; today it is among the lowest in America at 5.3 percent. Chittenden
County now enjoys the fourth lowest unemployment rate in America. Over
the past year, new jobs in Vermont grew by 62 percent over the prior year,
more than any other state in the nation. Vermont ranked second in a recent
study of how well states use tax breaks and economic development subsidies
to actually create jobs.

If you don’t believe the data, I invite you to join me on the road, reaching
out to Vermont’s job creators. Here are a few that I have visited this year.

In Newport, Bill Stenger is working on several projects in Orleans County
in addition to building a world class four-season resort at Jay Peak that
employs hundreds of Vermonters. Bill and his partners are bringing Anc/
Bio and four other new projects that represent a $350 million investment

and will produce 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in the heart of the Northeast
Kingdom.

In Rutland, GE continues to expand one of the largest GE manufacturing
plants of jet engines in the nation for both commercial and military aircraft.

In Castleton, Hubbardton Forge is on track to meet its goal of doubling its
sales in five years.

In Barre, SB Electronics is up and running, with capacity to produce parts
for 100,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles within three years.

In Essex, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is building a new plant that will
employ hundreds of additional Vermonters and help fuel the exceptional
growth of one of America’s most successful companies.

Next door in Essex Junction, IBM continues to innovate and create the
jobs of the future. Vermont’s IBM plant is thriving and adding jobs, and
is now one of the world’s largest producers of semiconductor technology,
employing 6,000 people.

In Arlington, Mack Molding continues to hire and expand.

In Vergennes, Goodrich is hiring.

In Essex Junction, Revision Eyewear is thriving and has developed a new
combat helmet that, if adopted by the U.S. military, will allow them to vastly
expand manufacturing in Vermont.

In Newport, Louis Garneau will be building new facilities to expand
manufacturing jobs.

From the Massachusetts line to the Canadian border, companies that
opened this year include Commonwealth Yogurt in Brattleboro, Farmstead
Cheese in Woodstock, Swan Valley Cheese in Swanton, and many other
small value-added agricultural businesses are growing their customer
base, creating jobs, and adding vitality to a dairy industry that is poised for
revitalization.

My administration and I commit ourselves every day to attracting

entrepreneurs and growing jobs, one job at a time, as we slowly but surely
grow our way out of the most painful recession in our nation’s history.

Let me say one more word about staying competitive and creating jobs. Our
tax policy has a direct impact on our jobs future. You may have heard me
say this before: Vermont’s problem is not that our taxes are not high enough;
it is that our taxes are too high.

I am a proud and strong supporter of Vermont’s progressive income tax
structure – the most progressive in the country, where unlike the federal
government, we require our wealthiest citizens to pay their fair share of
income tax. But, we cannot correct the tax failures of Washington from
the State House in Montpelier, and we must be always mindful that every
day, we compete with our neighboring states for jobs. Therefore, I remain
determined not to increase broad-based taxes on Vermonters as we begin to
see signs of modest economic growth.

***

Looking back on the last year, we have so much to be thankful for, and so
many opportunities ahead.

As we enter this new year, partisanship continues to paralyze our democracy
in Washington, DC. At a time when many of America’s cities and
communities beyond Vermont’s borders often seem more divided than
united, our little state has distinguished itself. Indeed, there is nothing wrong
with America that could not be made right by the ingenuity and caring
spirit of the people of the state of Vermont. By continuing to set aside what
divides us and finding common ground to unite us, we will rebuild our state
while making the bold decisions that will lead to continued job growth and a
bright future for Vermont.

Let’s get back to work. Thank you.

Common Good Vermont speaks with Vermont funders about the importance of nonprofit tracking of outcomes and performance. This has bearing on overall organizational effectiveness,  successful grant applications and meaningful evaluations. Lesli Blount, Director of Community & Public Relations at the Key Bank Foundation, Jen Peterson, Vice President for Community Grantmaking, Vermont Community Foundation and Eddie Gale at the A.D. Henderson Foundation.

For more discussion of this topic, see Common Good Vermont’s interview with Eddie Gale of the A.D. Henderson Foundation.

Common Good Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian moderated  “7 Social Media Tips in 7 Minutes” at the annual Women’s Economic Opportunity Conference, Saturday, December 10th,  put together by Senator Leahy’s staff with strong partnerships from Vermont economic development organizations.

Rocio Clark of Applecheek Farms talked about how she uses Facebook and Twitter to develop relationships with her neighbors, generate interest in her family farm and share tips on nourishing food. She has built a loyal following that connects both on and offline. Her presentation is here.

Janice Shade, founder of True Soap and True Body Products has help with her social media presence and shared her experience as a marketer and innovator. She recently launched Community Supported Enterprise (modeled on Community Supported Agriculture shares), which encourages grass roots investment in her business.

Common Good Vermont put together it’s own 7 tips, which you can see here.

Audience questions were hot and heavy: How much time should we spend? (Depends on what you are trying to accomplish) Who do we reach out to? (Know your audience before you start). How secure is social media? (There is no privacy and your data is used by marketers) Along with specific questions about how to manage Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Our presentation and links are shared here. Questions? Send me an email at davitian@cctv.org

Media Maven TV: Gary Kessler: Covering Your Tracks in an Online World

Gary Kessler talks about his work as an online forensics expert and his views on the Surveillance Society. We ask him if it is a problem that we leave breadcrumbs all over the internet and how we can protect ourselves. This is a continuation of our discussion: Digital Media at the Crossroads.

Following brief reports from Design the Perfect Campaign groups, this experienced panel will detail what really happens to well laid strategies and tactics when you reach the Statehouse. Panel of lobbyists and legislators comment on morning case.

Panelists: Ross Sneyd of Vermont Public Radio, Representative Tony Klein (Washington County), Secretary Lawrence Miller of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Cassandra Gekas of VPIRG.
Moderator: Lauren-Glenn Davitian, Common Good Vermont/ CCTV

Melissa Levy has been an Associate of Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. since 2003. Community economic development is about recognizing, preserving, and growing community wealth in all its forms: human, financial, social, ecological, and physical (infrastructure).  In this program, Lauren-Glenn Davitian talks to Melissa about measurement best practices used by her organization and how you can use them too!

Check out the Benchmarks for a Better Vermont Page for More Outcomes Tools

Governor Peter Shumlin helps unveil the new name of the Women’s Rape Crisis Center. Established in 1973 as the first rape crisis center in the State of Vermont, the WRCC has grown significantly over the years. Cathleen Wilson, the center’s Executive Director sites this growth as the impetus for changing the organization’s name. “Simply put, we outgrew our name. We serve women, men and teens; we serve people who have experienced all forms of sexual violence; and we provide long term services as well as prevention education in our schools. We needed a name that could encompass all that we do and hope to do.”

Learn effective tools on the web to fund your nonprofit, cause, or campaign and increase your visibility online. November’s Media Maven Lunch will teach you to redesign and manage your online fundraising efforts with Jacob Colie of Stagecoach Digital

More Useful Video

Common Good Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Vermont Community Foundation President Stuart Comstock-Gay  on the progress of Tropical Storm Irene recovery efforts in Vermont. In his role as VCF President, Mr. Comstock-Gay oversees a number of recovery funds including the Vermont Farm Relief Fund which recently announced a call for fourth-round applications. This program sheds light into the decision making process of funders and the complexity of funding recovery efforts in the wake of a major natural disaster in Vermont.

Additional #VTIrene recovery resources

Common Good Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks John Killacky, Executive Director of the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts on raising funds in tough times, lessons in leadership, rethinking the arts and the blessings of mucking pony stalls.

Host Lauren- Glenn Davitian speaks with Rebecca Gurney, Executive Director of YWCA of Vermont, Inc., Dr. Dan Balón, Director of Diversity & Equity with the Burlington School District, and Dr. Denise Dunbar, Community Member active in Racial Equity issues on the Power of White Racial Identity.

More coaching resources at Common Good Vermont:

• Watch: Interview with Mark Furnari
• Why Should NPO ED’s Consider Coaching?
• Watch: Interview with Susan Palmer, Executive Coach
• Results of VT NPO ED Coaching Survey & Upcoming Coaching Circles

Common Good Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with executive coach Susan Palmer of Susan Palmer Consulting LLC.

Susan Palmer provides leadership development services through a series of structured conversations designed to help professionals achieve more of the results they seek. Coaching helps a leader make more powerful, informed choices and take more decisive action. Coaching topics  might include: strengthening management and decision-making skills, enhancing self-awareness, confidence and authenticity, expanding communication skills, improving time management, deepening leadership “presence”, clarifying action plans, and increasing job satisfaction by enjoying a healthier work/life balance. Watch here.

If you are interested in joining a 2012 ED Coaching Circle in Montpelier and Burlington, please send us an email at Coordinator@CommonGoodVT.org

More coaching resources at Common Good Vermont:

• Watch: Interview with Executive Coach Mark Furnari
• Why Should NPO ED’s Consider Coaching?
• VT NPO ED Coaching Survey Results
• Watch: Interview with Susan Palmer, Executive Coach

Sign up Now – Vermont CDP New User Orientation Workshop 4/12

Common Good Vermont‘s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Alex Aldrich, Executive Director of the Vermont Arts Council about the Vermont Cultural Data Project. Part of a national initiative, the databank helps cultural organizations to track and measure their activities.

The Vermont Cultural Data Project (Vermont CDP) is a powerful online management system designed to strengthen the arts and cultural sector.  Now operating in 11 states and DC, the CDP is an emerging national standard that gathers reliable, longitudinal data on arts and cultural organizations.

The project is also supported by Pew Charitable Trusts, The Vermont Community Foundation and The Kresge Foundation. Read more here.

Host Mike McNamara.This show is on disaster recovery efforts post Tropical Storm Irene. Guests are Jennifer Hollar, Deputy Director of the VT Dept. of Economic, Housing, and Community Development and Governor Shumlin’s lead person on Irene Disaster Housing Recovery. She will be joined by Deanna Frazier from FEMA, and Carl Sherrill of the SBA. They will be discussing actions taken to date by FEMA and the Irene Housing Task Force, short and long-term housing options, and where and how Vermonters can register for assistance.

Episode 3: Reading NPO Financial Statements Christine Moriarty of Money Peace details the primary documents necessary to monitor nonprofit health: Balance Sheet, Income Statement (a/k/a Profit & Loss) and Cash Flow.

Return to How to be a Responsible Board Member: Fiduciary Responsibility 3- Part Series

Eileen Elliott, former Vermont Commissioner of Social Welfare, is in private practice with the law firm of Dunkiel, Saunders, Elliott, Raubvogel & Hand. She serves on the United Way of Chittenden County’s Community Impact Committee and has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector.

Eileen spoke to Common Good Vermont about the fiduciary and other responsibilities of nonprofit directors and officers. She outlines the “Duty of Loyalty, Duty of Care and Duty of Good Faith”. Putting the nonprofits interests above their own, informing themselves and making deliberate decisions that are in the best interest of the organization. Essentially, the Board member is responsible to implement and monitor reporting and information systems to check for failures and to comply with laws and regulations.

Return to How to be a Responsible Board Member: Fiduciary Responsibility Three Part Series

Dr. Churchill Hindes, the highly regarded executive director of the Visiting Nurses Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties is long-time nonprofit advocate. He details the fiduciary responsibility of Vermont nonprofit boards, the key indicators of a nonprofit’s financial health and the kind of reports board members should look for and be able to read.

Dr. Hindes sees nonprofits as business enterprise + mission fulfillment, encouraging strong financial reporting that provides structural information about the finances and operations. He advises prospective board members to look for external audits (with a clear opinion), formal budget, strategic plan—all measures of how seriously an organization takes itself.

Speaking to recent cases of embezzlement in municipal organizations, Hindes emphasizes the importance of clear financial procedures, systems of accountability (internal controls), the involvement of an active Treasurer and Finance Committee.

How to be a Responsible Board Member: Fiduciary Responsibility 3 – Part Series

More Info on the Benchmarks for a Better Vermont Project

Our friend and colleague Kate Jellema of the Marlboro College Graduate School and NonprofitCertificate/ Masters Program shared this useful announcement about the Benchmarks for  a Better Vermont program, which aims to improve the effectiveness of a major sector of the state (18.7% of the state’s Gross State Product): the independent/ nonprofit sector.

Common Good Vermont works with Kate and our partners described below to develop a pathway to nonprofit effectiveness. We are immensely excited to be strategic partners in the pursuit of community building that works! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch. Registration for these events will open shortly.

Small to midsize nonprofit organizations across Vermont will make a leap forward in the area of performance measurement over the next two years. A $200,000 federal grant to Marlboro College’s Benchmarks for a Better Vermont (BBVT) program is targeted to help nonprofitsdevelop specific ways to gather data and assess the impact of their work. This technical support comes at a critical time. A recent report from the Vermont Community Foundation pointed out that the growing demands for Vermont’s nonprofit sector services are straining its capacity to keep up. An efficient and transparent system of tracking impact is essential for groups to evaluate the effectiveness of their various programs.

Thanks to Senator Ted Kennedy, who worked for community service dollars in his final days, the award from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) launches a new consortium dedicated to strengthening the state’s nonprofits. Common Good Vermont; United Ways of Vermont and the United Ways of Addison, Chittenden, and Windham County; SerVermont; the Vermont Community Foundation; and Marlboro College each play a key role (see below) in building the capacity of nonprofit groups to serve their constituents.

BBVT is funded with a two-year grant that will allow consortium members combine their experience to make significant, sustained improvements in the way nonprofits help Vermonters achieve healthy futures, excellent education, and economic opportunities.

“The State depends on this sector to support human services, the arts, the environment, and other areas that improve our quality of life,” says Marlboro College President Ellen McCulloch-Lovell. “I’m pleased that Marlboro College can work closely with the other consortium partners to increase the ability of our nonprofit sector to achieve results.”

“Vermont’s nonprofit organizations do great work, but too often lack the tools, institutional support, funds, and staff time to conduct meaningful evaluations,” explains Stuart Comstock-Gay, President and CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. “Involving nonprofits from across the state in developing these new tools is truly a groundbreaking approach that could lead to future collaborative efforts.” The Foundation is providing $70,000 in matching funds for the project.

The Short Story: Using a widely recognized model for tracking outcomes, known as Results-Based Accountability, BBVT will raise awareness about systems of performance measurement, then create a ladder of opportunity that will begin with a basic training at the 2012 Vermont Nonprofit Conference, followed by a formal assessment and competitive process to select 15 small to midsize nonprofits for a 75-hour, 16-month intensive Performance Institute. BBVT will also convene a group of grant-makers and other stakeholders to advance a statewide  conversation about systems of performance management.

“We are so excited to work with our partners to improve nonprofit effectiveness in Vermont,” adds Common Good Vermont co-Director Lauren-Glenn Davitian. “As nonprofits ourselves, we bring our understanding of the sector and the trust we’ve developed with so many service providers to help this new program take off quickly.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. In announcing this grant, Robert Velasco, Acting CEO of the CNCS said “With millions of people and families facing uncertain futures, it is critical to help the nonprofit sector drive community solutions. Through these grants and other efforts, we are helping nonprofits better deliver and demonstrate results on pressing problems.”

For more details about the new BBVT program, or to add your name to get updates, visit www.bbvt.marlboro.edu or contact Project Coordinator Anne Lezak at bbvt@marlboro.edu.

Strategic Partnership/ Consortium Partners:
• Common Good VT: Clearinghouse and convener to connect nonprofits with know-how and each other. Web, ENews, TV Resources available via www.CommonGoodVT.org. The Common Good team, as part of CCTV, is adept in using new media to reach nonprofits around the state and has a strong history of successful event planning for the sector, such as the VT Nonprofit Bootcamp (11/15/11) and Legislative Day (2/9/12) and Vermont Nonprofit Conference (3/20/12).

• SerVermont (formerly the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service): a State Agency that has a wide reach in the state’s nonprofit community as well as experience running programs such as Americorps and Vista.

• Marlboro College: offers education for nonprofit leaders, including board trainings, a professional development Certificate, and a graduate program in managing mission- driven organizations.

• United Ways of Vermont: The United Ways of Vermont have made a commitment to tracking the community impact of the programs they fund. United Way of Chittenden County has led the state in understanding and implementing Results-Based
Accountability. United Way of Addison County has an educational model for the smaller, one-on-one trainings of nonprofits around performance management based on their successful peer learning circles.

• Vermont Community Foundation: Vermont’s largest foundation, managing a collection of 600 funds that invest more than $18 million annually in Vermont. The Foundation
is committed to strengthening the capacity of the state’s nonprofit sector through a variety of grants and services.

###

Host Lauren Glenn Davitian talks with Kate Jellema of Marlboro College Graduate School, Kate McGowan of the United Way of Addison County and Anne Lezak, Project Coordinator for the Benchmarks for a Better Vermont matching grant from the National Corporation on Community Service (BBVT) to teach nonprofits to track their results and improve their effectiveness.

More info on Benchmarks for a Better Vermont

Hosted by Bekah Mandell, Program Coordinator, Vermont Works for Women with Rachel Jolly, Director of Women’s Programs, Vermont for Women Officer Sue Roberts, UVM Police Department in a discussion on the opportunities for women in the field of Law Enforcement.

“Class Shouldn’t Determine a Youth’s Future: Thoughts on Leveling the Playing field.” Join Vermont Public Radio’s Jane Lindholm and a panel of guests for a thought-provoking and timely discussion about how class and socio-economic factors frequently limit youths’ opportunities. Panelists discuss what can be done to proactively address class and economic concerns in youth programming and career options. The Vermont Girls Collaborative is a network of programs across the state that works together to leverage the power of girls’ programs through the sharing of resources, ideas and relationships; promote girls’ well-being and social equity; and expand the capacity of girls’ programs to meet the needs of Vermont girls.

What is gender identity? What does it mean to feel “different”? Join Vermont Public Radio’s Jane Lindholm and a panel of guests in a thought-provoking and timely discussion that probes these questions. There is a growing national awareness about the epidemic of harassment based on gender identity. This discussion examines ways in which bullying can negatively impact every young person in Vermont. The Vermont Girls Collaborative is a network of programs across the state that works together to leverage the power of girls’ programs through the sharing of resources, ideas and relationships; promote girls’ well-being and social equity; and expand the capacity of girls’ programs to meet the needs of Vermont girls.

Every level of any organization can benefit from focusing on and improving its leadership and collaborative skills. This one-day workshop focuses on the most current, effective trends concerning leadership in today’s marketplace. “Growing Your Leadership and Collaborative Skills” emphasizes the importance of collaborative skills within not-for-profit organizations. Topics include:

• Aligning with your purpose
• Attributes of a leader
• Understanding the power of influence
• Elements of motivation
• Leadership and collaboration
• Creating an engaging climate

Introduced in 2010, IBM Trailblazer Grants enable recipient not-for-profit organizations to enhance their IT infrastructure and their leadership and technology skills. The solutions were devel­oped with not-for-profit partners, and designed to help them enhance their ability to serve our communities.

Non-Profit sector leadership qualaties and skills with IBM consultant Maria Casanova Anderson.

Lobbying & Communications Bootcamp  2011 Materials Now Available

Sign-Up Now: February 9th, 2012 is VT Nonprofit Legislative Day!

Thank you for an outstanding event . I entered the state house with little or no knowledge of lobbying on behalf of Vermont non-profit organizations. I left feeling energized, enriched and very proud of our unique legislative process in Vermont.The slate of speakers and presenters was outstanding! The caliber of each speaker, their knowledge and experience was incredible. I learned so much about the basics of creating a well-researched communications plan. Thank you so much for organizing this wonderful event.

- Claudia Lovell, VT Council on World Affairs

Watch it Now: Part I – Blueprint for Success & Preparing the Ground -Welcome and Opening Remarks – Bill Lofy, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor “The Statehouse Belongs to You”

-Blueprint for Successful Legislative Campaigns -Kevin Ellis and Todd Bailey, KSE Partners outline the strategy for planning your legislative campaign in a few basic steps. This will serve as the foundation for the “Design the Perfect Campaign” workshops. Please see supplemental materials.

- Prepare the Ground (Room 10): The 101 basics of raising your profile and the importance of having a strategy if you plan to do business in the Vermont Statehouse. Panelists:

• Jill Krowinski of Planned Parenthood New England,
• Amy Shollenberger of Action Circles,
• Jay Henderson of Democracy for America
• Ben Walsh of VPIRG.
• Moderator: Lauren-Glenn Davitian, Common Good Vermont/ CCTV

Watch it Now: Part II – When the Rubber Meets the Road

- When the Rubber Meets the Road: Following brief reports from Design the Perfect Campaign groups, this experienced panel will detail what really happens to well laid strategies and tactics when you reach the Statehouse. Panel of lobbyists and legislators comment on morning case. Panelists:

• Ross Sneyd of Vermont Public Radio,
• Representative Tony Klein (Washington County),
• Secretary Lawrence Miller of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development,
• Cassandra Gekas of VPIRG.
• Moderator: Lauren-Glenn Davitian, Common Good Vermont/ CCTV

Below presenter bios & contact information and  additional materials to help you with your Lobbying & Communications efforts!

Additional Resources

• KSE Partners Blueprint for a Successful Legislative Campaign

• Presenters and facilitators bios and contact info

• Pictures from 2011 Lobbying & Communications Bootcamp
• www.leg.state.vt.us – State legislature page. Contains records of bills, lists of legislators and committees.

• www.vermontlocalroads.org – This organization publishes a comprehensive list of select board members of every town in Vermont.

• www.vtdigger.org – Operated by Anne Galloway.

• http://blogs.burlingtonfreepress.com/politics/ – vt.Buzz with Nancy Remsen and Terri Hallenbeck.

• http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/sections.cfm?Title=02&Chapter=011 – Vermont statutes that cover lobbying.

• http://www.sec.state.vt.us/ – Secretary of State’s Website. A wealth of information including registration and campaign donations.

Many thanks to all of the presenters, facilitators, legislators and participants for making the first ever Lobbying & Communications Bootcamp a huge success!

SAVE THE DATE! Nonprofit Legislative Day at the Statehouse slated for February 9th, 2012.

OUR SPONSORS:
Government affairs and communications strategies for national, regional and local clients.

Personalized Philanthropy Solutions

Governor Shumlin, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Peter Welch, along with FEMA Administrator Criag Fugate, address the statewide destruction caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

Learn about non-profit volunteer development as part of the University of Vermont Extension Service’s Building Capacity Project.  The program is narrated by UVM’s Ellen Rowe, Ed. D. and features Sarah Kleinman, June Jones and Andrea Houlihan.  For more information visit http://www.uvm.edu/extension/

Press play on the screen below for the complete August, 2011 recoding

Would you like your organization featured on CommonGoodVT.org? Contact Nick Carter at (802) 862 – 1645 ext.21, coordinator and let’s make television!

Host Melinda Moulton talks with Kate Pain of the Vermont Women’s Business Ownership Network

Would you like your event featured on CommonGoodVT.org and Vermont public access? Contact Nick Carter at (802) 862 – 1645 ext.21, coordinator and let’s make television!

There is help available for victims of the severe storms and flooding that affected much of northern and central Vermont last April and May. But, there are application deadlines for federal disaster assistance coming up. People affected by the Lake Champlain flooding must apply by August 15. The deadline is September 6 for Washington and Caledonia counties.

Attorney Christine Speidel, Staff Attorney at Vermont Legal Aid, Shaun Gilpin Program Director, CVOEO Mobile Home Project and Tom Garrett, Executive Director, Legal Services Law Linel answer frequently asked questions, and explain why it’s important that everyone who was affected by the flooding apply for federal help. Besides grants and loans, disaster victims may qualify for tax breaks. Also covered are tips for avoiding home improvement fraud, and resources available to homeowners.

Federal disaster assistance www.disasterassistance.gov – FEMA 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 TTY – Small Business Administration 1-800-659-2955. Call your local Community Action Agency or 2-1-1 for assistance. Visit www.vtlawhelp.org for detailed information and links. Help with home repair disputes: call Vermont Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program at 1-800-649-2424 or visit www.uvm.edu/consumer.

Would you like your organization featured on CommonGoodVT.org? Contact Nick Carter at (802) 862 – 1645 ext.21, coordinator and let’s make television!

Host Nick Carter hosts Jim Lockridge, Executive Director of local media outlets, Big Heavy World, The Radiator, and Vermont Music Library and Shop.

Common Good Vermont’s Nick Carter talks with Google Marketing Director Scott Levitan. For more information, please visit www.vermontgetonline.com.

Robert Hockensmith, Public Information Officer with FEMA, tells about the FEMA Disaster Assistance Deadlines. More information can be found at: www.disasterassistance.gov 1.800.621-3362 or via Smart Phones: M.FEMA.Gov

The Vermont Young Adult Advisory Team (YAAT), a statewide team of 18-29 years olds, undertook a project to create and produce a video of young adults talking to other young adults about their personal experiences with alcohol and drug abuse. For more information, contact the Washington County Youth Service Bureau/Boys & Girls Club at 802 229-9151

July 5, 2011

Robert Hockensmith, Public Information Officer with FEMA, explains the process for FEMA registration for disaster assistance. More information can be found at: www.disasterassistance.gov 1.800.621-3362

June 28, 2011

Director of Local Motion, Chapin Spencer, and Annie Bourdon of CarShare Vermont host other transportation leaders to discuss transportation issues, ideas and initiatives. Tonight, Jason Van Driesche (Education & Safety Manager) joins Chapin to discuss on the “Safe Streets Collaborative”

Press play on the screen below for the complete 28:17 recording

Host Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Frederick S. Lane, Author of ‘Cyerbertraps for the Young‘. This groundbreaking book looks at the issue of child safety online from a unique perspective — the legal consequences that children can face as a result of the use and misuse of electronic devices. It is intended to educate parents, teachers, and school administrators about those risks, and to offer practical suggestions for minimizing the likelihood that children will stumble into one or more of the myriad pitfalls that lurk online.

July 7, 2011 -Common Good Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Christine D Moriarty, CFP a Financial Educator and president of MoneyPeace, Inc. on how people and nonprofit organizations can establish financial wellness through thoughtful planning and a commitment to learning. Christine can be reached at www.moneypeace.com Financial health and wellness is a combination of having an understanding of your financial situation and taking care of it in such a way that you are prepared for financial changes.

This preparedness means: * You have cash available for emergencies * You have a back-up plan for crisis in the event a crisis strikes * All your financial information is organized for your ease of access & understanding * You have designated someone to handle your financial affairs, in case you cannot. These principles apply to nonprofit organizations as well. To read more: http://www.moneypeace.com/financial_wellness.shtml

July 7, 2011 Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Kristen DeVoe-Talluto who has just completed research on the role of women in Vermont’s philanthropic community for her Master’s at the University of Vermont. See a short version of the presentation. Using a practice theory framework, DeVoe-Talluto explored the components of a philanthropic practice and investigated how women acquired these components and adapted them into a philanthropic practice.

Through in-depth interviews with eight women who were identified by their peers as philanthropists, the study showed that awareness, engagement and trust were essential competencies that the participants needed in order to take philanthropic action. When these competencies are combined with both materials (resources, relationships and vehicles to move resources) and philanthropic meanings (to create, reward, and/or transform) they serve as the foundational elements of a philanthropic practice.

This study finds that these philanthropic components were acquired through the influence of other practices and relationships; involvement in board service and volunteer positions, the exchange of money and know-how, intense emotional connections, as well as relationships with family, friends and experts proved especially influential. At times consciously and at other times unknowingly, the women participated in an iterative process of doing-encountering-seeking-discovering that was driven by each woman’s motivation to bring alignment to her inner and outer philanthropic performances.

Common Good Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Ken Merritt of Merritt & Merritt & Moulton on public benefit corporations which can now be formed in Vermont (as of July 1 2011). Vermont is the fourth state to allow the establishment of these corporations which can concern themselves with general public benefit as well as the financial “bottom line”. For more details, see Ken Merritt’s presentation to VBSR Conference in May 2011.

Press Play on the Screen Below for Full Recording

The Somali Bantu Community Association of Vermont, Inc. (SBCAVT) was first established in 2007 with the express goal of facilitating the resettlement and integration of the Somali Bantu refugee community of Vermont, those placed in Chittenden County as a part of a resettlement program initiated in the United States in 1999.

For More Information on the Somali Bantu Community of Vermont, Inc.

Donor/Contact management systems make a significant impact on your organizations development and communications efforts.  With so many products out there,  how do you know which is best for your organization? Easiest to use?

Which offers the most features for your money?

Common Good VT sat down with Jen Flaster of www.FlasterConsulting.Com to outline how to go about deciding which donor managment system is best for you. Watch the full program  below.

Jen Flaster of FlasterConsulting.com in the studio to help find out. Jennifer has more than 15 years of professional experience in managing nonprofit fundraising, communications, public relations, and marketing operations.

Skilled in project management, strategic planning, message development and data analysis, she has produced annual fundraising campaigns, fundraising events, and strategic online and print communications. She has directed public relations efforts
and developed websites for national organizations. Since establishing Jennifer Flaster Consulting in 2009, her work has spanned the conservation, performing arts, international development and corporate social responsibility fields.

Press Play on the Screen Below

Also, be sure to check out IdeaWare’s Consumer’s Guide to Low Cost Donor Management.

Press Play on the Screen Below for a Complete Recording

Press play on the screen below for a complete recording

Press Play on the Screen Below for a Complete Recording.

Press Play on the Screen Below for a Complete Recording.

Press Play on the Screen Below for a Complete Recording

The amazing difference that inclusion in the community made for people with Developmental Disability is highlighted in the presentationThe feature film, Lost in Laconia, is a powerful documentary created by Gordon DuBois, about the closing of Laconia State School in New Hampshire in 1991. Vermont closed Brandon Training School soon after and was the first state to achieve complete community integration.

Press Play on the Screen Below for Full Recording

The film will be followed by a panel comprised of clients and staff from ;who lived and worked at the Brandon Training School and film maker Gordon DuBois. Part of HowardCenter Diversity Committee and Howard Center Developmental Services evening program on the difference that inclusion in the community made for people with Developmental Disability.

Press play on the screen below for the full recording

Press play on the screen below for the full recording

Topics include:

• Aligning with your purpose
• Attributes of a leader
• Understanding the power of influence
• Elements of motivation
• Leadership and collaboration
• Creating an engaging climate

Introduced in 2010, IBM Trailblazer Grants enable recipient not-for-profit organizations to enhance their IT infrastructure and their leadership and technology skills. The solutions were devel­oped with not-for-profit partners, and designed to help them enhance their ability to serve our communities.

Press play on the screen below for complete video of Part 2

:

* Making a Difference by Being Different: Tips for Being a World Class Marketer

* Vermont Nonprofits in Changing Times with Gretchen Morse of United Way of Chittenden County (Video available soon).

ADDITIONAL PRESENTATION MATERIALS:  Click on the presentation name below for complete slide presentations– And don’t forget you can ask any follow up questions here, at the Common Good VT online Forum.

Click Here for a Complete Recording Part I:

• Building Skills to Monitor & Evaluate Performance & Outcomes with Joy Livingston & Donna Reback of Flint Springs Associates
• Case Study: From Outcomes to Funding: Vermont Works for Women with Rachel Jolly.

Press play on the screen below for complete video of Part 1:

* Building Skills to Monitor & Evaluate Performance & Outcomes with Joy Livingston & Donna Reback of Flint Springs Associates

* Case Study: From Outcomes to Funding: Vermont Works for Women with Rachel Jolly.

ADDITIONAL PRESENTATION MATERIALS:  Click on the presentation name below for complete slide presentations– And don’t forget you can ask any follow up questions here, at the Common Good VT online Forum.

• Building Skills to Monitor & Evaluate Performance & Outcomes with Joy Livingston & Donna Reback of Flint Springs Associates
• Case Study: From Outcomes to Funding: Vermont Works for Women with Rachel Jolly.

Click here for Part II:

• Making a Difference by Being Different: Tips for Being a World Class Marketer

• Vermont Nonprofits in Changing Times with Gretchen Morse of United Way of Chittenden County (Video available soon).

The House Appropriations Committee takes testimony regarding the Natural Resources portion of Gov. Peter Shumlin’s proposed FY12 Budget. Testifying are: Chris Recchia, Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources and Patrick Berry, Commissioner of the Fish & Wildlife Dept. February 16, 2011.

For Part 2 of VT Legislative Day 2011 – VT NPO Sector & The Legislative Agenda – Click here

Anya Rader Wallack, Special Assistant to the Governor on Health Care, outlines the Governor Peter Shumlin’s Health Care Bill to the Joint Health Care Committee, February 8, 2011. She is accompanied by Robin Lunge, Assistant General Counsel for BISHCA.

The Vermont Nonprofit Legislative Day 2011 was held in the State House on Wednesday, February 9th. The key note discussion, A Vermont’s Nonprofit Sector and the Legislative Agenda was moderated by Stuart Comstock-Gay, President, Vermont Community Foundation. The panel included Churchill Hindes of the Visiting Nurses Association, Catherine Kalkstein of the Vermont Women’s Fund, Gretchen Morse of the United Way of Chittenden County, and Senator Diane Snelling/Appropriations and Representative Mark Larson/Health Care.

For Part 1 of VT Legislative Day 2011 – Advocacy Successes: How to Influence the Vermont Legislature Click here

Common Good Vermont’s Nick Carter speaks with Representative Loan Lennes (D) of Shelburne/St. George, House Committee on Corrections and Institutions & Representative Pat Brennen of Colchester, Chair of House Transportation Committee.

Channel 17′s ‘ Under the Dome Series’ features legislators discussing their initiatives and perspectives. Reps. Lennes and Brennan review new legislative initiatives in corrections, transportation,  tax reform, health care and the budget gap.

Do you have a communications plan? If so, do you use it? Is there more you can do to increase your visibility and make a difference? Jump start your marketing and outreach work with this month’s Media Maven.

Additional materials discussed during the presentation are available by request: Coordinator@CommonGoodVT.org

1/24/2011 Interview Common Good Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Representative Martha Heath (D) of Essex/Westford, Chair of House Committee on Appropriations. Channel 17′s ‘ Under the Dome Series’ features legislators discussing their initiatives and perspectives. Rep. Heath reviews new legislative initiatives in tax reform, health care and the budget gap.

Common Good Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Peggy Riley of the on last minute changes, delays in filing, e-file and Free File as well as the many ways that taxpayers can get free tax assistance this year.

Almost anything you read about fundraising emphasizes one key point: You have to ask for money. It is unlikely that donors will simply give unless they have a personal reason and seek you out. There is an “art to asking”. It starts with the firm belief in your cause, the careful cultivation of your donors and preparation of your case for support. Our Presenter: Learn more from Michael Luck, a seasoned professional leader in the field of Institutional Advancement with more than 35 years’ experience. His career spans healthcare, education and dozens of consulting assignments for non profit organizations. He is currently advising Burlington College as they move ahead with a major expansion.

Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Jessica Oski of Shems Dunkiel Raubvogel & Saunders and Tim Searles of Chittenden Community Action about what the upcoming 2011 Vermont Legislative session means for Vermont nonprofits.

]]> http://blog.commongoodvt.org/2010/12/watch-it-now-leg-preview-201/feed/ 2 PRESS PLAY ON SCREEN BELOW FOR FULL VIDEO Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Jessica Oski of Shems Dunkiel Raubvogel & Saunders and Tim Searles of Chittenden Community Action about what the upcoming 2011 Vermont Legislative session means for Vermont nonprofits. PRESS PLAY ON SCREEN BELOW FOR FULL VIDEO Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with Jessica Oski of Shems Dunkiel Raubvogel & Saunders and Tim Searles of Chittenden Community Action about what the upcoming 2011 Vermont Legislative session means for [...] http://blog.commongoodvt.org/2010/12/watch-it-now-stateofthesector2010/ http://blog.commongoodvt.org/2010/12/watch-it-now-stateofthesector2010/#comments Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:41:44 +0000 CommonGood VT http://blog.commongoodvt.org/?p=3309 CommonGood Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with the Vermont Community Foundation’s President Stuart Comstock-Gay to go over a few of the major implications of the recently released Vermont Nonprofit Sector: A Vital Community in a Time of Change Report. The report provides the first comprehensive look at Vermont’s nonprofit sector in almost a decade and reveals that [...]]]> CommonGood Vermont’s Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks with the Vermont Community Foundation’s President Stuart Comstock-Gay to go over a few of the major implications of the recently released Vermont Nonprofit Sector: A Vital Community in a Time of Change Report. The report provides the first comprehensive look at Vermont’s nonprofit sector in almost a decade and reveals that Vermonters have a great deal of trust in nonprofit organizations to deliver quality services on their behalf.

In this video, the future of Vermont’s nonprofit sector is discussed as what it will take for nonprofits to be able to achieve their missions and continue to provide the vital services Vermont needs. Check out a recent Q & A with Stuart about major points brought up in the report here

Also, What can we learn from this year’s campaign use of social and traditional media? Watch the full video here as we review the most effective strategies of Election 2010 Click Play to Watch

And check out additional resources on social media here: http://www.delicious.com/lgdavitian/trends

Part of the continuing series of Media Maven Lunches

Check out additional on-demand training videos

Planning in today’s uncertain environment requires both nonprofit leaders to know where an organization stands and to understand that tough times will mark change in the organization’s leadership style. Brothers starts with the state of the US nonprofit sector and the major financial challenges that affect small and medium sized organizations. He reviews the hallmarks of high functioning organizations and stages of nonprofit development. In the last part of his talk, John brings these together to recommend different type of leadership styles called for by these trends and internal factors. Part of Common Good Vermont’s Fall 2010 Leadership Series.

Our esteemed presenter Christine Graham of CPG Enterprises spoke to close to 50 nonprofit staffers, funders, volunteers, and board members from around the state at the newly restored River Arts center in Morrisville. The event was presented by Common Good Vermont in conjunction with People in Partnership. A special thanks to Ellen Hill of Johnson State College, Steve Ames of River Arts and a special, special thanks to Christine. Enjoy the video!

Slides mentioned during the presentation are available here: http://www.slideshare.net/lgdavitian/the-why-and-how-of-giving-and-raising-money-pp

The greatest opportunity for fundraising is always from individuals, who can make their decisions in a personal and immediate way.  This workshop will explore the motivations of donors, the why of giving, in a time when increased systems and technology tends to make many fundraising methods feel impersonal and demanding, and when a changing economy makes people think about  their giving in different ways.  This  will be balanced with an overview of the traditional gift pyramid approach, understanding the methods that work best for each level of giving, and ways to encourage donors to give more.

A strong Board chair-executive director partnership is the central linchpin in achieving board productivity, achievement of the strategic mission, and organizational and financial sustainability.  Yet vague job descriptions, lack of time, and uncertainty about whose job it is to initiate and nurture the relationship get in the way of maximizing this board leverage point.  This workshop will examine 10 specific relationship commitments and a model for clear division of tasks to support the chair-executive leadership team in adding value to your organization, and relieving the burden on executive directors.

Lizann Peyton, is an organization development consultant working with nonprofit boards and community groups on board development, organizational assessment and capacity-building, strategic planning, board training, group facilitation, and fundraising strategies for small organizations. She specializes in helping small nonprofits with sustainability and board teamwork issues.

For Complete Slide Show Click Here

On Friday, September 24th, 2010 as part of our Fall 2010 Leadership Training Series, Common Good Vermont hosted a fundraising workshop at the newly renovated River Arts building in Morrisville Close to 70 nonprofit staffers, board members, funders, and volunteers attended a terrific presentation by Christine Graham, a highly revered development consultant based in Burlington. A full video of the event will be available by next week but in the meantime, here is the slide show Christine incorporated in her very helpful and worthwhile presentation – Enjoy!

For Complete Slide Show Click Here

In the video below, Lauren-Glenn Davitian of Common Good Vermont  speaks with Peggy Riley of the Internal Revenue Service on tax exempt issues related to the 1100 Vermont nonprofit organizations not refiling and other relative issues.

On Tuesday, October 12th, there will be a workshop for nonprofits at Vermont Law School on what 501(c)(3) organizations must do to keep their tax-exempt status and comply with tax obligations.

Press play on the image below for a full video recording of the Fifth Annual Media Maven Luncheon on September 13, 2010 at CCTV/Ch_17 Studios in Burlington, VT. Part of the continuing series of Media Maven Lunches and Common Good Vermont Leadership Trainings

Watch the full  September 13, 2010 program of our  Fifth Annual Media Maven Luncheon as Steve Shepard (internationally renown futurist and technology translator) sheds light on the key ingredients for leadership in this “connected age”.

No matter our mission, we know that effective nonprofit leaders must navigate this rapidly changing digital world. But are we equipped for the changes that affect all aspects of our organization–operations, development and marketing?

Anne started by outlining the key responsibilities of board members:

• Presence - Show up reliably to meetings and board work
• Passion – Set the vision and be an ambassador
• Personal Commitment - Give money and time
• Performance - Be accountable and ethical
• Priorities – Keep eye “on the ball”
• Personality – Bring your “best self”

Anne invited participants to talk about their experience and what “goes wrong”–how do boards lose effectiveness? All agreed that a functional and productive board is an essential “leadership team” that secures the present and future of any viable nonprofit. But how to you get there?

A successful board is prepared for its unique developmental stage and its members :

• Set high expectations
• Make hard decisions
• Hold meaningful and well-run meetings
• Stand by their process for decision making
• Work closely with their Executive Director
• Ask others for money, resources and support, and
• Take their work seriously

See the video for the full discussion and follow up with these helpful resources.

Anne Lezak may be reached at alezak’at’comcast.net 0r (802) 775-1695.

RESOURCES

• Board Source
• Compass Point Nonprofit Services
• The Fundraising Habits of Supremely Successful Boards by Jerold Panas
• Great Boards for Small Groups by Andy Robinson
• * Rutland County Board Development Program Contact Chuck Sharpe at uwrc@aol.com

Known in the trade as SP&M, succession planning and management is a leadership building process that improves the “bench strength” of your organization in significant ways. The goal of SP&M is to hire the “right people with the right skills at the right time for the right reasons”. SP&M enables good hiring decisions, the development of a ready and able talent pool with mission critical skills and competencies that can be intentionally developed through training, mentoring and coaching. A plan enables the transfer of knowledge between the generations–of critical importance right now. Look at the stats:

• 76 million “Baby Boomers” are eligible to retire  this year yet there are only 46 million “Gen X-ers” available to take their place
• By 2020, 40% of the workforce will be of retirement age–yet working longer!

In fact, only half of public/private businesses have such a plan in place and, as a result, are exposing their organizations to avoidable risk.

The best SP&M processes are designed to perpetuate worth organizations take a short and long term, developmental view–”a marathon and not a sprint”.  The ideal process is supported by board and upper level management as well as a diverse mix of staff who serve as the leadership team or “Steering Committee” and  look closely at system wide linkages, vulnerable areas of the organization and recommend concrete recommendations that focus resources on the mission critical areas of your organization. The SP&M effort is coordinated with the strategic plan. Typically the Board focuses on CEO succession and the staff works on plans for succession of key staff positions (in larger organizations, this process digs four levels down).

Systems Approach: Paula Cope recommends “A Systems Approach to Succession Planning & Management” (see slide 12) to identify the areas that require both immediate and long term focus. The process starts with a charter or Board Policy (see slide 15) that addresses the importance of succession planning as a way of attracting, developing, and retaining leaders within the organization.

• Policy: Develop a policy on succession planning
• Steering Committee: Charter a representative, self-nominating and trusted Steering Committee of big and systemic thinkers with power and authority
• Educate: Educate Steering Committee about Succession Planning
• Plan: Build a work plan with goals and milestones
• Communicate: Develop a communications plan and ensure a transparent process (don’t let the grape vine take charge of your process).
• Data: Collect data that you are able to track and measure, including: Review strategic plan, trends, SWOT assessment, workforce analysis, review job description/competencies/ staffing and organizational chart
• Key Positions: Find opportunities everywhere to make improvements in the organization before determining key positions to address. Identify key positions to be addressed and review current job responsibilities and position descriptions
• Competencies: Review competencies for each position and select competencies required for the position.
• Sort: With a sorting tool, match employees and their ratings with the competency needs of the key positions.
• Gaps: Necessary skills and areas of development

Organizations of all sizes can utilize SP&M strategy to varying degrees. The process can be imagined as a “pipeline” of leadership development that will have a profound impact on your organization.  The whole process is scalable to suit small (even micro) and large organizations.  In the smallest organization, it might only take 3-6 months and in a larger organization, up to 3 years. The process requires board and senior management buy-in and, if you are large enough, leadership from the Human Resources staff.  The good news is that there is a growing body of know-how and variety of useful resources to get you started, including the video presentation and supporting slides produced by Paula Cope.

MORE RESOURCES:

• Watch the Video
• Review the Slides
• Common Good Vermont Resources

Books:

• Atwood, Christee Gabour.  Succession Planning Basics.  Alexandria: ASTD Press, 2007.
• Bishop, Charles H. Jr.  Making Change Happen One Person at a Time.  Boston: AMACOM, 2001.
• Bower, Joseph L.  The CEO Within.  Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 2007
• Brown, John. How to Run Your Business So You Can Leave It In Style. Golden: Business Enterprise Press, 2004.
• Brown, John and Kevin Short. Cash Out Move On.  Golden: Business Enterprise Press, 2008.
• Carey, Dennis and Dayton Ogden. CEO Succession. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
• Charan, Ram.  Leaders at All Levels.  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2008.
• Charan, Ram; Stephen Drotter, and James Noel. The Leadership Pipeline. San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 2001.
• Collins, James. Good to Great. New York: Harper Collins, 2001.
• Collins, James and Jerry Poiras. Built to Last. New York: Harper Collins, 1994.
• Fulmer, Robert M. & Conger, Jay. A. Growing Your Company’s Leaders. New York: AMACOM, 2004.
• Rothwell, William J. Effective Succession Planning. New York: AMACOM, 2001.
• Sobol, Mark; Harkins, Phil; and Conley, Terence ed.  Linkage Inc.’s Best Practices for Succession Planning.  San Francisco: Pfeiffer, 2007.

Articles:

• Ayres, G. R. & Jones, M. J., “Face the Fear,” Trusts & Estates: Special Report Transferring Business Interests (2007, February):  50 – 57.
• Atwood, Christie Gabour, “Succession Planning Basics,” Training & Development (November 2007):  55-58.
• Bolt, Jim, “How Strong is Your Bench? Trends in Executive Development,” Fastcompany.com (2005) [Electronic Version], Retrieved Nov. 16, 2007.
• Cavanaugh, Bonnie Brewer, “The Long Run, “ Best’s Review, (2008, December); 38-40.
• Dychtwald, K., Erickson, T. J., & Morison, R., “Workforce Crisis: How to beat the shortage of skill and talent,” Harvard Business School Press (2006)
• Forbes staff writer, “Why Succession Planning Matters,” Forbes.com, (2008, January).
• Gale Cengage Learning, “Succession Planning is vital to avoid the expense of hiring and paying off CEOs., William Reed Ltd.,(2008, October).
• Hira, Nadira A., “You Raised Them, Now You Manage Them,” Fortune Magazine, (2007, May):  38 – 46.
• Kiger, Patrick J., “The Coming Knowledge Drain,” Workforce Management (November 2005):  52-54.
• L’Allier, Ph.D., J. J., & Kolosh, K.), “Preparing for Baby Boomer Retirement,” Chief Learning Officer (2005)  [Electronic Version] Retrieved from www.clomedia.com on August 24, 2007.
• Million Dollar Round Table Staff, “Service Guaranteed,” “The Right Fit,” “Preparing the Next Generation,” “Family Matters,” Round the Table (published by The Million Dollar Round Table, www.mdrt.org) (Nov/Dec 2007):  24-31.

Watch the May 27th, 2010 event on strategic communications in full as community leaders provide concrete examples and tools to make your communications strategy expand your reach and impact! Michael Levine/Flywheel Communications, Drew Hudson/We Also Herd Cats, Liz Schlegel/Central Vermont Community Action Agency.

More resources related to strategic communications available here: http://blog.commongoodvt.org/2010/05/communications-strategy-check-list/

Common Good Vermont hosted Attract and Keep Your Volunteers in Franklin County on June 14^th with an experienced panel reporting on their version of “best practices” to help nonprofits make the most of their community based volunteers.

Ethan Dezotelle, Executive Director of Rural Partnerships builds relationships with his members through steady outreach and communications, regular events (with lots of good food) and flexible short term volunteer opportunities. Ethan explains: “People work on the activities that interest them: doing interviews, helping with an event, writing a blog post. We make volunteer opportunities interesting and time specific.”

Chrissy Birong of Hour Power of Franklin/Grand Isle runs Northwestern Vermont’s time bank, enabling members to exchange goods and services with each other. Chrissie talked about the importance of assessing community needs and interests and the big challenge of “helping people to see that they have valuable skills to offer”.

Richard Skurdall, Director of Enosburg Falls High School Community Based Learning Program matches interested students with community mentors to teach services and skills. Richard draws from a broad network of partners, assesses youth skills and interests and matches them with service learning that make sense for both the student and the mentor. He sums up the volunteer equation succinctly: “Relationship, Respect and Reciprocity”.

There are many resources that detail the steps to successful volunteer management, but here are a few from the panel (you can watch the entire discussion at the Common Good Vermont Learning Center):

• Plan First! Recruit Second – Volunteers are not free. They offer their time in exchange for being involved and making a difference. This requires planning on your part and an investment of staff time (outreach, assessment, matching, training, recognizing) that will yield a mutual reward. Assess your own capacity to utilize volunteers in a meaningful way. The Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service provides detailed resources for building your plan and running your program (for best results do this with a volunteer advisory team) and estimate the cost and benefit to your organization so that you can measure your success. Talk to other nonprofits that you work with–what aspects of their volunteer management are they especially proud of?
• Who are your volunteers? Typically, your volunteers are a subset of your organization’s total audience. What do you know about them? What matters to them? In addition to a sense of ownership and connection, what motivates them to get involved? What are they good at? What do they want to learn? Assess the experience, interests and skills of the volunteers that currently work with you—maybe they are qualified for other activities within your organization. Many organizations are looking to engage with younger people and others want to capitalize on the growing population of retired baby-boomers.  Whatever our background: we all want to be useful!
• What do you want them to do? What mission critical activities you need help with? How do you offer these opportunities? Are they short term or long term? Do you have a “job” or “task” description? What skills and temperament are required? For example, the local bookmobile program is looking for drivers. They can advertise for “drivers” or they can expand the funnel by advertising for outgoing and sociable people who love books and happen to also enjoy driving.
• How do you expand the volunteer “funnel”? If word of mouth is the most influential and effective way to recruit volunteers, make it easy! Tell the story of your organization through testimonials and pictures. Make posters, public access TV shows, newspapers and radio, use social media and help your friends spread the word. Go to where your volunteer prospects are. For example, Green Mountain Transit Agency now recruits volunteer drivers at the local unemployed office where they find people interested in mileage stipends and resume experience.  In exchange, the agency widens their pool of drivers and trains potential future employees.
• How do you love them? Can you count the ways? Volunteers want to know their work is important—through feedback, opportunities to help in new ways, training and working together with staff, special attention and community recognition. If you treat them right–with respect and appreciation–they will be your greatest champions,  respond to new requests for time and contributions, tell their friends and expand the reach of your organization!

Recommended Reading: The New Volunteer Workforce, by David Eisner, et. al. in Stanford Social Innovation Review (Winter 2009)

More Resources: http://commongoodvt.org/entry/index/category/volunteer

Examples of Effective Communications? The panel focused on big picture strategy and delivered specifics in the form of a “Check List” that nonprofits of all sizes can use for their communications strategy.  Since examples are so powerful, we focused on a number of examples of effective communications.

Michael Levine showed us a public service announcement from Button Up Vermont, produced in 2009 with a small budget, but enough to pay a celebrity spokesman Rusty Dewees to add humor and personality to the “save energy” message. Michael talked about his past work with the Vermont Folk Life Center, at a time when they welcomed a new director and were moving into a new home.  He helped them take advantage of the opportunity for media exposure and developed a communications plan that prepared the staff for the resulting TV, radio, and print interviews.

Michael’s advice  for nonprofits that don’t have a lot of time to spend on marketing and communications:

• Conduct a quick overview of your  current communications.
• Look at your staff/board for internal expertise or interest.  Authorize time for research, supplement with outside resources (webinars, web sites, blogs, workshops, books, consultants, etc).
• Start simple— review or create a one page identity sheet.

Drew Hudson showcased his recent work with True Majority, establishing the organization as a mobilizer of outrage and activists against the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The campaign has mobilized thousands of new members to join and send letters to Congressional leaders considering new oil drilling regulation.

Liz Schlegel pointed to The Center for an Agricultural Economy, a new organization that has established a clear visual image (logo) and is emerging as a trusted local resource for agricultural news and events (including a recent tragic barn fire in Walden). They are using social media as a way to build support and keep their web content fresh.

You can watch the entire presentation at the Common Good Vermont Learning Center by next week (June 3).  In the meantime, you’ll find these links and resources to be helpful.

• Resources and Links (Remember to “Show All”).
• Communications Strategy Check List
• An Introduction to Vermont Folk Life Center (Identification “two-pager” model)

A special thanks to Jess Wilson (CCTV Productions), Eva Sollberger (7Days), Sona Iyengar (Sona Writes) and Charlie Nardozzi (Vermont Garden Journal) for their fine presentations.

Here are links to resources & videos brought up during the presentation:
http://delicious.com/lgdavitian/storytelling

Also, be sure to check out this helpful slides: http://www.slideshare.net/event/2010-nonprofit-technology-conference

This is the first in a series of Strategic Planning Workshops sponsored by Common Good Vermont under the heading of Nonprofit Mavens.  Between April 14th and 21st you can pose your questions to our esteemed panelists at the Common Good VT forum.  Our experts: Jim LeFevre (LeFevre & Associates), Julie Broadway  (American Morgan Horse Association) and Nick Richardson (Vermont Energy Education Program/ VEIC) are on hand to help!

Common Good Vermont visits with Nancy Eldridge, Executive Director of Cathedral Square Corporation to discuss the necessity of collaboration as Vermont addresses an epic shortage of housing and services for its growing population of seniors and people with special needs. Nancy talks about what makes collaboration work and describes the broad and unique partnership that led to Seniors Aging Safely at Home–now seen as a national model. Cathedral Square is based in S. Burlington Vermont and owns and manages dozens of properties for seniors and individuals with special needs. The organization was founded as a ministry of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in 1977.

Part of the continuing series of Media Maven Lunches.

Advocacy Best Practices Discussion

Link it! We talk alot about Delicous and you can beam into the workshop links at delicous.com/lgdavitian—we’ve even added new resources (on social media and Clay Shirky) suggested by fellow Maven Joel Gluck.

Say it! Please let us know your thoughts about the workshop by answering a few questions.

This is the final installment of Google for Nonprofits Workshops co-sponsored with United Way of Vermont, Common Good Vermont, and Google Community Affairs.

Part of the continuing series of Media Maven Lunches.