CalNonprofits

I spent Wednesday at the CalNonprofits Annual Policy Conference 2024, in a room full of people who are not only committed to making change in their areas of expertise, but willing to step out of those areas to join in solidarity and demonstrate the collective strength of our sector. The best sessions were those who reminded us of the hope found in protecting others (and the nonprofit sector itself, which is under attack). Among the highlights were ideas like “people won’t continue to vote based on hope, they want to see change” and “we can’t just protect people when we’re prospering”. It was especially well-organized event, so special things to the planning team. Looking forward to future gatherings as we stand together, as well as future fortuitous meetups with Jeneba Lahai, Taunuu Ve'e, and Natalie T. Ah Soon, MPH.

This week, I had the privilege of attending the CalNonprofits Policy Summit: Strong Nonprofits for a Stronger California on behalf of the Emilio Nares Foundation. We are a new #proudmember of CalNonprofits! Choices made at the ballot box will shape California’s future —impacting those we serve, our families, legislative priorities and the #nonprofit sector as a whole. The conference was an incredible opportunity to hear from state leaders Geoff Green, elected officials including Assembly Speaker @Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Gregg Hart and nonprofit changemakers Chet P. Hewitt Kate Gordon Jodi Hicks Susan Gomez Sandra Celedon Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Ph.D. about how nonprofits can #advocate #educate and #empower the children and families we serve. How we can adapt to the shifting landscape, and thrive through collaboration. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected sector to ensure equity and inclusion throughout the state and specifically for nonprofits through the #CANonprofitEquityInitiative. When nonprofits are strong, so are our communities. #CalNonprofits #Advocacy #StrongerCalifornia #NonprofitLeadership #Equity #LatinaLeadership

Kim Olson, our Director of Advocacy, represented SOS Meals on Wheels at the CalNonprofits Annual Policy Conference in LA! ?? Pictured with Kim (L-R): Lara Calvert (Spectrum Community Services), Chris Baca (Meals on Wheels West), Daryl Twerdahl (Meals on Wheels California), Geoff Green (CalNonprofits), and Willy Gloria (MOW San Diego). With the theme ‘Strong Nonprofits for a Stronger California,’ the event brought together leaders to discuss the future of our sector and explore innovative ways to support communities statewide. Thank you CalNonprofits for advocating for California Nonprofits!

Had the pleasure of attending the 2024 CalNonprofits Annual Policy Conference in Downtown Los Angeles! It was inspiring to watch Susan Gomez moderate engaging and insightful discussions with a fantastic panel on issues that deeply impact California’s nonprofit sector. It was also exciting to hear her briefly highlight the incredible work Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions is doing through the Nonprofit Roundtable, that aligns with CalNonprofits’ Equity Initiative. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of these important conversations and look forward to next year’s conference!

Thank you CalNonprofits for such a wonderful conference. I'm excited for the work ahead! Also, grateful to the amazing Anand Giridharadas for such an inspirational conversation to fight forward for our communities! Here representing the amazing work of Centefor Community Action and Environmental Justice to bring back change to the Inland Empire! #LatinosInNonprofits #LatinosInPhilanthropy #SiSePuede #SomosMas

So glad it was inspiring & productive!

A truly excellent day at the CalNonprofits Annual Policy Conference 2024! A variety of timley topics covered on how California nonprofits can support and uplift one another and the people we serve through good public policy making and much more! So many wonderful nonprofit advocates in the room to empower their work and the people we gratefully serve! We are all a little more firmly rooted despite what comes next from the federal government and those who wish to silence the work of the people. #grateful #Californiastrong #nonprofitsector

While I gather my thoughts about yesterday's CalNonprofits policy conference, here are a couple of profound sound bites: "'Democracy is at risk.' What does that even mean?" State Senator Anna Caballero "Why are [immigrants] essential when we need to eat, but disposable when it comes to politics?" State Senator Anna Caballero "Misinformation is free; digging into policy is behind a paywall." Jodi Hicks, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California "Don't obey in advance." Anand Giridharadas, journalist and author The conference was sobering and exhilarating at the same time. I attended in order to gather intel on how upcoming policy changes will affect my nonprofit training clients, and what support they might need in the next year to continue #SpeakingUpForChange. How might Californians be affected by the new administration and how will the #nonprofit sector adjust and take action? I wasn't surprised to hear the following takeaways regarding both messaging of candidates and of nonprofits in helping their communities understand the election process and outcomes (from my perspective as a communication professional): ??We need better messaging that meets people where they are (climate change impacts everything from insurance rates to energy bills - people don't know this) ??We need to speak their language (not give high-level policy reports or make existential claims like "save democracy") ??We need to actually ask people what it means for them personally ?There is huge disconnect between policy and people's actual lived experience ??People do have an appetite to be better informed: We need to make accurate information more accessible - not behind paywalls ??We need to teach people how elections work, to help combat apathy and overwhelm, and get voters out for midterms and off-year elections (remember Schoolhouse Rock?) ??Communities need to invest in nonprofit and local media because people don't trust national outlets ??Nonprofits and media need to show people doing good work in their communities to illuminate a pathway for those who don't know what to do and how to help ?Organizations need to improve their communications overall - talk to their communities in a way that they can hear, learn and retain ??Collaboration and communication are essential to fill in gaps of information and services Where do we go from here? Now that the problems have been acknowledged, will we take action? Several of my nonprofit clients use "ambassadors," volunteers who are the clients of the organization, for #community outreach and legislative #advocacy. More need to be doing this! Bonus: running into a couple of my favorite people who I haven't seen in person in years, Arcelia Sencion (from my early nonprofit days working at Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County and Andi Garcia, who I met through Women's Economic Ventures (WEV)! #SocialImpact #Philanthropy #CapacityBuilding #Training #Speaking #Coaching

We are deeply appreciative for this year's 2024 CalNonprofits Policy Conference sponsors. These nonprofits, foundations, companies and individuals understand the importance of the nonprofit sector, our need to build both community and advocacy muscle, and to thrive - all for the good of our communities. We thank you!

Nonprofits are vital to our communities, but H.R. 9495 could put their work at risk! This bill threatens due process, donor trust, and essential services for vulnerable populations. ?? Stand with us: ?? See how you can take action! ?? https://lnkd.in/ezpQgUNN