City of Light Creative & Consulting, LLC

Did you know that the first national Thanksgiving celebration took place during the Civil War? With the end in sight, but not yet accomplished, the nation was still very much in the pain and chaos caused by the war. Today, you may be in a moment of acute chaos and stress, but if we can find our gratitude points, we can find the foundation to build a response. ??Take a moment to reflect on the people who make your work possible—your incredible employees, generous donors, and YOU. ???Send a personal letter to your donors sharing some wins. Showing them how they are making a difference in the lives of others will inspire them to help in the future. ???Show your employees you care by reading The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, by Gary Chapman. This book will show you how to effectively communicate authentic appreciation and encouragement to your employees. ???Take a moment for yourself and check out David Steindl-Rast's TED Talk, “Want to be happy? Be Grateful.” It’s less than 20 minutes, and will encourage you to practice your own gratitude immediately!?

Check out the wonderful resource page The Capacity Lab has put together that include's Nikki's curated list of tools to help aid effective meeting agendas, workplace culture, and team dynamics! ??

Recently, Nikki spent two evenings with some incredible leaders serving Chautauqua-based nonprofits. She shared how to lead effective team meetings. The first step is assembling your ideal team. It starts by identifying people who possess the right skill set and have a natural passion for the work. If you’re looking for guidance while building your board, we’re here to help!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Chautauqua Board Member Training Workshops! It was amazing to spend the evening with representatives from Bemus Point Library, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, St. Susan Center, Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown, Chautauqua Leadership Network, and so many others! These organizations are incredible change makers here in WNY!?

Chautauqua nonprofit friends! We look forward to seeing you Wednesday and Thursday at this free and interactive training brought to you by The Capacity Lab?.? Nikki will be sharing a tool belt to help you make each board meeting more effective and useful. This training is for Board members and executive team members alike!? Join us Wednesday, November 13, at the SCFCU Training Center, and Thursday, November 14, at the SUNY Fredonia Center for Innovation & Economic Development.

Remember summer reading challenges? Shouldn't adults have those? We've decided to host one for the incredible nonprofit community. You choose your goal! While we can't offer pizzas of Book-It fame, readers will receive prizes from two incredible community businesses. The first 25 sign-ups will get a gift from the incredible Read It & Eat Bookshop. People who work on their goal will be entered to win an adorable hand-crafted gift from Oxford Pennant. Sign up now and we’ll be here to support you. https://lnkd.in/eXTav_fd

Valuable insights and best practices on how to retain and cultivate existing donors, attract and engage new donors, and increase funding from Nikki Ronan of City of Light Creative & Consulting, LLC. #donors #donorengagement #donorrelations #asiwny #westernnewyork #nonprofitorganization #nonprofitsupport