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Sheffield, Mass. — For the second year, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation will join Essex County Community Foundation in presenting the Institute for Trustees, an annual conference inviting nonprofit leaders to gather virtually for educational workshops and networking opportunities. The event is open to local board members and executive directors from Berkshire County, Mass., northwest Litchfield County, Conn., and Columbia and northeast Dutchess counties in New York.
The IFT kicks off on April 11 with a keynote address by Dr. Kenann McKenzie, director of the Generous Listening and Dialogue Center at Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. The Center, opened in the spring of 2021, serves as a hub and educational resource for the Tufts community to promote authentic dialogue and generous listening across differences.
Participants can sign up for any number of 25 total workshops – taking place from April 12 to May 26 – that will cover topics ranging from strategic planning and fundraising to diversity and board development.
To register for and learn more about the 2022 IFT, visit eccf.org/ift. Registrations will be accepted at a discounted early bird rate of $110 until March 11. After that, registration will cost $130. Full board registration is available for $500.
A sample of planned workshops includes:
· Creating a Diverse Board of Directors with Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts
· Courageous Conversations with Jermaine Moore, The Mars Hill Group
· Same Storm, Different Boats: Navigating Financial Concerns in a Post-COVID World with James Matzdorff, Cohn Reznick LLP
· Mapping the Future: Equitable and Inclusive Strategic Planning with Molly Penn and Marita Phelps, PENN Creative Strategy
· How to be a Supportive Leader in a Difficult Time with Sarah Carlan, MSW, SWC Consulting
· Funders are Evolving, Too: How Can You Meet Them Where They Are? with Phyllis Corkum and Alex McCray, Philanthropy Massachusetts
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in Springfield, Mass., and SouthCoast Community Foundation in New Bedford, Mass., have joined Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Essex County Community Foundation in presenting the 2022 event.
“We are pleased to expand the power and reach of this exceptional learning and networking opportunity for nonprofit board leaders around the region,” said Peter Taylor, president of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. “Coming together to explore common challenges and promising solutions with sector experts is critical for effective leadership in uncertain times.”
