Are you navigating the challenges of doing more with less and wondering what’s next? You’re not alone.
The Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence introduces an upcoming four-part series, Facing Forward: Tools for Uncertain Times. This series is designed for professionals carrying the weight of doing more with less, while wondering what comes next.
Join us as we create space for real conversations, share practical tools, and explore strategies to move forward, even when the path ahead feels unclear.
💡 $20 registration includes exclusive access to all four Zoom sessions and recordings at the conclusion of the series.
Explore all four installments of the series and register below!
Tuesday, July 15th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
via Zoom
Federal decisions are creating confusion and uncertainty, and social media snippets and rumors only make it harder to stay grounded.
Presenter: Julie Sidoni, Emmy-award winning founder of WVIA News and Director of Journalism for WVIA Public Media
Drop-in Topic: Navigating news, policy changes, and federal-level uncertainty
Description:
- How to spot reliable information, especially about federal funding and policy changes
- How to avoid the stress of conflicting messages and fear-based news
- Tips for staying informed while protecting your mental and emotional well-being
You’ll leave with tools to filter the noise and focus on what really matters.
Tuesday, July 29th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
via Zoom
When funding cuts or policy changes happen, it’s easy to feel lost in the system. This session will break down how to figure out who’s responsible for the decisions that impact your job, your clients, or even your personal life.
Presenter: Andrew Cutillo, public interest attorney
Drop-in Topic: Understanding which level of government makes which decisions
We’ll cover:
- Which level of government (federal, state, local) is in charge of key funding and policy decisions
- How to identify the right contact for your questions or concerns
- Tips for reaching out to decision-makers
You’ll leave better equipped to understand the system and advocate where it counts.
Tuesday, August 12th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
via Zoom
Federal funding cuts and shifting policies don’t just impact programs—they impact you. This session will focus on how the stress of navigating these changes—whether it’s uncertainty about your job, client needs, or personal stability—can contribute to burnout and compassion fatigue.
Presenter: Sinead O’Hare, LCSW, Clinical Hypnotherapist, EMDR Trauma Specialist
Drop-in Topic: Caring for yourself while facing stress from federal changes
We’ll cover:
- Recognizing signs of stress and burnout linked to federal changes
- Setting boundaries and protecting your mental health
- Quick, realistic self-care practices you can use every day
You’ll leave with practical tools to care for yourself—even when the bigger system feels uncertain.
Wednesday, August 27th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
via Zoom
Navigating change can be exhausting, especially when you feel pressure to stay quiet or “just get through it.” This session is designed to help frontline staff become strategic communicators who can speak up effectively for themselves and those they serve while staying grounded and avoiding burnout.
Presenter: Dr. Christine Kiesinger, founder of CEK Communication and certified trauma educator
Drop-in Topic: How to use your voice strategically and with confidence to advocate for yourselves and others with impact.
We’ll Cover:
- An effective strategy for managing your internal state, so you can stay calm, centered, and clear during high-stakes conversations
- Strategic and empowering methods for using your voice in public and interpersonal contexts
- The “rule of 3” method for organizing your thoughts and ideas so that you can share them on the fly and with impact
- How to use “strategic storytelling” to support and empower your message.