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 who are carrying the weight of doing more with less, while wondering what comes next. Together, we’ll hold space for honest conversation, share tools to stay informed and resilient, and explore how to take action (even when things feel out of our hands).
Explore all four installments of the series and register below!
Cutting Through the Noise: Staying Informed Without Getting Overwhelmed
July 15th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Cutting Through the Noise: Staying Informed Without Getting Overwhelmed is the first installment of the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence’s upcoming 4-part series, Facing Forward: Tools for Uncertain Times.
Presenter: Julie Sidoni
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.
Who’s in Charge Here? Knowing Who to Go to When Funding and Policy Decisions Affect You
July 29th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Who’s in Charge Here? Knowing Who to Go to When Funding and Policy Decisions Affect You is the second installment of the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence’s upcoming 4-part series, Facing Forward: Tools for Uncertain Times.
Presenter: Andrew Cutillo
Drop-in Topic: Understanding which level of government makes which decisions
Description:
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.
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
Self-Preservation Is Not Selfish: Avoiding Burnout & Compassion Fatigue
August 12th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Self-Preservation Is Not Selfish: Avoiding Burnout & Compassion Fatigue is the third installment of the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence’s upcoming 4-part series, Facing Forward: Tools for Uncertain Times.
Presenter: Sinead O’Hare, LCSW
Drop-in Topic: Caring for yourself while facing stress from federal changes
Description:
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.
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.
How to Speak Up Without Burning Out: Strategic Communication Made Simple
August 27th | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
How to Speak Up Without Burning Out: Strategic Communication Made Simple is the final installment of the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence’s upcoming 4-part series, Facing Forward: Tools for Uncertain Times.
Presenter: Dr. Christine Kiesinger
Drop-in Topic: How to use your voice strategically and with confidence to advocate for yourselves and others with impact.
Description:
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.
You’ll Learn:
- 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.