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.