BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Social Current - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Social Current X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.social-current.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Social Current REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20260106T150119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T182650Z UID:10000577-1770901200-1770904800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Digital Influence & Public Voice: Amplifying Advocacy Through Media Relations DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Media relations is a cornerstone of effective advocacy\, but navigating relationships and engaging with various outlets presents key challenges. This webinar will provide clear\, actionable guidance to help human service professionals communicate confidently and strategically. \nParticipants will learn how to craft compelling press releases\, frame stories that resonate\, and establish trusted\, long-term relationships with reporters. The session also will discuss strategies to prepare organizational leadership\, staff\, and individuals with lived experience to deliver clear\, authentic\, and impactful messages in interviews and public forums. \nThe webinar will address common challenges organizations face\, including limited media experience\, fast-moving news cycles\, and the nuances of supporting community members through public storytelling. Participants will gain practical tools to increase visibility\, strengthen message alignment\, and ensure their organization’s voice is heard. \nTakeaways\n\nConsiderations for writing effective press releases\nStrategies for pitching stories and building lasting relationships with journalists\nTechniques for preparing spokespeople to deliver confident\, mission-aligned messages\nApproaches for supporting community storytellers in media settings\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nExecutive leaders and program directors serving as organizational spokespeople\nCommunications\, marketing\, and advocacy staff\nCommunity engagement teams preparing lived-experience storytellers\nPolicy and government affairs teams elevating organizational priorities\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/digital-influence-public-voice-amplifying-advocacy-through-media-relations/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T163000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251122T154143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251122T154145Z UID:10000553-1770643800-1770654600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This performance and quality improvement (PQI) training is designed to help organizations pursuing COA Accreditation develop a comprehensive approach to a quality improvement process that will advance an efficient and effective service delivery system and enhance organizational capacity to deliver quality services. This training covers logic models and outcome statements\, as well as demonstrating how quality improvement is a catalyst for successful achievement of strategic goals and program outcomes. \nCOA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online. \nTakeaways\n\nWhat it means to be outcomes focused\nHow to develop strong outcome statements\nHow to use logic models to outline program goals and client outcomes\nMain components of a PQI process\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nStaff at organizations pursuing first-time accreditation and new primary contacts\nPQI directors\, coordinators\, and staff with PQI responsibilities\nThose needing assistance to create a PQI program\nOther staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Darrell Woodliff\n \n Director of Volunteer Engagement\nSocial Current \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Additional COA Accreditation Trainings \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n Oct \n \n 5 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Oct \n \n 5 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT \n \n \n \n Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Dec \n \n 1 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Dec \n \n 1 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EST \n \n \n \n Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n View Calendar URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/performance-and-quality-improvement-pqi-10/ CATEGORIES:Training,COA Accreditation Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/COA-Accredited-Webinar-Catalog-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T130000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251122T153349Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251122T153351Z UID:10000547-1770631200-1770642000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n The Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare new and incoming organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. Topics discussed in this training include: \n\nAn in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process\, including key milestones\nAn overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards\, evidence\, and the rating indicators\nHow ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process\nTips on how to get organized and manage the work\nHow to prepare for the site visit\n\nCOA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online. \nTakeaways\n\nAn in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process\, including key milestones\nAn overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards\, evidence\, and the rating indicators\nHow ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process\nTips on how to get organized and manage the work\nHow to prepare for the site visit\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nOrganization primary contacts\nSenior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation\nOther staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Darrell Woodliff\n \n Director of Volunteer Engagement\nSocial Current \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Additional COA Accreditation Trainings \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n Oct \n \n 5 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Oct \n \n 5 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT \n \n \n \n Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Dec \n \n 1 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Dec \n \n 1 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EST \n \n \n \n Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n View Calendar URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/intensive-accreditation-training-iat-11/ CATEGORIES:Training,COA Accreditation Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/COA-Accredited-Webinar-Catalog-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20260121T161346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T161347Z UID:10000505-1770595200-1770681599@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: NATSAP Annual Conference  DESCRIPTION:See You in San Diego \n \n Join us in San Diego Feb. 9-12.  \nAre you attending this event? \nMake sure to meet Rachael Rucker\, manager of network engagement and growth\, at our exhibit booth to learn all about Social Current’s complete range of solutions.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nThe NATSAP Annual Conference brings together a diverse community of members\, including schools\, programs\, and home-based services committed to delivering the highest quality care to young people facing emotional\, behavioral\, and mental health challenges. This conference is the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding and strengthen your connections to the young people you serve.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-natsap-annual-conference/ CATEGORIES:On the Road ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/On-the-Road.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T143000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251216T122723Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T124419Z UID:10000569-1770213600-1770215400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Introduction to COA Accreditation DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This free 30-minute webinar provides an introduction to Social Current and COA Accreditation. It is perfect for anyone seeking accreditation for the first time\, interested in what is required to become accredited\, or mandated to become accredited by state or federal legislation. Participants will gain an understanding of the key concepts that define COA Accreditation\, the steps toward becoming accredited\, and the benefits of accreditation. There will also be a Q&A portion for us to answer any questions you might have. \nTakeaways\n\nWhat is the value of accreditation\nWhat is the accreditation process\nHow to become accredited\n\nWho Should Participate\nAnyone who is interested in learning more about accreditation for their organization\, whether it be first-time accreditation or reaccreditation. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joe Perrow\n \n Network Growth Manager\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joe Perrow\n Network Growth Manager\nSocial Current \n \n Joe Perrow is the network growth manager for accreditation services at Social Current. His role allows him to work closely with organizations that are seeking accreditation for the first time by helping them to navigate standards\, establish a timeline\, and proactively prepare for the process. Perrow has a master’s in business administration from Campbell University and more than eight years’ experience in business development\, marketing\, and partner management. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/introduction-to-coa-accreditation-41/ CATEGORIES:COA Accreditation Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/COA-Accredited-Webinar-Catalog-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260129T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251223T153647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T172253Z UID:10000574-1769691600-1769695200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Data Governance in Action: Brightpoint’s Journey to a Unified Program Data Map DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Human services often struggle with a deceptively simple question: How many programs do we actually have? At Brightpoint\, different teams\, systems\, and departments previously used different names and definitions for the same programs\, making enterprise reporting slow\, inconsistent\, and difficult to trust. In addition\, program staff\, finance\, quality improvement\, HR\, and IT all viewed “programs” through different lenses\, with no shared language to connect financial\, operational\, quality\, and impact data.   \nThis webinar will introduce Brightpoint’s Program Data Model\, which helped to overcome these challenges. This organization-wide framework was designed to create a single\, authoritative source of truth for program data and to strengthen enterprise data governance.  \nBrightpoint leaders will walk through why the Program Data Model was created\, what it took to build it\, and how it is maintained as a living asset. Participants will learn how Brightpoint established a standardized\, multilevel structure that aligns service areas\, service lines\, and program definitions across operational\, financial\, and reporting needs. The discussion will highlight the cross-department collaboration required to reconcile multiple systems\, align historically inconsistent language\, and apply governance rules for adding\, changing\, or retiring programs over time.  \nFinally\, the webinar will show how Brightpoint uses its Program Data Model today—from enterprise dashboards and quality reporting to internal planning\, service directories\, and external communications. Speakers will share practical lessons learned\, common pitfalls\, and concrete tips for other organizations considering a similar effort. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how a well-governed program data model can improve reporting accuracy\, support better decision making\, and create a shared data foundation across the entire organization.  \nTakeaways\n\nThe importance and uses of a data map\nHow to start the process and create a data map\nHow to maintain a data map over time\nDiscuss the importance of cross-department collaboration\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nExecutive leaders\nProgram leaders\nQuality improvement\, data\, and performance professionals\nAdministrative staff (finance\, IT\, HR\, etc.)\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nicole Johns\n \n Vice President of Quality Improvement \nBrightpoint \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Nicole Johns\n Vice President of Quality Improvement \nBrightpoint \n \n Nicole Johns is the vice president of quality improvement at Brightpoint\, where she has spent more than 32 years supporting the organization’s mission and growth. While most of her career has been rooted in quality improvement\, her work spans program evaluation\, risk management\, and the design of systems that promote compliance\, quality\, and impact.  \nShe began her career as a family counselor and later served as a program supervisor\, grounding her leadership in strong clinical practice and a trauma-informed\, person-centered approach to service delivery. Throughout her tenure\, Nicole has also supported professional development and leadership growth\, with a focus on reflective practice\, continuous learning\, and building organizational capacity for meaningful\, sustainable improvement.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Ross\, LCSW\n \n Director of Quality Improvement \nBrightpoint \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ellen Ross\, LCSW\n Director of Quality Improvement \nBrightpoint \n \n Ellen Ross\, LCSW\, serves as the director of quality improvement at Brightpoint\, where she provides organization-wide support for data governance\, compliance\, and continuous quality improvement. For most of her 15-year career\, Ellen worked directly with youth in care and their families\, developing a deep understanding of providing human services within the child welfare system. Before stepping into her current leadership role\, she served as a quality improvement specialist supporting mental health and wellness programs\, Medicaid-funded services\, and home visiting programs. Ellen’s work is grounded in her commitment to equity and inclusion\, values that shape how she approaches systems change and organizational improvement.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/data-governance-in-action-brightpoints-journey-to-a-unified-program-data-map/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Org-Excellence_Data_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T134500 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251209T155713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T160153Z UID:10000557-1769086800-1769089500@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Building a Healthy Workplace Culture: Regulation Strategies for Staying Well at Work DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Staff at human and social services organizations are facing stress\, change\, and conflict on multiple levels. Vicarious trauma and the socio-political climate are contributing to staff feeling drained and disengaged. \nThis six-part webinar series will equip staff and leaders at all levels with foundational mindsets\, knowledge\, and skills to help themselves and their colleagues prioritize well-being at work\, manage through uncertainty\, and handle conflict with compassion. Through presentations\, self-reflection\, and interactive discussions\, participants will learn about core mindsets and strategies rooted in neuroscience that can help them build a healing-centered organizational culture. \nEach session will offer key concepts and practical application tools for participants to apply to their daily work and interactions with colleagues. \n\nRegulation Strategies for Staying Well at Work: Jan. 22\, 1-1:45 p.m. ET\nExecutive Functioning Skills: Feb. 26\, 1-1:45 p.m. ET\nHaving Difficult Conversations: March 26\, 1-1:45 p.m. ET\nHealthy Boundaries and Expectations: May 28\, 1-1:45 p.m. ET\nPsychological Safety\, Accountability\, and Support: July 23\, 1-1:45 p.m. ET\nSelf-Compassion: Sept. 24\, 1-1:45 p.m. ET\n\nThe first session in this webinar series will provide participants with an overview of basic neuroscience and brain architecture. This foundational knowledge is critical for understanding how our stress response system functions and why we respond to stress in the ways that we do. \nParticipants will gain concrete solutions that can be applied to individuals and organizations to help staff regulate their nervous systems at work so that they are better able to stay well\, communicate effectively\, and focus. \nTakeaways\n\nBrain science concepts\, strategies\, and tools to increase well-being and resilience in the workplace\nAwareness of executive function skills and how to strengthen them\nStrategies for having difficult conversations\nTips for communicating expectations and setting healthy boundaries\nLeadership strategies for increasing psychological safety in the workplace\nKey concepts to deepen self-compassion and connection at work\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nManagers and supervisors\nExecutives and senior leaders\nDirect service staff\nHuman resource staff\nStaff with responsibility for equity\, diversity\, and inclusion\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n \n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Martin\n \n Director of Practice Excellence\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/building-a-healthy-workplace-culture-regulation-strategies-for-staying-well-at-work/ CATEGORIES:Webinar,Brain Science,Workforce Resilience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Brain-Science_2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20260106T145333Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T202103Z UID:10000576-1769000400-1769004000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Amplifying and Supporting Community Voices DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Our stories are one of the most impactful and effective assets the human services sector has when developing and advocating for key changes. However\, meaningful\, sustainable\, and authentic storytelling requires thoughtful practices to safeguard participants’ agency and well-being. This webinar will focus on helping organizations build trauma-informed\, empowering pathways for clients and community members to shape the narrative of central issues within and beyond our communities. \nParticipants will discuss strategies to cultivate supportive environments\, prepare individuals to speak publicly\, and ensure storytellers maintain agency and control over how their experiences are shared. The session will highlight ethical considerations\, consent practices\, and emotional safety planning strategies to promote dignity and mutual respect. \nThe webinar also will address challenges\, including pathways to safeguard privacy and navigate organizational goals. Participants will leave with ideas for amplifying community voices while centering trust\, safety\, and respect. \nTakeaways\n\nStrategies for empowering community members to speak with confidence while maintaining safety and agency\nTrauma-informed and ethical considerations for honoring the gift of receiving and sharing lived experience\nApproaches for preparing and supporting storytellers through every stage\nPathways to ensure narratives strengthen advocacy while safeguarding privacy\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/amplifying-and-supporting-community-voices/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20260106T144148Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T182457Z UID:10000575-1768482000-1768485600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Digital Influence & Public Voice: Digital Storytelling for Advocacy DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Storytelling is one of the most effective and impactful strategies to lead effective\, impactful advocacy campaigns. However\, as rapidly evolving technology shapes how our organizations operate and our communities communicate\, it becomes increasingly important to reconsider pathways for intentional\, ethical storytelling that elevates community voice\, while protecting privacy. \nThis webinar will offer strategies to leverage digital tools and narrative techniques to communicate impact\, strengthen organizational visibility\, and amplify advocacy engagement. Presenters will share practical approaches for designing ethical social media campaigns\, creating accessible data visualizations\, and developing strategies to increase outreach and grow engagement. Participants will learn how to pair compelling stories with concise metrics to build trust\, inspire action\, and amplify advocacy messages. \nThe session will also explore common challenges\, including privacy considerations\, limited design capacity\, and interpreting channel analytics to assess campaign performance. Participants will leave with strategies for building impactful online narratives that align with core organizational values and increase impact and influence. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to design digital storytelling campaigns that protect privacy while honoring participants\nTechniques for data visualization to enhance message clarity and engagement\nStrategies for converting advocacy actions into broader mobilization efforts\nHow to track\, interpret\, and apply digital analytics to improve advocacy outcomes\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nCommunications and advocacy professionals designing social content\nProgram and evaluation staff using data to illustrate impact\nCommunity engagement teams mobilizing supporters online\nLeaders looking to integrate digital storytelling into broader advocacy strategies\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Abigail Levine\n \n Field Mobilization and Policy Manager\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/digital-influence-public-voice-digital-storytelling-for-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251112T210420Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T210419Z UID:10000543-1768399200-1768402800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:How Assessments Can Fuel Personal and Organizational Growth DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Taking a close look and truly understanding staff’s capabilities\, skills\, and beliefs is important for identifying and leaning into strategies for lasting change. Assessments are important tools for identifying strengths\, gaps\, and opportunities for growth and transformation for individuals\, teams\, and organizations. \nThe Intercultural Development Inventory is one of these tools. It assesses how cultural differences are perceived and navigated. The IDI provides quantitative and qualitative data to guide developmentally appropriate actions for individuals\, teams\, and organizations. A customized self-directed plan called the Intercultural Development Plan guides users through a series of research-informed activities and self-reflections to increase their intercultural capability. \nThis webinar will explore how the IDI can be leveraged to foster growth\, inclusivity\, and organizational transformation. Participants will discover how the assessment creates space for intercultural learning\, how the reports reveal key areas for development and change\, and how to apply concrete strategies to strengthen organizational culture. Together\, we’ll examine ways to co-create conditions that nurture future-ready leaders and build future-ready organizations that are equipped to thrive in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. \nTakeaways\n\nHow the IDI creates space for intercultural growth\nHow the IDI profile reports inform areas for growth and change\nConcrete solutions to improve organizational culture using the Intercultural Development Plan or IDP\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nStaff looking to improve interpersonal connection across differences\nStaff responsible for staff retention\, belonging\, and organizational culture\nStaff responsible for equitable and transparent organizational practices\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n \n Senior Director\, Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n Senior Director\, Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Robena Spangler is an innovative senior executive with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health\, human services\, and advancing equity and inclusion work. The majority of her career has been dedicated to systems improvement within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Spangler held several leadership roles in the public and private sectors. She has provided professional coaching and leadership development for teams and individuals on a national level. \nIn addition to her public and private sector work\, she is an adjunct instructor at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS)\, responsible for facilitating accelerated programs in human services for adult learners. Her current role\, as an EDI and leadership strategist\, is to design and manage all aspects of Social Current’s leadership and organizational excellence portfolio. Spangler holds a bachelor’s in sociology and human services along with a master’s in leadership and professional advancement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Phyllis Richards\n \n Director of Practice Excellence – Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/how-assessments-can-fuel-personal-and-organizational-growth/ CATEGORIES:Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Org-Excellence_Data_5.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251111T173121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T151941Z UID:10000539-1767880800-1767884400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Executive Leadership Institute for Organizational Impact: Creating a Performance Management Culture DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n To be successful\, nonprofit leaders must oversee day-to-day operations\, leverage community and staff strengths\, anticipate trends\, and drive systems change. So\, how can executive-level leaders prepare to have transformative impact in their organizations and communities? Attend a live dialogue with Robena Spangler\, senior director of leadership and organizational development\, to learn how Social Current’s Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) builds leadership capacity and creates a return on investment for organizations. \nIn addition\, Robena will be joined by ELI alum Oriana Carey\, CEO of the Coalition for Children\, Youth\, & Families\, who will highlight her experiences and how the institute has impacted her and her organization. She’ll also share her self-designed project to move from an organizational culture of data collection and reporting to a culture that embraces performance management. \nThis session will feature an overview of the program\, an opportunity to meet and hear from ELI alumni\, and time for Q&A. Join Robena and our featured ELI alumni to learn about unique aspects of the institute\, including the weeklong in-person event\, year of online learning\, mentoring program\, alumni network\, and self-designed projects that address an organizational challenge.  \nTakeaways\n\nAbout the Executive Leadership Institute\nBenefits and return on investment for organizations\nBenefits for leaders\nTime for Q&A\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nCEOs\nSenior Management\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n \n Senior Director\, Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n Senior Director\, Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Robena Spangler is an innovative senior executive with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health\, human services\, and advancing equity and inclusion work. The majority of her career has been dedicated to systems improvement within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Spangler held several leadership roles in the public and private sectors. She has provided professional coaching and leadership development for teams and individuals on a national level. \nIn addition to her public and private sector work\, she is an adjunct instructor at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS)\, responsible for facilitating accelerated programs in human services for adult learners. Her current role\, as an EDI and leadership strategist\, is to design and manage all aspects of Social Current’s leadership and organizational excellence portfolio. Spangler holds a bachelor’s in sociology and human services along with a master’s in leadership and professional advancement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oriana Carey\n \n CEO \nCoalition for Children\, Youth\, & Families \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oriana Carey\n CEO \nCoalition for Children\, Youth\, & Families \n \n Oriana Carey is driven to keep the Coalition for Children\, Youth\, & Families current and familiar with the concerns and issues impacting families and professionals touched by our services. She continually works with the team to find effective ways to create innovative approaches that help our stakeholders achieve positive outcomes. She believes that one must lead from a place of continuous self-reflection and learning to create successful initiatives. She also believes in the power of positive work cultures\, which include the assumption of positive intent\, generosity\, accountability\, and perseverance.  \n  \nOriana earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1991 and a master’s in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1995.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/executive-leadership-institute-for-organizational-impact-creating-a-performance-management-culture/ CATEGORIES:Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ELI-Event-Image2-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251211T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20250822T194531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T151050Z UID:10000519-1765458000-1765461600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:State & Local Policy Engagement  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n While federal advocacy often gets the spotlight\, many impactful policy changes happen closer to home. This webinar will explore how to navigate state legislatures\, local councils\, and administrative bodies\, including where and when to engage. Participants will learn how to align local advocacy strategies with federal priorities\, build relationships with state and municipal policymakers\, and mobilize community voices to influence change.  \nTakeaways\n\nIdentify the unique structures and processes of state and local policymaking\nMap advocacy opportunities at the state and municipal levels\nLeverage federal-state policy interplay to maximize impact\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/state-local-policy-engagement-2/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251210T133000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20241028T153137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T201522Z UID:10000443-1765371600-1765373400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Introduction to COA Accreditation DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This free 30-minute webinar provides an introduction to Social Current and COA Accreditation. It is perfect for anyone seeking accreditation for the first time\, interested in what is required to become accredited\, or mandated to become accredited by state or federal legislation. Participants will gain an understanding of the key concepts that define COA Accreditation\, the steps toward becoming accredited\, and the benefits of accreditation. There will also be a Q&A portion for us to answer any questions you might have. \nTakeaways\n\nWhat is the value of accreditation\nWhat is the accreditation process\nHow to become accredited\n\nWho Should Participate\nAnyone who is interested in learning more about accreditation for their organization\, whether it be first-time accreditation or reaccreditation. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joe Perrow\n \n Network Growth Manager\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Joe Perrow\n Network Growth Manager\nSocial Current \n \n Joe Perrow is the network growth manager for accreditation services at Social Current. His role allows him to work closely with organizations that are seeking accreditation for the first time by helping them to navigate standards\, establish a timeline\, and proactively prepare for the process. Perrow has a master’s in business administration from Campbell University and more than eight years’ experience in business development\, marketing\, and partner management. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/introduction-to-coa-accreditation-37/ CATEGORIES:COA Accreditation Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/COA-Accredited-Webinar-Catalog-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T153000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T163000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251027T203736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T201948Z UID:10000536-1765294200-1765297800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Navigating Insurance and Risk Mitigation DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This webinar with Strategic Industry Partner Marsh McLennan Agency will provide an opportunity for human services leaders to engage in a focused discussion on the evolving landscape of insurance and risk management. \nParticipants will analyze complex challenges within the insurance industry\, exchange knowledge and strategies\, and generate actionable insights to strengthen organizational resilience and leadership decision making.  We will also discuss the world of employee benefits and how to successfully use them as a recruitment and retention tool. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to position your organization for success with the underwriters\nInsight on corporate structures and ways to insulate your organization from risk\nHow to use your employee benefits plan to recruit and retain employees\nHow your organization compares to others in your community and across the country\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nCEOs\nCFOs\nCOOs\nHuman resources executives and managers\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eric Beck\n \n Senior Vice President and National Non-Profit Practice Leader\nMarsh McLennan Agency \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eric Beck\n Senior Vice President and National Non-Profit Practice Leader\nMarsh McLennan Agency \n \n Eric joined Bouchard Insurance in 2003 and was invited into the ownership group in 2007. He became one of the majority shareholders and a board member.  After Marsh McLennan Agency acquired Bouchard in February 2019\, Eric began his role as Senior Vice President and National Non-Profit Practice Leader. Prior to joining Bouchard Insurance he worked in many social service settings\, including residential group homes and as a teacher of severely emotionally disturbed middle school children. \nEric is active in many non-profit associations and has served on numerous boards. He is the endorsed insurance agent for the Florida Association of Community Health Centers and does a lot of work with the Florida Coalition for Children.  Eric is a graduate of Leadership Pinellas and CEO Direct.  He dedicates time to working with clients to help defend their interests and funding sources. He regularly speaks at non-profit seminars on ways to reduce insurance costs and how to develop a sound risk management program. \nIn 2016 and 2017\, Eric was recognized as a top 100 insurance agent in the country by Business Insurance Magazine. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mississippi and currently lives in Clearwater\, Fla. with his wife Leah and their three children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Preston Runyan\n \n Senior Vice President\, Employee Benefits\nMarsh McLennan Agency \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Preston Runyan\n Senior Vice President\, Employee Benefits\nMarsh McLennan Agency \n \n Preston Runyan is a Senior Vice President at Marsh McLennan Agency. Preston earned his Life\, including Variable Annuity and Health Insurance\, license in 2008. He specializes in managing mid and large nonprofit insurance programs. He is well versed in risk management strategies\, analytics\, healthcare delivery\, and pharmacy. Preston is responsible for project oversight and communication of deliverables. He is accountable for understanding his client’s objectives\, designing strategic multi-year planning\, and ensuring client goals are met. His focus is helping businesses design long term employee benefit programs that improve both business operations and employee engagement. He completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida in 2002. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jamie Center\n \n Sales Executive\, Non-Profit Division\nMarsh McLennan Agency \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jamie Center\n Sales Executive\, Non-Profit Division\nMarsh McLennan Agency \n \n Jamie Center is a sales executive on the non-profit/social service team in the Clearwater office of Marsh McLennan Agency. In his role\, he excels at helping clients find the right risk management strategy for their business needs. He specializes in employee health and benefit plans and business insurance and believes his responsibility is to help clients make the best possible decisions for their unique situations.  Jamie has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sports management from Florida State University. He has obtained his 2-15 Health & Life\, 2-20 General Lines\, and Commercial Line Coverage\, holds seats on two non-profit boards in his free time and is active with numerous other associations. Jamie is an active high school and collegiate football official during the fall.  He and his wife Abbey reside in Clearwater\, Fla.\, with their daughter Stevie and two dogs\, Bo and Forrest. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/navigating-insurance-and-risk-mitigation/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Org-Excellence_Leadership_3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251009T210207Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T210235Z UID:10000533-1765285200-1765288800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Strategies for Community-Wide Advocacy  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Our strength lies in our communities and our collective impact. Social Current’s December Grassroots Advocacy Network convening will discuss strategies to translate our shared power through community-wide advocacy.   \nThis interactive session will focus on how to develop representative\, sustainable grassroots networks and coalitions; collaboratively lead effective advocacy campaigns; and to sustain momentum and engagement.  \nHuman and social services professionals are invited to join Social Current’s monthly Grassroots Advocacy Network Convening. Join the grassroots advocacy network online.    \nSocial Current’s grassroots advocacy network is a rapid-response team for urgent policy and legislative issues that offers opportunities to exchange ideas\, share solutions\, and build lasting connections across the sector. By joining\, you’ll receive alerts\, advocacy opportunities\, and access to workshops and training to sharpen your strategies and tools.   \nTakeaways\n\nStrategies and tips for developing representative\, effective\, and sustainable advocacy campaigns\nHow to leverage power mapping to identify opportunities to expand your outreach and challenges that may hinder your advocacy campaigns\nStrategies to mitigate common challenges coalitions face in leading shared advocacy initiatives\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/strategies-for-community-wide-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251023T190947Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T160122Z UID:10000535-1764853200-1764856800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:From Numbers to Narratives: The Art of Data Storytelling DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Advocacy can often feel overwhelming\, especially when resources are limited\, and decision-makers are inundated with competing priorities. This webinar with Social Current Strategic Industry Partner CCNY\, Inc.\, is designed to show participants how to use data and storytelling strategically to advocate for their programs\, influence funding decisions\, and inform policy. Rather than theoretical guidance\, this session will focus on actionable approaches attendees can immediately apply to their organizations. \nAttendees will learn how to pair quantitative data with compelling narratives to make advocacy efforts more persuasive and memorable. The webinar will explore practical tools for translating program outcomes into digestible metrics\, crafting concise data-driven one-pagers\, and leveraging stories from those served to humanize numbers. By examining examples from human service programs\, participants will gain insight into how organizations can amplify their voice and strengthen relationships with funders\, policymakers\, and community partners. \nThe session will also address common challenges\, including limited data capacity\, low data literacy among audiences\, and translating program metrics into a persuasive advocacy message. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for turning routine program data into advocacy tools that not only highlight impact but also support systemic change. \nTakeaways:\n\nHow to translate program metrics into accessible\, compelling advocacy materials\nTechniques for pairing data with human stories to strengthen persuasive impact\nPractical tools for creating one-pagers and other advocacy visuals\nHow to address common challenges in data-driven advocacy to ensure your message is credible and compelling\n\nWho Should Participate:\nExperience level: All levels welcome—if you work with program outcomes or organizational data and want your insights to resonate\, this session is for you. \n\nExecutive directors and program leaders presenting organizational outcomes to boards\, funders\, and community stakeholders\nData and evaluation staff making performance metrics and outcomes more accessible and actionable\nDevelopment and grant professionals using data to strengthen funding narratives and showcase results\nQuality improvement and advocacy teams leveraging evidence to drive continuous improvement and systemic change\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shannon Wichlacz\, PhD\n \n Senior Evaluation Associate\nCCNY Inc. \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Shannon Wichlacz\, PhD\n Senior Evaluation Associate\nCCNY Inc. \n \n Shannon Wichlacz holds a doctorate in educational psychology and is a senior evaluation associate with CCNY\, where she supports the evaluation of community-based health and human service programs. She has over 20 years of experience in public health research\, workforce development\, program evaluation\, and survey design\, and has authored or co-authored 16 peer-reviewed publications. \nShannon specializes in translating complex data into actionable insights using strengths-based and user-centered evaluation methods. At CCNY\, she leads data analysis\, dashboard\, and evaluation projects for behavioral health and community programs\, managing teams and supporting continuous program improvement. She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis\, survey design\, logic modeling\, and creating clear\, compelling visualizations for diverse stakeholders. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Loewer\n \n Marketing Manager\nCCNY Inc \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anna Loewer\n Marketing Manager\nCCNY Inc \n \n Anna transforms complex data analytics into compelling content for health and human services organizations. With over three years of experience in project management and communications\, she creates engaging digital marketing campaigns at CCNY that showcase the real-world impact of data-driven decision-making. \nHer expertise spans content creation\, email marketing\, social media management\, and campaign analytics. Anna excels at translating complex program evaluation and data analytics concepts into clear\, actionable content that helps organizations leverage their data for community impact. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/from-numbers-to-narratives-the-art-of-data-storytelling/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Policy-Advocacy_5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251202T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251202T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251113T203655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T214558Z UID:10000544-1764680400-1764684000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Five & Rising New Community Cohort Information Session  DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \n To grow the momentum and urgency around the Five & Rising movement\, Social Current is preparing to select the second cohort of Five & Rising communities. Building on the foundation of the first cohort\, this group will continue to advance the work and expand the movement. \nJoin us for an informational webinar to learn more about the movement and application process. We’ll include ample time for Q&A.  \nPlease visit the Five & Rising website to learn more\, view the application process\, and apply today. If you have any immediate questions\, please reach out and we’ll be in touch. The deadline to apply is Dec. 12.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/five-rising-new-community-cohort-information-session/ CATEGORIES:Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251202T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251202T130000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251111T133658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T150411Z UID:10000538-1764676800-1764680400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Executive Leadership Institute for Organizational Impact: Advancing A ‘Think-and-Do Tank’ DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n To be successful\, nonprofit leaders must oversee day-to-day operations\, leverage community and staff strengths\, anticipate trends\, and drive systems change. So\, how can executive-level leaders prepare to have transformative impact in their organizations and communities? Attend a live dialogue with Robena Spangler\, senior director of leadership and organizational development\, to learn how Social Current’s Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) builds leadership capacity and creates a return on investment for organizations. \nIn addition\, Robena will be joined by ELI alum Amber Jones\, who will highlight her experiences and how the institute has impacted her leadership journey. She’ll also share her self-designed project to define and advance the ‘do’ in her organization’s ‘think-and-do tank.’ \nThis session will feature an overview of the program\, an opportunity to meet and hear from ELI alumni\, and time for Q&A. Join Robena and our featured ELI alumni to learn about unique aspects of the institute\, including the weeklong in-person event\, year of online learning\, mentoring program\, alumni network\, and self-designed projects that address an organizational challenge.  \nTakeaways\n\nAbout the Executive Leadership Institute\nBenefits and return on investment for organizations\nBenefits for leaders\nTime for Q&A\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nCEOs\nSenior Management\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n \n Senior Director\, Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n Senior Director\, Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Robena Spangler is an innovative senior executive with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health\, human services\, and advancing equity and inclusion work. The majority of her career has been dedicated to systems improvement within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Spangler held several leadership roles in the public and private sectors. She has provided professional coaching and leadership development for teams and individuals on a national level. \nIn addition to her public and private sector work\, she is an adjunct instructor at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS)\, responsible for facilitating accelerated programs in human services for adult learners. Her current role\, as an EDI and leadership strategist\, is to design and manage all aspects of Social Current’s leadership and organizational excellence portfolio. Spangler holds a bachelor’s in sociology and human services along with a master’s in leadership and professional advancement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amber Jones\n \n Community Organizer\, Public Theologian\, Political Strategist \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Amber Jones\n Community Organizer\, Public Theologian\, Political Strategist \n \n Amber Jones (she/her) is a community organizer\, political strategist\, and licensed minister\, originally hailing from the South Side of Chicago and having resided in the Twin Cities for over a decade. She is primarily organizing to advance independent political power through the Black Church through the statewide power organization\, ISAIAH & Faith in Minnesota. With a background in both government and nonprofit leadership\, Amber leads initiatives that equip Black leaders\, build coalitions\, and reimagine public policy from the ground up. Her ministerial and theological training in justice and reconciliation informs her approach to advocacy\, centering the sacred worth of Black life and the power of community transformation. Amber earned her master’s in justice and reconciliation from Luther Seminary\, and her bachelor’s in African American and African studies from the University of Minnesota. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/executive-leadership-institute-for-organizational-impact-advancing-a-think-and-do-tank/ CATEGORIES:Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ELI-Event-Image2-e1764098088548.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251201T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251201T163000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20240923T192854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T192859Z UID:10000434-1764595800-1764606600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This performance and quality improvement (PQI) training is designed to help organizations pursuing COA Accreditation develop a comprehensive approach to a quality improvement process that will advance an efficient and effective service delivery system and enhance organizational capacity to deliver quality services. This training covers logic models and outcome statements\, as well as demonstrating how quality improvement is a catalyst for successful achievement of strategic goals and program outcomes. \nCOA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online. \nTakeaways\n\nWhat it means to be outcomes focused\nHow to develop strong outcome statements\nHow to use logic models to outline program goals and client outcomes\nMain components of a PQI process\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nStaff at organizations pursuing first-time accreditation and new primary contacts\nPQI directors\, coordinators\, and staff with PQI responsibilities\nThose needing assistance to create a PQI program\nOther staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Darrell Woodliff\n \n Director of Volunteer Engagement\nSocial Current \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Additional COA Accreditation Trainings \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n Oct \n \n 5 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Oct \n \n 5 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT \n \n \n \n Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Dec \n \n 1 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Dec \n \n 1 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EST \n \n \n \n Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n View Calendar URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/performance-and-quality-improvement-pqi-9/ CATEGORIES:Training,COA Accreditation Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/COA-Accredited-Webinar-Catalog-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251201T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251201T130000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20240923T190553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T191945Z UID:10000431-1764583200-1764594000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n The Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare new and incoming organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. Topics discussed in this training include: \n\nAn in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process\, including key milestones\nAn overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards\, evidence\, and the rating indicators\nHow ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process\nTips on how to get organized and manage the work\nHow to prepare for the site visit\n\nCOA Accreditation is offered as a service of Social Current. Learn more about COA Accreditation and how to get started online. \nTakeaways\n\nAn in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process\, including key milestones\nAn overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards\, evidence\, and the rating indicators\nHow ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process\nTips on how to get organized and manage the work\nHow to prepare for the site visit\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nOrganization primary contacts\nSenior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation\nOther staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Darrell Woodliff\n \n Director of Volunteer Engagement\nSocial Current \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Additional COA Accreditation Trainings \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n Oct \n \n 5 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Oct \n \n 5 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT \n \n \n \n Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Dec \n \n 1 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST \n \n \n \n Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n Dec \n \n 1 \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EST \n \n \n \n Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n View Calendar URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/intensive-accreditation-training-iat-10/ CATEGORIES:Training,COA Accreditation Trainings ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/COA-Accredited-Webinar-Catalog-Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T143000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20250822T194528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T151020Z UID:10000521-1763470800-1763476200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Framing Messages That Break Through   DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Effective advocacy campaigns require successful messaging. This webinar will support participants in crafting values-based messages that connect across ideological divides and resonate with diverse viewpoints. Through an interactive exercise\, participants will collaboratively develop language that captures attention\, builds bridges\, and motivates action.    \nTakeaways\n\nDevelop a messaging framework that resonates across diverse audiences\nTechniques to leverage values-based communication\nHow to tailor messages to an audience’s concerns\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/framing-messages-that-break-through/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T151500 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251008T181205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T141001Z UID:10000530-1763042400-1763046900@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Creating Brain-Friendly Environments: The Key to a Strong Workforce DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \n Recent reports from the National Council of Nonprofits and the Center for an Urban Future highlight the scale of the human services staffing crisis. A significant portion of nonprofits report job vacancies\, with some estimates as high as 74.6%. This is fueled by high levels of stress and burnout—over half of respondents cited it as a key contributing factor. As leaders\, what can we do about this? \nJoin Social Current’s experts in brain science and trauma-informed approaches for this free webinar that will offer insight into this pressing question. We will focus on how to move beyond top-down\, employee recognition and self-care initiatives to authentically partner with staff to improve engagement\, equity\, communication\, resilience\, and retention. This requires empathy\, connection\, inclusivity\, mindfulness\, and gratitude from us as leaders. \nWhile this is a lot to prioritize\, the good news is there is a simple\, foundational framework that underpins all these topics—our brain and stress response system. Understanding this is the key to creating brain-friendly work environments. \nThis session will explore concepts and strategies for aligning workplace environments with how the brain thrives. By embracing this orientation\, organizations can cultivate a culture where employees can more easily plan\, adapt\, and innovate—increasing both personal and organizational success. \nTakeaways\n\nFoundational brain science concepts and how they can be applied to human services workplaces\nPractical\, research-backed strategies to foster executive functioning\, psychological safety\, and self-regulation\nGuidance for setting healthy expectations that promote adaptability\, collaboration\, and well-being\n\nWho Should Participate\nSocial Current is excited to invite all Network Champion members\, as well as anyone interested in this topic. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n \n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Martin\n \n Director of Practice Excellence\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/creating-brain-friendly-environments-the-key-to-a-strong-workforce/ CATEGORIES:Webinar,Brain Science,Workforce Resilience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Workforce-Resilience_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251009T211013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T183150Z UID:10000531-1763038800-1763042400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Delivering Impactful Advocacy Initiatives within Congress   DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Effective messaging is essential for leading successful advocacy campaigns. Social Current’s November Grassroots Advocacy Network convening will discuss opportunities to tailor language and message framing to the unique priorities and concerns representatives have for their districts.    \nOur interactive session will focus on considerations to amplify your reach by leading impactful advocacy initiatives within Congress\, especially through strategic timing\, opportunities to broaden your outreach\, and approaches to deliver targeted\, effective policy requests.     \nHuman and social services professionals are invited to join Social Current’s monthly Grassroots Advocacy Network Convening. Join the grassroots advocacy network online.   \nSocial Current’s grassroots advocacy network is a rapid-response team for urgent policy and legislative issues that offers opportunities to exchange ideas\, share solutions\, and build lasting connections across the sector. By joining\, you’ll receive alerts\, advocacy opportunities\, and access to workshops and training to sharpen your strategies and tools.   \nTakeaways\n\nIncrease confidence in developing and delivering a clear\, actionable policy ask\nPrepare to diversify messages according to your audience’s unique priorities and concerns\nReview opportunities to strategically time your outreach\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/delivering-impactful-advocacy-initiatives-within-congress/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251104T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20250922T205217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T204630Z UID:10000529-1762257600-1762354800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Lessons From Within Our Reach: A Cross-Sector Conversation on Child and Family Well-Being DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \n This virtual convening is: \n\nTuesday\, Nov. 4 from noon-3 p.m. ET\nWednesday\, Nov. 5 from noon-3 p.m. ET\n\nJoin us for a powerful\, cross-sector conversation rooted in the latest lessons from the Within Our Reach report on preventing child maltreatment fatalities from maltreatment. \nOver two half days\, this interactive virtual convening will bring together professionals from pediatric care\, juvenile justice\, child welfare\, law enforcement\, education\, and community-based organizations to reflect on what’s working—and what must change—to create systems that are responsive\, equitable\, and family-centered. These leaders and lived experts reflect the truth that family wellness is not the responsibility of one system alone—it is a shared\, community-wide commitment that calls for aligned action\, empathy\, and investment across many touchpoints in a family’s life. \nWith a focus also on building a shared safety culture\, we will explore how systems can shift their thinking and action to proactively support families before a crisis occurs. Participants will explore how policy change\, lived experience\, and community-driven strategies can prevent child harm\, reduce family barriers to wellness\, and build trust across sectors. \nTakeaways\n\nBuild a Shared Safety Culture: Learn how integrating safety-focused mindsets within and across agencies—alongside staff wellness—can reduce system-driven trauma and better support family resilience.\nExpand the Definition of Family: Examine how elevating the lived voices of fathers\, grandparents\, kin caregivers\, and youth leads to policies and practices that reflect real-life caregiving networks.\nStrengthen Cross-Sector Collaboration: Gain concrete tools for breaking down silos and strengthening interagency partnerships to better coordinate supports for families\, especially in moments of vulnerability.\nAdvance Equity Through Policy & Practice: Explore key policy strategies\, such as reducing family financial burdens and embedding protective factors in service delivery\, that help stabilize and empower families.\nTranslate Report Lessons into Local Action: Leave with actionable ideas\, data-informed decision-making\, and equity-aligned investments that can be applied at the local\, state\, or system level.\n\nPresenters\nTuesday\, Nov. 4 \n\nRomero Davis\, senior director of practice excellence\, Social Current\nKelly Martin\, director of practice excellence\, Social Current\nKimberly Heard\, senior program manager of practice excellence\, Social Current\nJody Levison-Johnson\, PhD\, president and CEO\, Social Current\nMichael Cull\, PhD\, associate director\, Center for Innovation in Population Health and associate professor\, Department of Health Management and Policy\, University of Kentucky\nKaren Johnson\, senior director of Change in Mind\, Social Current\nKara Georgi\, MSEd\, lead senior associate of parent partnerships\, Children’s Trust Fund Alliance\nRegina Dyton\, MSW\, consultant\, R.S. Dyton Associates\nParent and community voices\n\nWednesday\, Nov. 5 \n\nChurmell Michell\, creator of Emotions You Know\, and founder\, A Father’s Voice Matters\nBlair Abelle-Kiser\, senior director of government affairs at Social Current\nScott Allen\, executive director of community engagement\, Cordata Healthcare Innovations\, Inc.\, and criminal justice senior adjunct instructor\, Curry College\nRachael J. Keefe\, MD\, MPH\, FAAP\, associate professor of pediatrics\, Baylor College of Medicine\nParent partners (Birth Parent National Network)\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nEducators and school support staff\nPediatric and behavioral health providers\nLaw enforcement and public safety professionals\nJuvenile justice\, child welfare\, and youth-serving agencies\nPolicymakers\, funders\, and system leaders\nCommunity-based organizations and advocates URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/lessons-from-within-our-reach-a-cross-sector-conversation-on-child-and-family-well-being/ CATEGORIES:Child and Family Well-Being ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/father-daughter.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251103T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251103T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20251028T211017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T211102Z UID:10000537-1762174800-1762178400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Millions at Risk: Understanding the Shutdown’s Impact on Children\, Families\, and Human Services DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \n The federal government shutdown is creating immediate and escalating risks for essential human services. Programs like WIC\, SNAP\, and Head Start are operating on limited or contingency funding and face rapid disruption as reserves run out. Nonprofits are already experiencing funding freezes\, delayed reimbursements\, stalled grants\, and increased demand—all while operating without clear guidance from federal agencies. \nThis briefing will outline the current shutdown landscape\, its impacts on nutrition and early childhood programs\, and what community-based organizations should expect in the coming weeks. We will also cover practical and urgent advocacy steps organizations and individuals can take to protect children\, families\, and the social sector workforce. \nTakeaways\n\nHow the federal shutdown is impacting WIC\, SNAP\, Head Start\, and related human service programs\, including funding timelines\, operational risks\, and state-level variations\nThe real-world consequences for nonprofits and communities\, such as reimbursement delays\, suspended grants\, increased demand\, and workforce strain\nKey messages and advocacy strategies to mobilize communities\, communicate with policymakers\, and elevate front-line experiences\nHow to take action quickly\, including through direct outreach to Congress\, coalition engagement\, and mobilizing local voices to protect critical services\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nLeadership\, policy\, and advocacy staff from community-based organizations\nExecutives and program directors overseeing WIC\, SNAP\, food security\, housing\, child welfare\, or early childhood services\nCommunications and public policy professionals responsible for advocacy or mobilization\nFront-line staff interested in how the shutdown affects program operations and families\nCoalition partners and stakeholders supporting safety-net services\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/millions-at-risk-understanding-the-shutdowns-impact-on-children-families-and-human-services/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20250822T194506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T151009Z UID:10000520-1761656400-1761660000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy Isn’t a Horror Movie – But It Sometimes Feels Like One!  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Advocacy is one of the social sector’s greatest powers\, but lobbying restrictions and common misconceptions can make it challenging to know when and how to advocate. This webinar will support organizations in engaging in responsive and strategic advocacy by reviewing the responsibilities of 501(c)(3) organizations. We will review case studies to outline key differences between lobbying and advocacy. We will also discuss 501(h) elections and considerations for nonprofit organizations should they elect to file. \nTakeaways\n\nReview key distinctions of advocacy and lobbying\nDiscuss responsibilities nonprofits hold because of their 501(c)(3) status\nStrategies to support responsive\, strategic advocacy\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nMembers of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network: Join online\nExecutive Directors and Senior Management: Leaders responsible for setting organizational strategy and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders\nAdvocacy and Policy Directors: Individuals who develop and implement advocacy strategies and engage in policy analysis and outreach\nCommunications and Public Relations Managers: Professionals focused on crafting and disseminating the organization’s message to the public and media\nProgram Managers and Coordinators: Staff who oversee program implementation and need to align program goals with advocacy efforts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\, PhD\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the non-profit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring their time in public service\, they served as a Professional Staff Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. They led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, they worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)\, where they served as a Health Policy Fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, they led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, they worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Their work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. They earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/advocacy-isnt-a-horror-movie-but-it-sometimes-feels-like-one/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251022T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251023T160000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20250610T220528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250828T174744Z UID:10000509-1761123600-1761235200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Building Healthy Workplace Cultures in Challenging Times DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \n This workshop is a post-conference event of our SPARK 2025 conference in Chicago\, but registration is separate from the conference. \n\nImpact Partners and Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation: $120\n\nThis discounted rate is made possible through support from an anonymous sponsor.\n\n\nOther Organizations: $650\nSPARK 2025 Participants: Free\n\nRegister for SPARK 2025 to receive you discount code to register for this post-conference session for free. The code will be included on the registration confirmation screen and in a follow-up email.\n\n\n\nStaff at nonprofit organizations are facing change\, stress\, and conflict on multiple levels. Political polarization\, isolation\, and vicarious trauma are contributing to staff feeling drained and disengaged. \nThis workshop will equip leaders and supervisors with foundational knowledge and skills to help their teams manage uncertainty and interpersonal conflict so they can create a healthy and resilient organizational culture. To empower their staff\, participants will learn about core strategies and tactics that are based in brain science research and trauma-informed approaches. \nPresenters will address topics including increasing accountability\, managing conflict\, having crucial conversations\, nurturing relationships\, embracing equity\, and achieving excellence. \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Create Brain Friendly Environments \n \n \n \n \n \n To be well at work\, especially in stressful and uncertain environments\, it is important to understand basic brain concepts and embrace practices that enhance its functioning. Stress\, distress\, and trauma can trigger a “fight or flight” response\, which makes it difficult to think and problem solve. However\, brain science offers tools for managing this response. \nThe first part of this workshop focuses on the importance of embracing brain science awareness at work. We explore the neurobiology of stress\, distress and trauma; the arousal continuum; and daily regulation activities to practice at work. \nLearning Objectives \n\nBrain science concepts and strategies to increase resilience in the workplace\nState dependent functioning and the arousal continuum\, and their application to daily work\nPractical tools and strategies for increasing regulation\nStrategies for building a brain friendly culture that enhances our optimal functioning at work\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Build Psychological Safety \n \n \n \n \n \n Direct service staff face pressure from many different people and are often afraid of making a mistake that might harm those they serve\, negatively impact others’ perception of them\, or disappoint their supervisors or colleagues. \nPrioritizing psychological safety is essential to reduce this worry and allow staff to speak and act freely. It involves creating an environment where staff feel safe to take risks and speak candidly without the fear of retribution. When we foster psychological safety\, It leads to authentic conversations\, trust\, and innovation. \nThe second part of this workshop explores how to foster psychological safety in the workplace to support courage and vulnerability. It discusses strategies for leaders to respond to staff challenges by modeling authenticity\, accountability\, and compassion\, all which promote safe risk taking and trust. \nLearning Objectives \n\nComponents of psychological safety and the critical need to build it at work\nThe impact of courage and vulnerability in the workplace\nLeadership strategies for increasing psychological safety in the workplace\nStrategies for having crucial conversations\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Prioritize Staff Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n You’ve heard the adage\, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” It’s true. If our organizational culture is unhealthy\, we will struggle to get our work done. So\, we must intentionally build a positive staff culture that reflects our organization’s stated values and beliefs and aligns with our strategy. \nThe third part of this workshop explores the ingredients of a positive staff culture and the steps needed to achieve it. Learn strategies for bringing your organizational values into daily interactions\, set clear and realistic boundaries and expectations and align culture and strategy to build resilience and success. \nLearning Objectives \n\nDefine organizational culture\nHow to realize organizational values in daily interactions\nHow to promote boundaries and expectations that support the organization’s mission and staff well-being\nSteps for aligning organizational culture and strategy\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Integrate Connection and Community \n \n \n \n \n \n Now\, more than ever\, employees are looking for a sense of community at work. Our brains are hardwired for connection\, and we crave belonging. When we build healthy connections with people at work\, we are more equipped to tolerate differing perspectives\, actively listen\, demonstrate empathy\, and have difficult conversations. In essence\, a strong work community can hold an organization together\, especially during challenging and uncertain times. \nThe fourth part of this workshop explores the components of healthy connections in the workplace and strategies for intentionally integrating connection and community across the range of employee experiences. \nLearning Objectives \n\nHow connection is critical to feeling calm and regulated\nStrategies for increasing connection in the virtual and hybrid workplace\nStrategies for building community among employees with a range of experiences and preferences for ways to connect\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Related COA Accreditation standards:  \n\nHuman Resources (HR)\nTraining and Supervision (TS)\n\nLearning Objectives\n\nBrain science concepts\, strategies\, and tools to increase resilience in the workplace\nLeadership strategies for increasing psychological safety in the workplace\nHow to align organizational culture\, strategy\, and staff well-being\nStrategies for building connection and community\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nManagers and supervisors\nExecutives and senior leaders\nDirect service staff\nHuman resource staff\nStaff with responsibility for equity\, diversity\, and inclusion\n\nIndividuals who are champions for strengthening the workforce culture\, regardless of their title\, will also benefit. This guidance is relevant for all workforces that serve children\, adults\, and families\, including at the community\, systems\, government\, and policy levels. \nLocation\, Lodging\, and Meals\nHilton Chicago\n720 S Michigan Ave.\nChicago\, IL 60605 \nSocial Current has arranged a limited number of rooms at a special rate of $259 for single or double occupancy\, plus applicable taxes. To receive the discounted rate\, book online or call the hotel at 877-865-5320 by Sept. 22 and mention the group name: Social Current SPARK 2025. This rate is subject to hotel availability at the time of booking. \nBreakfast and lunch will be on your own\, and break refreshments will be provided. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n \n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current \n \n Karen Johnson brings knowledge of the advancing science around resilience\, brain development\, adversity\, toxic stress\, equity\, and trauma-informed approaches to the complex challenges we face. This expertise\, coupled with her 28 years of experience in child welfare\, behavioral health\, and community services\, enables her to successfully partner with leaders\, staff\, community members\, and participants across numerous settings to promote individual and organizational resilience. \nJohnson leads the development of Social Current’s Change in Mind Institute\, leveraging the latest advances in neurosciences and trauma-informed approaches across sectors and at the practice\, policy\, and systems levels. She oversees the Texas Change in Mind Learning Collaborative\, through which 10 organizations from multiple sectors across Southeast Texas are working to embed brain science and equity principles with the goal of improving outcomes for children and families\, as well as their organizational cultures and ability to collaborate with partners. \nDuring her five-and-a-half years on the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s trauma-informed services team\, and year-and-a-half as an independent consultant\, Johnson trained and consulted with organizations\, systems\, and communities striving to strengthen their workforce and advance trauma-informed\, resilience-oriented approaches. She worked in various roles in the treatment foster care department and led and developed community-based programs during her 19 years at Wellpoint Care Network in Milwaukee. Johnson combines the newest advances around adversity\, relational health\, and resilience to infuse hope and connection into our work. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Martin\n \n Director of Practice Excellence\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Martin\n Director of Practice Excellence\nSocial Current \n \n Kelly Martin is the director of practice excellence at Social Current\, with an emphasis on applied developmental psychology\, healing-centered approaches\, educational success\, antiracism\, workforce well-being\, policy\, and advocacy. In this role\, she collaborates with stakeholders across the network to advance systems change through policy and advocacy efforts\, and to build the capacities of leaders through networking\, knowledge\, and solutions. She has experience facilitating design sessions and learning opportunities with a wide variety of human service and education stakeholders which includes classroom teachers to frontline staff to executive leaders. \nPrior to this role\, Kelly was with the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities (Alliance)\, supporting internal and external efforts to advance equity\, leading evaluation and research projects\, and working closely with educational success stakeholders. Before joining the Alliance in 2016\, Kelly was a researcher in the Developmental and Educational Psychology Departments at the University of Pittsburgh. She spent her time connecting with young people\, families\, and educators across the city of Pittsburgh\, as well as collaborating with multi-sector leaders to infuse developmental theory\, research\, and best practices into local and state initiatives.  She was an adjunct instructor during her years at Pitt\, teaching a graduate course in developmental psychology. \nKelly holds a master’s in applied developmental psychology\, and a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently working toward the completion of Yoga Roots on Location® Certified Yoga Teacher Training\, an anti-racist and social justice Raja Yoga teacher training offered through the Yoga Alliance’s 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) Certification. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/2025-wfr-training/ LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605\, United States CATEGORIES:Brain Science,Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence,Workforce Resilience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Workforce-Resilience_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251021T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251021T160000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20250603T010856Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T163708Z UID:10000504-1761055200-1761062400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:The Intersection of Trauma-Informed Approaches and Quality Improvement DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \n This workshop is a post-conference session of SPARK 2025 in Chicago\, but registration is separate from the conference. \nWe know that data-informed decision making and continuous quality improvement (CQI) are critical to the success of any change initiative—including our trauma-informed efforts. However\, two key barriers often hinder our ability to integrate a trauma-informed lens into data collection: \n\nEmotional Resistance to Data Work– Clinical and program staff often avoid data collection because it can activate a survival response\, making it difficult to stay engaged in the process.\nUncertainty About What to Measure – Organizations struggle to identify the right data that truly captures the essence and impact of trauma-informed approaches.\n\nJoin us for this workshop\, where we will explore strategies to overcome both barriers. \nBy applying a trauma-informed perspective\, we can reframe the conversation around quality improvement—from asking\, “Why aren’t you embracing CQI?” to “What’s happening that’s preventing you from engaging?” Quality improvement in human services organizations is a centralized function that relies on data to drive meaningful outcomes. The way data teams collaborate with clinical and program staff is crucial in breaking down barriers\, fostering trust\, and using data technology to create positive\, lasting change. \nWe also need to determine what data best measures the impact of our trauma-informed efforts and consider: \n\nHow do we quantify whether staff are consistently using trauma-informed approaches?\nAre we effectively including all voices in our initiatives?\nAre our staff development processes leading to meaningful organizational culture change?\nDo staff and clients experience our environments as safe and supportive?\n\nBy using a trauma-informed approach with clinical staff who are charged with data processes\, and by leveraging the right data\, we can move beyond assumptions and ensure that our trauma-informed strategies are making a tangible difference. \nJoin us to be a part of this essential conversation and take your data collection and trauma-informed efforts to the next level. \nTakeaways\n\nCommon triggers associated with data and quality improvement for clinical staff\nThe brain science behind the “window of tolerance”\nHow to use the “window of tolerance” as a guide for keeping clinical teams in optimal creative problem solving\nHow to identify and select the right metrics to effectively measure the impact of their trauma-informed efforts\nSteps to encourage buy-in and develop shared language to add the “human” aspect into data collection\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nQuality improvement professionals looking to increase collaboration with program staff\nQuality improvement supervisors\nQuality improvement staff who feel they are spinning their wheels\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tristan Keelan\n \n Founder & CEO\nQI Folio \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n \n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/the-intersection-of-trauma-informed-approaches-and-quality-improvement/ LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605\, United States CATEGORIES:Event,Brain Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SPARK2025-PostCon-Data.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20251020T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20251021T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181823 CREATED:20241020T230000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T172855Z UID:10000437-1760918400-1761091199@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:SPARK 2025 DESCRIPTION:About\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Pre- and Post-Conference Sessions\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Workshops\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Keynotes\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Consultations\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n About \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n When registering\, you’ll be prompted to log in. If you do not have an account\, create one for free by clicking: Create an Account. \nSPARK 2025 will unite practice excellence\, innovation\, and federal policy advocacy to advance our sector’s impact and help all families and communities thrive. This in-person event will elevate important conversations around our most vexing challenges and showcase insight and expertise from the field. \nThis event is designed for leaders who are fueled by a commitment to improve the well-being of all people. Together\, we will share inspiration and practical tools for implementing innovative practice\, policy\, and research. Our keynote speakers and breakout sessions will address new insight and promising approaches related to: \n\nBrain-friendly and trauma-informed approaches\nChild\, family\, and community well-being\nCOA Accreditation and data-driven strategies\nEquity\, diversity\, and inclusion\nGovernment affairs and advocacy\nLeadership and organizational development\n\nJustification Letter for Travel Request \nThis draft letter outlines the benefits of attending the SPARK 2025 conference\, key dates\, and expected travel costs. Use this template to communicate the return on investment with your supervisor: \n\nDownload the letter template\nDownload the letter template for COA Accreditation primary contacts\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nExecutives\nDirector-level staff\nBoard members\nPerformance quality improvement staff\nProfessional and clinical services\n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Registration & Pricing \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration must be received on or before Sept. 26 to receive the early bird rate. After that date\, regular rates apply. \nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation\nEarly Bird Registration $625\nRegular Registration $825 \nOther Organizations\nEarly Bird Registration $725\nRegular Registration $925 \nMultiperson Registration Discount\nRegister two (2) full conference participants from the same organization and receive $50 off all subsequent full conference registrations from the same organization. Only one discount per person; no other discounts apply. Once two conference participants are registered\, contact Social Current to receive the discount code for all subsequent full conference registrations. \nComplimentary Trainings for SPARK 2025 Registrants\nSocial Current is including two additional trainings with SPARK 2025 registration. \nAdvocacy Amplified: Rapid Response & Readiness in a Shifting Policy Landscape\nSunday\, Oct. 19 from 1-4 p.m. CT\nAdd this training when you register for the conference. \nBuilding Healthy Workplace Cultures in Challenging Times\nWednesday\, Oct. 21-Thursday\, Oct. 22\nOnce you register for SPARK 2025\, you will receive your discount code to register for this session on the registration confirmation screen and follow up email. \nCancellation by Participant\nAll cancellation requests must be made in writing. Conference cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after Oct. 1 will not be refunded. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Participants unable to attend the conference may send an alternate participant. Notice of written cancellation or alternate participant requests must be emailed directly to Social Current. \nCancellation by Social Current\nIf Social Current cancels this conference\, all registration fees will be refunded in full. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Location & Lodging \n \n \n \n \n \n Hilton Chicago\n720 S Michigan Ave.\nChicago\, IL 60605 \nHotel Reservations\nSocial Current has arranged a special room rate of $259 for single or double occupancy\, plus applicable taxes. To receive the discounted rate\, book online or call the hotel at 877-865-5320 by Sept. 26 and mention the group name: Social Current SPARK 2025. \nThis rate is available for stays up to three days prior to and after the conference\, but it is subject to hotel availability at the time of booking. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nSunday\, Oct. 19\n\n\n9 a.m.-Noon\nIntensive Accreditation Training (IAT)\n\n\n12:30-4 p.m.\nRegistration Desk Open\n\n\n1-4 p.m.\nPerformance and Quality Improvement (PQI) Training\n\n\n1-4 p.m.\nAdvocacy Amplified: Rapid Response & Readiness in a Shifting Policy Landscape\n\n\n1-5 p.m.\nELI Alumni: Unlocking Potential Because You Matter!\n\n\n5:30-7 p.m.\nVolunteer Appreciation Celebration\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\nMonday\, Oct. 20\n\n\n8 a.m.-3:45 p.m.\nRegistration Desk Open\n\n\n8-9 a.m.\nBreakfast with Exhibitors\n\n\n9-10:30 a.m.\nOpening General Session\n\n\n10:30-11 a.m.\nBreak with Exhibitors\n\n\n11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.\nSession A Workshops\n\n\n12:30-2 p.m.\nNetworking Lunch\n\n\n1:15-1:45 p.m.\nOne-on-One Consultations\n\n\n2-3:30 p.m.\nSession B Workshops\n\n\n3:45-4:15 p.m.\nOne-on-One Consultations\n\n\n4:30-5:30 p.m.\nNetworking Reception\n\n\n\n  \n  \n\n\n\nTuesday\, Oct. 21\n\n\n7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.\nRegistration Desk Open\n\n\n7:30-8:30 a.m.\nBreakfast with Exhibitors\n\n\n7:45-8:15 a.m.\nOne-on-One Consultations\n\n\n8:30-10 a.m.\nSession C Workshops\n\n\n10-10:30 a.m.\nBreak with Exhibitors\n\n\n10:30 a.m.-Noon\nSession D Workshops\n\n\nNoon-1:45 p.m.\nLunch and Closing General Session\n\n\n2-4 p.m.\nThe Intersection of Trauma-Informed Approaches and Quality Improvement\n\n\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Sponsor & Exhibit \n \n \n \n \n \n Social Current’s robust network of organizations and individuals across the country provides a unique opportunity for sponsors to reach C-suite decisionmakers in their target demographics. Simultaneously\, sponsorship will allow brands to assess challenges unique to the sector\, collaborate\, and access network expertise. \nThrough our network\, we can reach more than 12\,000 human services professionals representing more than 1\,800 organizations that serve nearly 11 million individuals. \nView the SPARK 2025 sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. Contact us to learn more. \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Pre- and Post-Conference Sessions \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Pre-Conference Sessions\nIntensive Accreditation Training (IAT)\nOct. 19 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.\nThe Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. It provides an overview of the COA Accreditation process and standards\, tips on how to manage the work\, and advice for preparing for the site visit. Registration for IAT is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. \nPerformance and Quality Improvement Training (PQI)\nOct. 19 from 1-4 p.m.\nThis performance and quality improvement (PQI) training is designed to help organizations pursuing COA Accreditation develop a comprehensive approach to a quality improvement process that will advance an efficient and effective service delivery system and enhance organizational capacity to deliver quality services. Registration for PQI is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. \nAdvocacy Amplified: Rapid Response & Readiness in a Shifting Policy Landscape\nOct. 19 from 1-4 p.m.\nAs federal priorities shift\, nonprofit leaders must be prepared to respond swiftly and strategically. This condensed version of Social Current’s Advocacy Amplified training equips participants with the essential tools to navigate today’s policy environment\, which includes increasing threats to equity; equity\, diversity\, and inclusion programs; and core social services funding. Participants will gain practical skills in policy analysis\, narrative framing\, and grassroots mobilization. Registration is free for SPARK 2025 participants. \nExecutive Leadership Institute: Unlocking Potential Because You Matter\nOct. 19 from 1-5 p.m. CT\nFor over 20 years\, the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) has established an incredible reputation for providing a quality peer learning experience that positively impacts the development of social sector leaders. This pre-conference convening is the first of its kind! We invite past\, present\, and future ELI participants to network with each other\, engage in motivational storytelling about what’s shaped you as a leader\, and discuss ELI’s transformative impact on both individuals and organizations. Registration is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. \nVolunteer Appreciation Celebration\nOct. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m.\nWe could not do what we do without our COA Accreditation volunteers. All active COA Accreditation volunteers are invited to join us as we gather and celebrate all that you do. Catch up with colleagues\, share site visit stories from the road\, and get ready for the start of SPARK 2025. There will be food\, drinks\, prizes\, and a host of swag – so you will not want to miss this event. Registration for the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. To register\, email Darrell Woodliff\, director of volunteer engagement at Social Current. \nPost-Conference Sessions\nThe Intersection of Trauma-Informed Approaches and Quality Improvement\nOct. 21 from 2-4 p.m. CT\nBy applying a trauma-informed perspective\, we can reframe the conversation around quality improvement—from asking\, “Why aren’t you embracing continuous quality improvement?” to “What’s happening that’s preventing you from engaging?” Quality improvement in human services organizations is a centralized function that relies on data to drive meaningful outcomes. The way data teams collaborate with clinical and program staff is crucial in breaking down barriers\, fostering trust\, and using data technology to create positive\, lasting change. Registration is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. SPARK 2025 participants receive a discount code to join for free. \nBuilding Healthy Workplace Cultures in Challenging Times\nOct. 22-23 from 9-4 p.m. CT\nThis two-day workshop will equip leaders and supervisors with foundational knowledge and skills to help their teams manage uncertainty\, stress\, and interpersonal conflict so they can create a healthy and resilient organizational culture. Presenters will address topics including increasing accountability\, having crucial conversations\, nurturing relationships\, embracing equity\, and achieving excellence. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Workshops \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Each workshop is identified as a “learner” or “doer” session: \n\nLearner Sessions: For those with limited knowledge on the topic who are looking for an introduction\nDoer: For those with prior knowledge and experience with a topic who are looking to advance their skill and mastery\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sort By:\n Session Groups\n Area of Focus\n \n \n \n A (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) \n B (2-3:30 p.m.) \n C (8:30-10 a.m.) \n D (10:30 a.m.-Noon p.m.) \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Keynotes \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \nOpening Keynote: Nonprofit 2.0: Navigating the Road Ahead\nToday’s nonprofit leaders are navigating a landscape full of detours—AI\, funding shifts\, burnout\, and declining trust. In this opening keynote\, Suzanne Smith invites you to zoom out\, re-center your mission\, and rethink the map entirely. The road ahead won’t be paved with yesterday’s strategies—but with bold mindsets and adaptive systems designed for what’s next. \nSuzanne also will present workshop D6: Better Together: Rethinking the Way Nonprofits Collaborate for the Greater Good. \nSuzanne Smith\nFounder and CEO\nSocial Impact Architects\n \nSuzanne Smith has a deep belief that everyone is a changemaker. As a serial social entrepreneur\, she strives to harness the powerful force of organizations\, including nonprofits\, foundations and socially responsible businesses\, and individuals\, to maximize the potential of the social sector to create real\, scalable impact. \nIn 2009\, Suzanne founded Social Impact Architects\, a registered Benefit Corporation\, to reshape the business of social change. She combines her MBA know-how with two decades of experience as a nonprofit innovator to serve as a consultant\, advisor\, and thought partner. She is also a highly sought-after public speaker at conferences nationwide\, including TEDxTurtleCreekWomen. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. In this work\, she has pioneered open-source frameworks for the creation of better social solutions\, including layered logic models\, ecosystem mapping\, and social alchemy. For her outstanding work as a leading thinker\, she was recognized with the Next Generation Social Entrepreneur Award by the Social Enterprise Alliance. Since 2015\, Social Impact Architects was recognized as one of the “Best for the World” small businesses by B Corp. \nSuzanne also authors Social TrendSpotter\, one of the sector’s top blogs according to The Huffington Post. She is frequently interviewed by regional and national media on social entrepreneurship and has published articles in Forbes\, The Chronicle of Philanthropy\, See Change\, Nonprofit Business Advisor\, Upstart\, and Grantmakers in Health. \nSuzanne has been at the epicenter of game-changing social solutions for more than two decades as a social intrapreneur. Her first jobs at the City of Garland and Texas Municipal League taught her the power and potential of local government to impact change. Later\, she worked for Phoenix House to scale evidence-based prevention and treatment programs and for the American Heart Association to build a national state advocacy strategy. One of her greatest achievements was co-founding the Alliance for a Healthier Generation – one of the country’s first movements focused on combating childhood obesity – with a team from the William J. Clinton Foundation. She also co-founded Flywheel: Social Enterprise Hub in Cincinnati to help nonprofits build meaningful and sustainable social enterprises. \nSuzanne holds a master’s in business administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business\, where she was selected as the CASE (Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship) Scholar. Nationally\, she was selected as a member of Peter Senge’s Society of Organizational Learning and has served on the national board of the Social Enterprise Alliance. She has advised many federal agencies on their efforts on social entrepreneurship and system change. \n  \n\n  \n \n \n Closing Keynote: The Business of Impact: How Purpose Powers Prosperity\n \nJoin Dorri McWhorter for a dynamic conversation on how purpose-driven leaders can make bold money moves — building business models that uplift communities\, unlock new funding streams\, and expand resources beyond traditional philanthropy. It’s about staying rooted in your mission while reimagining what’s possible for impact\, equity\, and enterprise. \nDorri C. McWhorter\nPresident & Chief Executive Officer\nExecutives’ Club of Chicago\n \nDorri McWhorter is renowned for her social enterprise business leadership. Crain’s Chicago Business lauded her as a “nonprofit disrupter” who turned around a major organization “by leading as if it’s a startup.” She is a 2019 Inductee into the Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame\, and her work to create a new paradigm for the social impact sector is featured in the documentary Uncharitable. \nMost recently\, Dorri served as president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Under her leadership\, the YMCA modernized membership offerings and created partnerships with Nike and Peloton. She also worked to bring a new YMCA to Chicago’s west side as part of a new development to include a wellness center with health care\, grocery store\, and business incubator. Previously\, Dorri served as CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago\, transforming it from a traditional social service organization to a “21st century social enterprise.” She added 10 service locations\, increased the operating budget by 300%\, and established a retirement plan with options for child care providers and small business owners. She led the effort to develop an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for women’s empowerment (NYSE: WOMN) in partnership with Impact Shares. \nDorri prides herself on being a humanity-centered business leader and is committed to creating an inclusive marketplace by leveraging a cross-sector approach of engaging business\, civic\, and community partners. Dorri’s professional experience spans a variety of businesses and industries. Prior to taking on leadership roles in the social enterprise sector\, she was a partner at Crowe LLP\, one of the largest accounting firms in the U.S. Dorri serves on the board of directors for several companies including\, LanzaTech Global\, Lifeway Foods\, William Blair Funds\, NexPoint Capital\, and Skyway Concession Company (Chicago Skyway). Dorri is also active in the accounting profession and serves on the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council and has served as a member of the board of directors of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and a past chairperson of the board of directors for the Illinois CPA Society. Dorri also serves as co-chair of the First Women’s Bank Advisory Board. \nDorri’s civic and philanthropic leadership includes the board of directors for Common Impact\, Chicago Council on Global Affairs\, Civic Consulting Alliance\, Civic Federation\, Chicago Center for Arts and Technology\, and Forefront. Dorri received a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison\, a master’s in business administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management\, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Lake Forest College. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Consultations \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Enhance your SPARK 2025 experience by booking a one-on-one consultation with Social Current. Our leaders offer subject matter expertise and have extensive experience in partnering with human and social services organizations to achieve meaningful change. \nWe have opened bookings for the free consultations. Register for SPARK 2025 to receive a follow up email with the link to book your timeslot. Please only reserve one consult per registrant. \nChild\, Family\, and Community Well-Being\nRomero Davis\, Senior Director of Practice Excellence \nMonday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.\nTuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m. \nSuggested topics: \n\nIntentional community collaboration\nSustainability planning\nPoverty/neglect conflation\nChild welfare challenges\n\nGovernment Affairs and Advocacy\nBlair Abelle-Kiser\, Senior Director of Government Affairs \nMonday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.\nTuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m. \nSuggested topics: \n\nStrategic policy navigation to understand\, respond to\, and influence complex federal and state policy environments impacting human services\nBuilding grassroots capacity\, engaging stakeholders\, and advancing policy agendas aligned with each organization’s mission and community needs\nRisk and resilience planning that assesses systemic threats\, such as insurance instability or funding volatility\, and through proactive strategies\n\nLeadership and Organizational Development\nRobena Spangler\, Senior Director of Leadership and Organizational Development \nMonday – 3:45-4:15 p.m.\nTuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m. \nSuggested topics: \n\nLeadership development opportunities for frontline managers and executive leadership (on-site and virtual)\nCustomized leadership and organizational assessment\nBoard improvement strategies\nStrategic planning\n\nWorkforce Resilience\nKaren Johnson\, Senior Director of Change in Mind \nMonday – 1:15-1:45 p.m. and 3:45-4:15 p.m.\nTuesday – 7:45-8:15 a.m. \nSuggested topics: \n\nCreating brain-friendly work environments\nBuilding psychological safety\nPromoting positive staff culture\nCreating connection and community at work\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet Our Consultants\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Romero Davis\n \n Senior Director of Practice Excellence\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Romero Davis\n Senior Director of Practice Excellence\nSocial Current \n \n Romero Davis is a senior director of practice excellence at Social Current. A mentor for professional development and community justice champion\, Davis has worked nationally with agencies in areas such as poly-victimization; trauma in families; equity\, diversity\, and inclusion; juvenile justice; and domestic violence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\n \n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n Blair Kiser\, Ph.D.\, joined Social Current in 2022 after working in health policy on Capitol Hill\, the nonprofit sector\, and as a biomedical researcher. Most recently\, Blair served as director of government relations & advocacy for NephCure Kidney International. \nDuring her time in public service\, she served as a professional staff member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. She led a corporate investigation regarding insider trading and financial improprieties\, conflicts of interest associated with Operation Warp Speed’s leadership\, and scientific information politicization. Prior to joining the Select Subcommittee\, she worked for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)\, where she served as a health policy fellow. In Senator Brown’s office\, she led a range of legislative and oversight efforts involving public health and health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, she worked with several community hospice advocacy organizations and a Republican office to help craft the bipartisan COVID-19 Hospice Respite Care Relief Act of 2020. \nPrior to public service\, Blair spent several years as a medical research scientist on several industry and NIH-funded projects. Her work focused on developing research projects and clinical trials to improve the lives of African Americans with Sickle Cell Disease. She earned a doctorate in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2017 and a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Kentucky in 2011. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n \n Senior Director of Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n Senior Director of Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current \n \n Robena Spangler is an innovative senior executive with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health\, human services\, and advancing equity and inclusion work. The majority of her career has been dedicated to systems improvement within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Spangler held several leadership roles in the public and private sectors. She has provided professional coaching and leadership development for teams and individuals on a national level. \nIn addition to her public and private sector work\, she is an adjunct instructor at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS)\, responsible for facilitating accelerated programs in human services for adult learners. Her current role\, as an EDI and leadership strategist\, is to design and manage all aspects of Social Current’s leadership and organizational development portfolio. Spangler holds a bachelor’s in sociology and human services along with a master’s in leadership and professional advancement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n \n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n Senior Director of Change in Mind\nSocial Current \n \n Karen Johnson brings knowledge of the advancing science around resilience\, brain development\, adversity\, toxic stress\, equity\, and trauma-informed approaches to the complex challenges we face. This expertise\, coupled with her 27 years of experience in child welfare\, behavioral health\, and community services\, enables her to successfully partner with leaders\, staff\, community members\, and participants across numerous settings to promote individual and organizational resilience. \nJohnson leads the development of the Social Current Change in Mind Institute\, leveraging the latest advances in neurosciences and trauma-informed approaches across sectors and at the practice\, policy\, and systems levels. She oversees the Texas Change in Mind Learning Collaborative\, through which 10 organizations from multiple sectors across Southeast Texas are working to embed brain science principles with the goal of improving outcomes for children and families\, as well as their organizational cultures and ability to collaborate with partners. \nDuring her five-and-a-half years on the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s trauma-informed services team\, and year-and-a-half as an independent consultant\, Johnson trained and consulted with organizations\, systems\, and communities striving to advance trauma-informed\, resilience-oriented approaches. She also led and developed community-based programs during her 19 years at SaintA in Milwaukee. Johnson combines the newest advances around adversity\, relational health\, and resilience to infuse hope and connection into our work. \nJohnson is a licensed clinical social worker certified in Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and Daring Way and trained in Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Sponsors \n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Gold Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Silver Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Supporting Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Exhibitors URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/spark2025/ LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605\, United States CATEGORIES:EDI,Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence,Policy,Event,Brain Science,Child and Family Well-Being ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SPARK2025-Website-Preview_Image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251019T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251019T190000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181824 CREATED:20250509T183828Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250509T184935Z UID:10000483-1760895000-1760900400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Volunteer Appreciation Celebration at SPARK 2025 DESCRIPTION:We could not do what we do without our COA Accreditation volunteers. All active COA Accreditation volunteers are invited to join us as we gather and celebrate all that you do. Catch up with colleagues\, share site visit stories from the road\, and get ready for the start of SPARK 2024. There will be food\, drinks\, prizes\, and a host of swag – so you will not want to miss this event. \nRegistration for the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration is separate from the SPARK 2025 registration. To register\, email Darrell Woodliff\, director of volunteer engagement at Social Current. \nThis reception is a pre-conference event of the SPARK 2025 conference. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/volunteer-appreciation-celebration-at-spark-2025/ LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SPARK2025-PreCon-Volunteer.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR