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 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:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250811T162658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T190949Z UID:10000514-1758718800-1758722400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Strengthening Connections Between Federally Qualified Health Centers and Child Welfare DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This webinar with Social Current Strategic Industry Partner Sellers Dorsey will explore how Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) can collaborate more effectively with the child welfare system and other community partners to improve health outcomes for children and families. This session will highlight promising practices\, policy opportunities\, and actionable strategies for integrating FQHCs into child welfare at the community and systems levels. We will also discuss recent federal shifts that impact FQHCs. \nTakeaways\n\nThe role FQHCs can play in improving outcomes for children and families involved with or at risk of involvement with the child welfare system\nHow to identify and partner with FQHCs\nOpportunities to establish a bi-directional referral stream between child welfare agencies and FQHCs\nFQHCs’ full scope of offerings for Medicaid-eligible foster populations and others\nOpportunities to build stronger networks at the family\, community\, and state levels\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nStaff providing care coordination or direct services to children\, adults\, and families such as child welfare\, behavioral health\, school-based services\, and/or community health\nStaff responsible for developing local resource networks\, provider networks\, or referral sources\nStaff responsible for community engagement strategy and relationship development\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 Rachel Marsh (Facilitator)\n \n Associate Director\nSellers Dorsey \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rachel Marsh (Facilitator)\n Associate Director\nSellers Dorsey \n \n An attorney and social worker with more than 24 years of experience serving children and families\, Rachel joins Sellers Dorsey from the Children’s Alliance of Kansas where she served as CEO. In this role\, she worked to transform child and family well-being systems in Kansas. Under her leadership\, the organization achieved multiple public policy accomplishments\, impacting workforce retention\, prevention of foster care\, kinship caregivers\, and youth with complex behavioral health care needs. Prior to her public policy work\, Rachel served as a child in need of care attorney with a community-based child welfare provider for 14 years. She supported case managers and judicial partners in resolving complex child welfare matters\, developed trainings for case managers\, attorneys\, and judges\, and supported community and policymaker engagement in multiple states. In her early career\, Rachel worked in research and social work education in Kathmandu\, Nepal. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Barron Jr.\, MD\n \n FQHC Chief Medical Officer \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Charles Barron Jr.\, MD\n FQHC Chief Medical Officer \n \n Dr. Charles Barron’s unwavering commitment to education has led to him becoming a board-certified family practice physician and a well-respected chief medical officer in the Federally Qualified Health Center and community health sectors locally and nationally. Raised in Friars Point\, Mississippi\, Dr. Barron received an associate’s degree in biology from Coahoma Junior College in Clarksdale\, Mississippi\, and a bachelor’s degree in biology pre-medicine from Alcorn State University in Lorman\, Mississippi\, both of which are among the ranks of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). He received his medical degree from the University of Iowa School of Medicine. \nFollowing completion of his family practice residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago\, Dr. Barron became employed as an attending physician under the residency program and the associate medical director of Access Southwest Family Health Center. Recognizing the importance of merging his vast medical background with advanced business acumen in the ever-changing healthcare industry\, Dr. Barron pursued and received a master’s in business administration from Olivet Nazarene University\, Bourbonnais\, Illinois. Having the insight to enhance his qualifications was a major influence in Dr. Barron’s appointment as regional medical director of the Southwest 1 Region for Access Community Health Network. It is noteworthy to mention that Access is one of the nation’s largest private provider of federally qualified health care\, providing a primary care medical home for over 200\,000 patients annually. Dr. Barron’s commitment to lifelong learning is also demonstrated by obtaining a certification as a physician executive from the American Association for Physician Leadership\, a Post-Masters Certification in Health Care Informatics from the University of Illinois at Chicago\, and a graduate of UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Health Care Executive Program. \nMarried to Dawn\, Dr. Barron is the proud father of Charles III and Dalyn BarLo. He is a devoted member of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Dr. Barron is committed to demonstrating and implementing the traditions of integrity\, compassion\, empathy\, and interpersonal skills as he continues to be an integral part of the community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Imani Lewis\n \n Director\nSellers Dorsey \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Imani Lewis\n Director\nSellers Dorsey \n \n Imani R. Lewis is a seasoned health care leader with extensive expertise across provider and managed care organizations. Currently serving as director of managed care business at Sellers Dorsey\, she provides strategic and tactical guidance to managed care organizations (MCOs)\, provider-led entities (PLEs)\, and community-based organizations nationally. Imani also serves as adjunct professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health\, where she teaches the graduate-level course Socio-cultural Dimensions of Health Disparities Research. The course focuses on defining health disparities\, health equity\, and social/structural determinants of health; exploring models and techniques for planning\, implementing\, and evaluating health disparities research; and applying these concepts to real-world challenges. \nImani’s leadership journey includes serving as chief strategy officer for a prominent network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Chicago. In this role\, she spearheaded initiatives to address health disparities\, enhance access to medical\, dental\, and behavioral health services\, and improve the nutritional and social outcomes for underserved communities. Previously\, as vice president of quality improvement for Illinois’s largest Medicaid health plan\, she oversaw accreditation\, regulatory processes\, and quality performance for over one million members across Medicaid\, Medicare\, Foster Care\, and Marketplace products. Her career also includes leadership roles in FQHCs and hospital systems in Illinois\, where she excelled in clinical operations\, data strategy\, practice transformation\, and quality improvement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brittany McAllister\n \n Associate Director\nSellers Dorsey \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Brittany McAllister\n Associate Director\nSellers Dorsey \n \n Brittany McAllister is an accomplished health and human services policy and government affairs professional with extensive experience advancing Medicaid and other health and human services public policy initiatives. Before joining Sellers Dorsey\, Brittany served as senior government affairs manager for The National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First. There\, she helped states create continuums of care–from prevention to positive permanency—to support families in or at risk of involvement with the child welfare system. Brittany has experience designing Medicaid reimbursement structures to support clinicians delivering home visiting\, nutrition\, and nursing services. She possesses expertise in developing coalitions and partnerships to promote systems change across early childhood services\, maternal and child health\, child welfare\, and more. \nShe has worked in most states across the country\, bringing a national perspective to her work and a deep understanding of the diverse policy landscapes that shape health and human services. Brittany has also led federal and state Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for the American Nutrition Association\, worked in state policy at The American Association of Nurse Practitioners\, and conducted Medicaid policy research at The George Washington University. Brittany is passionate about promoting family stability and healthy child development. She has lived experience in kinship care and adoption and as a Medicaid recipient. At Sellers Dorsey\, Brittany helps child and family well-being clients navigate challenges and opportunities related to public funding and partnerships. She translates policy changes and funding mechanisms into actionable strategies that drive sustainable impact. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/strengthening-connections-between-federally-qualified-health-centers-and-child-welfare/ CATEGORIES:Child and Family Well-Being ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Safety-Resilience_2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250923T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250923T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250822T194458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T150822Z UID:10000525-1758636000-1758639600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Fostering a Culture of Advocacy: Building Policy Competence Across Your Organization  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Sustainable\, transformative advocacy requires policy engagement to be woven into the culture of an organization—not just housed in one department. This webinar will explore how to build advocacy knowledge and readiness at all levels of your organization\, from front–line staff to executive leadership. Through practical examples and implementation tips\, we’ll help you transform policy fluency from a siloed skill into a shared value.  \nTakeaways\n\nWhat policy competence looks like at all organizational levels\nStrategies for embedding advocacy into daily operations\nModels of organization-wide training and internal communication\nLeadership’s role in advocacy culture\nHow to distribute advocacy capacity and readiness\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/fostering-a-culture-of-advocacy-building-policy-competence-across-your-organization/ 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:20250922T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250922T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250828T172319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T151904Z UID:10000528-1758549600-1758553200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Kinship Care in Transition: Navigating through Changes and Centering Families  DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Kinship care continues to be a vital part of the child and family well-being system\, offering children safety\, stability\, and the comfort of familiar relationships. As federal policies evolve to better support kinship families\, agencies and organizations must adapt to shifting standards while maintaining their commitment to equity\, family voice\, and culturally responsive care. This webinar is designed to help participants understand recent federal rule changes impacting kinship care and relevant updates to COA Accreditation standards and how to translate those changes into meaningful\, family-centered practice.  \nThis interactive webinar will also provide practical tools and strategies for engaging and valuing kinship caregivers as true partners in the system. Whether you’re a frontline worker\, administrator\, or advocate\, you’ll leave with takeaways to strengthen kinship placements and elevate the voices of those caring for their own.  \nThe session will clarify what’s changing\, what remains consistent\, and how organizations can remain compliant while also honoring the lived experience of kinship families. Participants will have a clearer understanding of recent federal rule changes\, practical steps for organizational alignment\, and approaches to supporting and empowering kinship families across diverse communities.  \n  \nTakeaways\n\nParticipants will gain an understanding of federal rule changes to kinship care and the impacts.\nAttendees will gain clarity on updates to COA Accreditation standards and compliance expectations for agencies working with kinship families.\nParticipants will learn practical strategies organizations can use to adapt to the new regulations while remaining family-centered and culturally responsive.\nAttendees will identify actionable ways to engage\, support\, and value kinship caregivers as key partners in the care system.\n\nWho Should Attend\n\nCommunity-based organization staff\nCourt-appointed advocates and GALs\nFoster care and kinship care trainers\nKinship navigators and family support workers\nChild welfare agency staff and supervisors\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Romero Davis\n \n Senior Director of Child & Family Well-Being \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 Child & Family Well-Being \n \n Romero Davis is the senior director of child and family well-being 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. He is a member of the technical assistance team for Child Safety Forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jordan Reinwald\, LCSW\n \n Practice Excellence Standards Specialist \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jordan Reinwald\, LCSW\n Practice Excellence Standards Specialist \n \n Jordan Reinwald\, LCSW is a Practice Excellence Standards Specialist with Social Current providing research\, development\, and ongoing technical assistance and maintenance of the COA Accreditation Standards. Jordan brings a mix of direct practice and policy development experience in child welfare to her work in standards research.  Jordan has worked as a foster care social worker in Alabama and as a Clinical Specialist in the Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate\, where she conducted reviews of critical incidents and recommended practice and policy changes to improve outcomes for children in foster care. She is passionate about promoting best practices in child welfare and human services to enhance the well-being of children and families. Jordan resides in West Hartford\, CT. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/kinship-care-in-transition-navigating-through-changes-and-centering-families/ CATEGORIES:Child and Family Well-Being,Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Safety-Resilience_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250916T143000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250822T194143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T151108Z UID:10000518-1758027600-1758033000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:September Grassroots Convening DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Human and social services professionals are invited to join Social Current’s monthly Grassroots Advocacy Network Convening. We will lead an interactive session to assist nonprofits in developing effective values-based messages that connect across ideological divides and resonate with diverse viewpoints. Through an interactive session\, participants will collaboratively develop language that captures attention\, builds bridges\, and motivates action. \nJoin 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\nOpportunities to work alongside likeminded advocates to develop a messaging framework that resonates across diverse audiences\nTechniques for values-based communication\nPractice in refining messages for stakeholders representing unique populations\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/september-grassroots-convening/ 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:20250902T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250902T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250523T212515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T172526Z UID:10000495-1756771200-1756857599@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: 2025 California Child and Family Services Conference DESCRIPTION:Stronger Together \n \n See You in Anaheim \nJoin us in Anaheim Sept. 21-27.  \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.  \nDon’t forget to attend the workshop “Stronger Together: Communities United for Child and family Wellbeing\,” presented by our own Romero Davis\, director of practice excellence\, and Kimberly Heard\, senior program manager. Come to this session to discuss experiences\, best practices\, and innovative solutions with Social Current’s experts dedicated to improving the lives of children and families.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nThe California Child and Family Services Conference connects professionals in child welfare\, juvenile justice\, mental health\, and education for cross-sectional discussions about the field of child and family services. Gain new insights\, earn CEUs\, and leave with the tools and connections to create real change in your community.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-california-alliance-for-children-and-families/ 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:20250826T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250521T191755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T162051Z UID:10000488-1756216800-1756220400@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy Ecosystems: Building Collective Power Across Sectors DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n To create sustainable\, lasting change\, we need to build on strong advocacy campaigns with strong ecosystems. This session will explore the conditions and factors needed for strategic advocacy infrastructure\, which connects individual voices to a broader movement. We’ll discuss the value of building coalitions\, cultivating shared narratives\, and coordinating action across sectors. \nTakeaways\n\nAbout an advocacy ecosystem and its components\nModels of cross-sector collaboration and coalition work\nMoving beyond single-issue advocacy toward long-term strategy\nTactics for integrating local\, state\, and federal action\nHow to think structurally\, not just reactively\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-ecosystems-building-collective-power-across-sectors/ 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:20250825T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250825T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250527T212748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T212753Z UID:10000502-1756080000-1756166399@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: NFCC Connect 2025 DESCRIPTION:National Foundation for Credit Counseling Conference\n \n See You in Washington D.C.  \nJoin us in Washington D.C. for NFCC Connect 2025 from Aug. 25-27.  \nAre you attending this event? \nSocial Current’s Accreditation Coordinator Kathleen Hinostroza will be onsite at our booth to talk with attendees about COA Accreditation and our range of solutions. Don’t forget to grab some swag!   \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nNFCC Connect 2025 brings together professionals from the credit counseling and financial services sectors. Leaders from across the financial wellness field gather to discuss real solutions for life beyond debt. Attendees gain tools and strategies to help the people and communities they serve to improve their financial wellness & literacy.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-nfcc-connect-2025/ 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:20250825T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250825T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250523T212446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T172900Z UID:10000497-1756080000-1756166399@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: 2025 Texas Child Care Administrators Conference DESCRIPTION:It takes a village to support children\, youth\, and families. \n \n See You in San Antonio \nJoin us in San Antonio at TCCAC 2025 Aug. 25-27.  \nAre you attending this event? \nJoe Perrow from our network engagement and growth team look forward to meeting you at the Social Current exhibit booth. Get the details on our impact areas and range of solutions and pick up some Social Current goodies to bring home.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nThe Texas Child Care Administrators Conference is the state’s largest gathering of child welfare professionals\, dedicated to strengthening care for children\, youth\, and families. Join us in San Antonio this August to connect\, learn\, and grow with over 1\,500 fellow professionals working to make a difference in Texas.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-texas-alliance/ 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:20250820T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250523T212616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T164348Z UID:10000500-1755648000-1755734399@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: Florida Behavioral Health Conference DESCRIPTION:It takes a village to support children\, youth\, and families. \n \n See You in Orlando \nJoin us in Orlando at BHCon25 on Aug. 20-22.  \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 Florida Behavioral Health Conference brings together clinicians\, researchers\, advocates\, and administrative professionals from across the behavioral field to explore the developments and innovations happening across our work. With interactive workshops\, inspiring keynotes\, and hands‑on skill sessions\, this conference is designed to spark innovation and strengthen your practice.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-florida-behavioral-health-conference-2/ 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:20250814T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250707T150926Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T161047Z UID:10000511-1755176400-1755180000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Deepening Quality Improvement Efforts: Real-World Success Stories DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Too often quality improvement conversations get lost in the philosophical nature of concepts and theory\, and it can be difficult to distill ideas into positive action. For this free webinar\, Social Current Strategic Industry Partner QI Folio has invited two Social Current network organizations to share their quality improvement initiatives and the achieved results. \nJoin us for this session to learn about real projects that are driving meaningful change: \n\nChild & Family Service in Ewa Beach\, Hawaii\, will showcase how targeted chart audits revealed trends and led to focused staff training and EHR enhancements\nCornerstones of Care in Kansas City\, Missouri\, will highlight their transition from a tiered PQI model to EQUIP\, a dynamic\, cross-functional approach addressing safety\, subcontractor oversight\, assessment compliance\, and client experience\n\nDon’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and fresh ideas you can bring back to your own quality improvement work. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your data reviews\, engage your teams\, or spark new quality improvement initiatives\, this session will leave you inspired and equipped to take the next step. \nThe tools\, frameworks\, and strategies discussed during this webinar reflect the internal practices of participating organizations and are not required or endorsed by COA Accreditation\, a service of Social Current. They are shared to illustrate how organizations can apply quality improvement principles in ways that align with and enhance their own goals and systems. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to use chart audit scoring for targeting improvement areas\nHow to identify if chart audits are a staff issue or technology issue\nHow the EQUIP model can be applied within an agency\nHow to build and execute cross functional teams for effectiveness\n\nWho Should Participate\nAnyone responsible for organizational outcomes in quality \nPresenters\nPaige Webb\nSenior Director of Performance Excellence\nCornerstones of Care \nChristie Onato\nCompliance Officer\, Performance & Training Department\nChild and Family Services \nDale Yoshioka\nCompliance Specialist\, Performance & Training Department\nChild and Family Services URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/deepening-quality-improvement-efforts-real-world-success-stories/ CATEGORIES:Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Org-Excellence_Data_3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250813T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250813T123000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20241028T152711Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T155211Z UID:10000441-1755086400-1755088200@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-35/ 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:20250812T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250812T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250722T155946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T160602Z UID:10000513-1755003600-1755007200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:August Grassroots Advocacy Network Convening DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Human and social services professionals are invited to join Social Current’s monthly grassroots advocacy network virtual convenings. We will discuss key policy issues affecting our sector\, opportunities for advocacy\, and offer an opportunity to check-in with questions as the federal policy landscape continues to shift rapidly. \nOur August meeting will center forward movement in appropriations\, reductions-in-force\, and a lawsuit affecting the Johnson Amendment. We will also discuss opportunities for advocacy through August recess. \nJoin 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\nUnderstand key political events impacting our sector\nReview opportunities to engage in August recess\nOrganizations will also have the opportunity to engage in a discussion regarding the current challenges they are facing\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/august-grassroots-advocacy-network-convening/ 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:20250804T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250804T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250523T212331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T152650Z UID:10000499-1754265600-1754351999@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: National Conference of State Legislators Summit  DESCRIPTION:See You in Boston  \nJoin us in Boston at NCSL 2025 Aug. 4-6 \nAre you attending this event? \nKelly Barkley Mane\, manager of government relations and recognitions\, looks forward to meeting attendees in Boston to hear about their work and discuss how Social Current’s solutions can strengthen their impact.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nSince 1975\, the National Conference of State Legislatures has had one mission: Strengthen state legislatures; support the people who make them work; and champion democracy\, civility\, and innovation. Now celebrating 50 years\, NCSL is gathering workers across the country to meet in Boston to hear from public policy experts\, connect with each other and prepare for the policy challenges that lie ahead.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-national-conference-of-state-legislators-summit-2/ 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:20250729T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250729T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250521T190946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T190952Z UID:10000487-1753797600-1753801200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Crafting a Powerful Story for Impactful Advocacy DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Your experiences are the foundation for powerful advocacy\, offering lawmakers a blueprint for change. In this interactive webinar\, you’ll learn how to tell your story in ways that are emotionally resonant\, strategically focused\, and aligned with current policy efforts. Through practical frameworks and peer engagement\, we’ll help you build a story that empowers—not just informs—and drives action at every level. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to link personal stories to policy change\nStructure and strategy for ethical storytelling\nHow to elevate voice and experience as tools for systemic influence\nGain confidence in using lived experience to engage lawmakers\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/crafting-a-powerful-story-for-impactful-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250727T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250523T212215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T134700Z UID:10000498-1753574400-1753660799@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors 2025 Annual Meeting DESCRIPTION:See You in Washington D.C. \nJoin us in Washington D.C. at the NASMHPD 2025 Annual Meeting July 27-29.  \nAre you attending this event? \nVisit Allysen Fang\, commission coordinator for COA Accreditation\, at the Social Current booth to learn about our range of solutions and our upcoming webinars and learning opportunities. Plus\, you can take some Social Current goodies with you!  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nJoin leaders across the behavioral health field for two days of learning\, connection\, and skill-building. The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) represents the public mental health service delivery system serving all 50 states\, 6 territories\, and the District of Columbia. NASMHPD is the only national association to represent state mental health commissioners/directors and their agencies. Learn more.   URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-national-association-of-state-mental-health-program-directors-2/ 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:20250720T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250720T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250523T211433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T175529Z UID:10000501-1752969600-1753055999@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: FFTA Annual Conference DESCRIPTION:See You in New Orleans \nJoin us in New Orleans at FFTA25 July 20-23.  \nAre you attending this event? \nMarisa Collins\, director of strategic partnerships and partner communications\, is staffing the Social Current exhibition booth to share all about our solutions\, partnership opportunities\, and hand out Social Current swag. Make sure to stop by and introduce yourself!  \nSocial Current’s Karen Johnson\, senior director of Change in Mind\, will present on strategies for building workforce compassion resilience in their session\, “Next Practices in Trauma-Informed Approaches: Building a Well and Resilient Workforce.”  \nRomero Davis\, director of practice excellence\, and Kimberly Heard\, senior program manager\, will be presenting the session\, “Building the muscles to Shift mindset\, culture\, and behavior inside and out.”  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nThe FFTA Annual Conference is happening July 20–23\, 2025\, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Gain new tools\, share your insights\, and build lasting connections with others working to improve the lives of children and families.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-ffta/ 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:20250710T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250710T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250707T202830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T202835Z UID:10000512-1752152400-1752156000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:H.R. 1: Reviewing the Federal Budget and Expected Impact on the Social Sector DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n H.R. 1\, the federal appropriations bill\, is expected to have significant impacts across the social service sector. \nJoin us as we review key provisions of the bill\, including changes to Medicaid\, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program\, and student loan policies. We’ll also discuss opportunities for advocacy. \nTakeaways\n\nHow H.R. 1 will impact our sector\nOpportunities to support your organization through periods of uncertainty\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/h-r-1-reviewing-the-federal-budget-and-expected-impact-on-the-social-sector/ 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:20250708T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250521T184839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T162156Z UID:10000486-1751983200-1751986800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Following Advocacy Amplified: Strengthening Your Advocacy DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Join us as we review 2025 Advocacy Amplified\, Social Current’s annual summer training and Hill Day. We’ll recap the most powerful takeaways and share new tools and templates to inspire and engage key stakeholders as you continue your advocacy journey. This session is designed to help you catch up\, re-center\, and carry forward the momentum into the next phase of summer advocacy. Everyone is welcome\, especially if you couldn’t join us for this year’s event. \nTakeaways\n\nShowcase key takeaways and top tools from the training and Hill Day\nElevate participant stories and feedback\nProvide a summary of new action items\, strategies\, and resources\nRe-engage those who could not attend the full event\nBridge momentum from the conference into the July recess\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/following-advocacy-amplified-strengthening-your-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:20250708T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250527T211038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T211233Z UID:10000503-1751932800-1752019199@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: UCONN 2025 Training Institutes DESCRIPTION:Building a World Where Young People Thrive \n \n See You in New Orleans \nJoin us in National Harbor\, Maryland from July 8-10. \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 for social sector organizations.  \nSocial Current leaders will be presenting two workshops on Tuesday\, July 8. In the morning\, Jody Levison-Johnson\, president and CEO\, and Robena Spangler\, senior director of leadership and organizational development\, will be leading the session\, “Context and Competencies: A New Approach for Advancing Change.” In the afternoon\, Arabella Perez\, COO\, and Karen Johnson\, senior director of Change In Mind\, will be co-presenting the workshop\, “Next Practices in Trauma-Informed Approaches: Partnering to Create a Well and Resilient Workforce.”  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nHosted by the Innovations Institute at UConn School of Social Work\, UCONN Training Institutes brings together experts\, practitioners\, and youth and family leaders to improve systems that serve children and young adults. With over 165 sessions\, Pre-Institute trainings\, and opportunities for connection and collaboration\, the Institutes are a unique opportunity to deepen knowledge\, explore innovations in service delivery\, and strengthen the workforce committed to equitable systems transformation.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-uconn-2025-training-institutes/ 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:20250624T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250521T183650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250521T183656Z UID:10000485-1750773600-1750777200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Local Advocacy: Preparing for August Recess DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n With August recess fast approaching\, now is the perfect time to prepare for advocacy opportunities in your community. This webinar will offer tips to schedule and prepare for impactful in-district meetings\, elevate your voice through local media\, and activate your full network for recess season. We’ll share everything you need\, including talking points\, to engage in effective and impactful advocacy. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to launch August recess advocacy planning early\nScheduling tools\, templates\, and support\nAbout current legislative priorities and talking points\nHow to encourage and track grassroots engagement efforts\nHow to increase public visibility through social media and press\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/local-advocacy-preparing-for-august-recess/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Policy-Advocacy_3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250616T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T180000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250127T192511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T193318Z UID:10000461-1750060800-1750269600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy Amplified Training and Hill Day DESCRIPTION:Registration for this event has closed. Sign up for the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network to be informed of future opportunities. \nPricing: \n\nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation: $400\nOther Organizations: $475\n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n About\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Presenter\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Locations & Lodging\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Agenda\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n About \n \n\n \n \n \n About the Event\nThe Advocacy Amplified Training and Hill Day is a comprehensive and interactive three-day event in Washington\, D.C.\, designed to empower individuals in the social sector with fundamental and advanced advocacy skills. Participants will learn how to transform their expertise into impactful strategies\, foster relationships\, and mobilize support around policy issues that are important to the sector. \nThe two-day training will equip attendees with the information and skills to effectively participate in Hill Day. Social Current facilitators and guest speakers will drive engagement throughout the event. \nOn day one\, participants will learn fundamental aspects of effective advocacy and develop a strong foundation for future advocacy efforts. The session will cover the following topics: \n\nIntroduction to Advocacy\nNavigating the Advocacy Landscape\nCrafting Powerful Advocacy Messages\nBuilding Relationships\nMobilizing Support\n\nOn day two\, participants will focus on advanced advocacy strategies\, equipping them with the skills to navigate policymaking and advocate for their causes. The session will cover the following topics: \n\nPolicy Analysis and Research\nInfluencing Legislation\nMedia and Communications\nAdvocacy Day Preparation\nEthical Considerations and Compliance\n\nOn day three\, participants will gain real-world experience through Capitol Hill visits. You will meet with legislators and staff to advocate for critical issues and deliver persuasive messages based on the training received the previous days. \nSocial Current will arrange these meetings with members of Congress on your behalf. Using the addresses you provide during registration\, we will schedule meetings with your respective legislators\, ensuring that you have meaningful interactions with key decision makers. \nParticipants must attend both days of training and Hill Day. \nTakeaways\n\nHow to transform expertise\, lived experience\, and passions into impactful advocacy\nFundamental advocacy skills and advanced advocacy strategies needed for successful campaigns\nHands-on experience meeting with legislators around a shared goal\nRelationships with engaged and informed advocates from around the country\n\nWho Should Participate\nAny staff or volunteer at a community-based organizations. No prior experience or skills are required. \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Presenter \n \n\n \n \n \n Blair Abelle-Kiser\nSenior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \nBlair 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 Locations & Lodging \n \n\n \n \n \n Location\nDay 1 and 2 (Advocacy Amplified Training)\nMetro Offices – DuPont Circle\nL’Enfant Training Room\n1250 Connecticut Ave. NW\, 7th Floor\nWashington\, DC 20036 \nDay 3 (Hill Day)\nCapitol Hill\n1 First St NE\nWashington\, DC 20543 \nLodging\nParticipants are welcome to stay at the hotel of their choice. Nearby hotels include: \nCourtyard Washington\, DC DuPont Circle\n1733 N St NW\nWashington\, DC 20036 \nHotel Madera\n1310 New Hampshire Ave NW\nWashington\, DC 20036 \nEmbassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown\n1250 22nd St NW\nWashington\, DC 20037 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Agenda \n \n\n \n \n \n Day 1: June 16: Finding Power — Message\, Meaning\, and Systems\n8:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Welcome Table \n9-9:20 a.m. | Opening Plenary: Why Advocacy\, Why Now \nUnderstand the stakes for human services and the unique role of advocacy in advancing justice and equity. \n9:20-10:30 a.m. | Session 1: Take Back Your Narrative – Advocacy 101 \nLearn how to frame your personal and organizational story\, develop confidence in sharing your lived experience\, and make a focused policy ask \n10:30-10:45 a.m. | Break \n10:45-11:45 a.m.| Session 2: School House Rock for the Social Sector \nDevelop foundational understanding of how Congress works\, how committees impact social policy\, and how nonprofits can influence decision-makers. \n11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Networking Lunch \n12:45-2 p.m. | Session 3: Policy Analysis 101 – From Issue to Impact \nBuild skills in researching policy\, identifying key levers\, and turning community needs into a clear policy case. \n2-3 p.m. | Session 4: The Federal Budget – A Primer for Social Sector Advocates \nUnderstand the federal budget process and where advocacy fits in\, with a focus on funding streams that impact children\, families\, and communities. \n3-3:15 p.m. | Break \n3:15-4:15 p.m. | Session 5: Framing Messages That Break Through \nPractice crafting values-based messages that connect across ideological lines and resonate beyond the “choir.” \n4:15-5 p.m. | Session 6: Building and Sustaining Relationships with Policymakers \nLearn how to engage congressional offices\, follow up effectively\, and become a trusted advocate over time. \nDay 2: June 17: Moving Power — Tools\, Practice\, and Hill Day Prep\n8:30-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Day 1 Recap \n9-10 a.m. | Session 7: Policy Literacy\, Media\, and Message Discipline \nLearn how internal message alignment supports external advocacy success\, and build a plan to integrate media into your advocacy work. \n10-10:15 a.m. | Break \n10:15-11:30 a.m. | Session 8: Campaign Strategy – Lessons from Sectors That Win \nExplore why some sectors succeed politically and extract practical strategy lessons to apply in the social sector. \n11:30 a.m.-Noon | Session 9: Community Wide Advocacy \nExamine the benefits of joint advocacy campaigns and involving partner organizations. Learn strategies to build grassroots advocacy campaigns and develop coalitions. \nNoon-1 p.m. | Lunch: Policy Consultations with Blair Abelle-Kiser \nReceive direct feedback and support on your organization’s advocacy goals and Hill Day strategy. \n1-2 p.m. | Session 10: Constructing an Effective Policy Ask \nDevelop a clear\, compelling\, and concise ask tailored to your target legislator or staffer. \n2-3:30 p.m. | Session 11: Hill Day Roleplay – Sharpening the Ask \nPractice delivering your ask\, respond to tough questions\, and receive real-time coaching and peer feedback. \n3:30-4:15 p.m. | Session 12: Logistics\, Protocols\, and Office Dynamics \nUnderstand Hill Day logistics\, how to read the room\, and what to expect during meetings with congressional staff. \n4:15-5 p.m. | Closing Circle: Commitments\, Confidence\, and Capitol Hill Sendoff \nSolidify your strategy\, build collective confidence\, and leave equipped to make an impact. \n6 p.m. | Group Dinner \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 One of the best trainings I have ever participated in. Inspiring\, informative\, and equipping. I left D.C. more inspired to advocate than when I came.\n Derek Cortez\, Chief Executive Officer at Chileda \n \n The Advocacy Amplified training provided federal context on the state of nonprofits. This was important for our organization to understand how to best position ourselves for public funding grants and contracts.\n Mayra Salazar\, Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy at Hillsides \n \n There’s always an opportunity to become a better advocate. We have gained a pool of knowledge that we can provide to the families we service\, our leadership team\, and board.\n Jonathan Vasquez\, Government Relations and Advocacy Assistant at Children’s Institute URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/advocacy-amplified-training-and-hill-day-2/ LOCATION:U.S. Capitol\, Washington\, DC\, 20004\, United States CATEGORIES:Event,Training,Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hill-Day-009-e1740588639888.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250610T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250610T143000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20241028T152024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T193801Z UID:10000440-1749564000-1749565800@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-34/ 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/Chicago:20250608T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250612T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20240717T152629Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T193606Z UID:10000423-1749340800-1749772799@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:2025 Executive Leadership Institute DESCRIPTION:The deadline to register was May 9. Share your email to stay in the loop for 2026. \nPricing: \nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation: $4750\nOther Organizations: $5250 \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About ELI\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Loyola University Partnership\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Sessions\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Schedule\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Location\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n About ELI \n \n\n \n \n \n The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI)\, offered in partnership with Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business\, equips senior-level managers and executives with the knowledge and skills to oversee day-to-day operations\, and prepare for the future and greater systems change. Transactional meets transformational for this influential experience. \nIn addition to the weeklong in-person event\, students participate in a full year of online learning\, which includes interactive presentations\, small-group discussions\, experiential learning tours of community-based organizations\, personal reflection and journaling\, and more. To help students reinforce and apply their learning\, they also complete self-designed projects that addresses an organizational challenge. The presentations are given before the assembly of participants and faculty. \nELI assembles a wide variety of faculty from the nonprofit and for-profit sectors\, as well as academia. Social Current’s partnership with Quinlan means access to first-class faculty and specialized expertise\, as well as the flexibility to create a program to transform students’ leadership skills. The curriculum will not only challenge\, but offers a rare opportunity to focus on excellence\, impact\, and systems change. \nAn additional benefit of the program is that students receive mentoring from ELI alumni. Mentors and mentees are matched according to personal and professional leadership attributes. Hundreds of human and social services leaders have graduated from the institute and they continue to engage through alumni opportunities. \nWho Should Attend\n\nExecutives\nManagers\nDirectors\n\nHear from Alumni\nIn this video\, Dr. Cha-Tanya Lankford\, director of Delaware programs at Pressley Ridge shares how the ELI curriculum continues to shape her as a professional and leader. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cancellation Policy\nAll cancellation requests must be made in writing and are subject to a $500 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after May 1 will not be refunded. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Notice of written cancellation must be emailed directly to Trudy Gregory\, lead operations associate at Social Current. \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Loyola University Partnership \n \n\n \n \n \n Social Current’s partnership with Loyola University Chicago\, allows access to world-class faculty and academic rigor of a top-rated national university. Social Current and Loyola co-create the program for the in-person institute\, and half of the instruction is provided by their faculty. \nThe Executive Leadership Institute takes an interdisciplinary approach to human and social services leadership\, engaging faculty from Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business and School of Social Work. U.S. News & World Report nationally ranks Loyola’s online bachelor’s business program #8 and undergraduate business program #94. Its social work program is ranked #28. \nLead Program Developers\nRobena Spangler\nSenior Director of Leadership and Organizational Development\nSocial Current\nRobena Spangler is an innovative senior executive with over 30 years of experience in behavioral health\, human services\, and advancing equity and inclusion work. Most 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. \nRobena on the Partnership: “Social Current is thrilled with our partnership with Loyola University Chicago. We work closely with their staff and faculty to design a leadership program that benefits both our students and their staff. Together\, Social Current and Loyola deliver a top-tier experience for public and private social sector leaders\, driving meaningful change. We are especially grateful for Kayla Gustafson’s professionalism in elevating the Executive Leadership Institute’s program to meet the needs of next-generation leaders in the human services sector.” \nKayla Gustafson\nProgram Manager of Executive and Professional Education Center\nLoyola University Chicago\nAs program manager for the Executive and Professional Education Center at Loyola University Chicago\, Kayla Gustafson collaborates with Quinlan School of Business faculty experts to develop high-quality professional development opportunities for individuals and supports customized business and management training programs for organizational partners. \nA lifelong believer in the transformational power of education\, Kayla began her career as a preschool teacher in an urban Montessori school. In 2021\, after nearly a decade working with young children and families\, she turned her focus to engaging adult learners. She brings a deep understanding of learning styles\, lesson planning\, and course design to her role. \nKayla on the Partnership: “The Social Current team brings such warmth and genuine collaboration to everything we do together for the Executive Leadership Institute. They’re not just partners – they’re passionate advocates who are constantly pushing the field forward with new ideas and resources. Together\, we’ve built something special that helps social service leaders grow and thrive. This partnership embodies Loyola University Chicago’s core values of social justice and service to others – we’re helping develop compassionate leaders who will create positive change in their communities. It’s more than just a program – it’s about living our mission of being people in service to others.” \n  \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Sessions \n \n\n \n \n \n View and download the schedule with session descriptions as a PDF. \nLeading in This Moment\nIn this opening session\, the CEO and President of Social Current will provide an inspiring introduction to the leadership journey ahead\, offering insights into the current landscape of leadership and the unique challenges and opportunities of leading in today’s world. This session will set the tone for the program\, emphasizing the importance of adaptive leadership and the impact leaders can have in shaping the future. \nPresenter: Jody Levison-Johnson\, president and CEO\, Social Current \nCreating Brain-Friendly Work Environments: Strategies for Cognitive Flexibility & Well-Being\nWorkforce trends show that employees expect leaders to go beyond top-down recognition and self-care initiatives to actively improve engagement\, retention\, equity\, and communication. Leaders are encouraged to practice empathy\, inclusivity\, psychological safety\, and gratitude—but where should we focus first? The answer lies in understanding the brain and stress response system to create brain-friendly workplaces. This interactive session explores strategies to enhance cognitive flexibility\, emotional regulation\, and decision making. Participants will gain research-backed tools to foster executive functioning\, psychological safety\, and self-regulation while promoting adaptability\, collaboration\, and well-being. By aligning workplaces with how the brain thrives\, organizations can drive both personal and organizational success. \nPresenters: Karen Johnson\, senior director of Change in Mind\, and Kelly Martin\, director of practice excellence\, Social Current \nAI in the Social Services: Tools for Resilient Organizations\nThis session will provide an executive-level overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be strategically leveraged to strengthen organizational resilience and effectiveness. Participants will explore key AI tools and how they can be applied to in streamline operations\, enhance service delivery\, and address critical challenges faced by human and social services organizations. \nPresenter: Jonathan Singer\, professor\, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work \nAI in the Social Services: Panel Discussion\nFor this session a panel of experts and executives will discuss the strategic integration of AI into human and social services organizations. The session will address opportunities for innovation\, potential risks\, and long-term implications of AI adoption in a rapidly evolving landscape. \nExcellence: An Introduction to MYSI\nIn this panel discussion\, leaders from MYSI will share how values-based leadership has shaped the organization’s mission to strengthen lives\, provide help\, and create hope for youth and their families. As MYSI celebrates its 60th anniversary\, the panel will explore the agency’s recent transformation—including strategic planning\, re-accreditation\, and program enhancements—highlighting how intentional leadership\, data-driven decision-making\, and community partnerships have fueled impact. Participants will gain insights into how MYSI’s leadership team is fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration to equip young people with the tools\, skills\, and resources needed to thrive in adulthood. \nPresenter: Andrea “Drea” Hall\, president & CEO\, MYSI Corporation \nStrengthening Families\, Transforming Systems: The Brightpoint Approach\nJoin an engaging conversation about leading with purpose in a complex human services landscape with Executive Leadership Institute alumnus Mike Shaver. Formerly known as Children’s Home & Aid\, Brightpoint has reimagined its mission to center families’ strengths\, prioritize prevention\, and pursue bold\, data-driven solutions that create lasting change. Mike will share insights on transformational leadership\, organizational evolution\, and the role of equity and partnership in building systems that truly support children and families. \nPresenter: Mike Shaver\, president & CEO\, Brightpoint \nEthical Leadership in High-Stakes Decision Making\nExecutives and those in leadership positions frequently face ethical dilemmas that require balancing organizational goals\, stakeholders’ interests\, and social responsibility. Ethics are a bedrock of the social\nresponsibility and the integrity of the organization on behalf of the clients they serve. Codes of ethics are the operationalization of ethical principles. Without setting the Codes of Ethics in the context of an ethical framework\, they can be performative and seemingly malleable. This presentation will posit that the ethics of organizations and their leadership are directly situated in the structure and mission of the organization and using real world examples illustrate how organizations can navigate this complexity in high-stakes decision-making. \nPresenter: Jeanne Sokolec\, BSW Director and clinical associate professor\, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work \nLeveraging Generative Partnerships for Next Generation Leadership\nThis session will focus on building and leveraging generative partnerships by using a collaborative process model and applying leadership competencies for the next generation of social sector leaders. \nPresenter: Robena Spangler\, senior director of leadership and organizational development\, Social Current \nWednesday Lunch and Learn Sessions\n\nFor Managers and Directors: Leading Change Using an Equity Lens. This Lunch and Learn will feature a discussion focused on communication\, collaboration\, and commitment strategies to align leaders and change efforts.\nLunch and Learn for Executives: Values-Based Leadership. Participants will explore how values-driven leadership can shape the strategic direction of organizations and enhance decision making at the highest levels. This session will provide actionable insights around aligning organizational values with leadership practices to drive sustainable impact.\n\nDriving Nonprofit Impact\nThis interactive session will equip participants with practical approaches to harness data for strategic advantage\, from leveraging public data sources to understand community needs to connecting operational metrics with customer outcomes. Participants will explore methods to move beyond activity/output tracking and funder-required measurements toward business-driven impact measurement and data strategies. At the end of the session\, participants will leave with actionable frameworks to integrate data-driven approaches that advance their organization’s strategy and purpose. \nPresenter: Katelyn Jones\, vice president of impact insights and analytics\, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago\n \nAdvancing a New Leadership Paradigm: Strategic Stewardship in EHR Governance and Change\nAs health care organizations face evolving technologies\, compliance requirements\, and funding constraints\, leadership must adopt a proactive approach—one in which data governance and organizational change management (OCM) are viewed as core priorities. This session challenges traditional leadership roles\, exploring how leaders can drive lasting transformation by embedding governance and OCM into the organization’s foundation. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to elevate their leadership approach and ensure long-term EHR and enterprise resilience. \nPresenters: Chris Parry\, CEO\, Theresa Yera\, director of EHR strategy & customer success\, and Tina Kirkpatrick\, director of EHR strategy & customer success\, EHR Edge \nStrategic Leadership Reflection: A Personal SWOT Analysis\nAs a culmination of the week’s learning\, this reflective session will guide participants through a personal SWOT analysis\, helping them assess their leadership strengths\, areas for growth\, opportunities\, and potential challenges. By reflecting on the knowledge and insights gained throughout the week\, leaders will identify strategic areas to enhance their leadership impact and align their development with the goals and challenges of their organizations. This session encourages both introspection and actionable planning to ensure continued growth beyond the program. \nPresenter: Brandon Pendleton\, adjunct professor\, Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Schedule \n \n\n \n \n \n View and download the schedule as a PDF. \nSunday\, June 8\n7 p.m. – Networking Dinner \nMonday\, June 9\n8 a.m. – Morning Motivations\n8:30 a.m. – Group 1 ELI Project Presentations\n9:30 a.m. – Leading in the Moment\n10:30 a.m. – Break\n11 a.m. – Group 2 ELI Project Presentations\n12:30 p.m. – Lunch\n1:30 p.m. – Creating Brain-Friendly Work Environments: Strategies for Cognitive Flexibility & Well-Being (Part 1)\n3 p.m. – Break\n3:30 p.m. – Creating Brain-Friendly Work Environments: Strategies for Cognitive Flexibility & Well-Being (Part 2) \nTuesday\, June 10\n8 a.m. – Morning Motivations\n8:30 a.m. – AI in Social Services: Tools for Resilient Organizations\n10 a.m. – Break\n10:30 a.m. – AI in Social Services: Panel Discussion\nNoon – Lunch\n1:30 p.m. – Excellence: An Introduction to MYSI\n3:30 p.m. – Break\n4 p.m. – Strengthening Families\, Transforming Systems: The Brightpoint Approach\n7 p.m. – Networking Dinners (Offsite) \nWednesday\, June 11\n8 a.m. – Morning Motivations\n8:30 a.m. – Ethical Leadership in High-Stakes Decision-Making\n10 a.m. – Break\n10:30 a.m. – Leveraging Generative Partnerships for Next-Generation Leadership\nNoon \n\nLunch and Learn for Managers and Directors: Leading Change Using an Equity Lens\nLunch and Learn for Executives: Values-Based Leadership\n\n1:30 p.m. – Driving Non-Profit Impact\n3 p.m. – Break\n3:30 p.m. – Advancing a New Leadership Paradigm: Strategic Stewardship in EHR Governance and Change \nThursday\, June 12\n8 a.m. – Morning Motivations\n8:30 a.m. – Strategic Leadership Reflection: A Personal SWOT Analysis\n10 a.m. – Break\n10:30 a.m. – ELI Project – Overview and Q&A\nNoon – Celebration Luncheon & Farewell \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Location \n \n\n \n \n \n Quinlan School of Business\nLoyola University Chicago\n820 N Michigan Ave.\nChicago IL\, 60611 \nThe Executive Leadership Institute takes place on Loyola’s Water Tower Campus. \nLodging\nThe Drake Hotel\n140 East Walton Place\nChicago\, IL 60611 \n \n \n \n \n \nLoyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/2025-eli/ LOCATION:Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business\, 16 E. Pearson St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60611\, United States CATEGORIES:Event,Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/iStock-1049828098-e1692910735163.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250505T153538Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250505T153924Z UID:10000480-1749042000-1749045600@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Meeting the Complex Needs of Young People DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Across the U.S. and Canada\, child and family serving organization are challenged to meet the complex needs of young people\, including those with severe behavioral health needs\, with co-occurring behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities\, and who are involved with multiple state systems. \nThis webinar with Strategic Industry Partner Public Consulting Group will provide an overview of the needs of these young people\, the challenges in effectively serving them\, and examples of promising practices. Participants will be encouraged to share success stories and lessons learned. \nTakeaways\n\nUnderstand the landscape of state and local needs and challenges\nIdentify promising practices\n\nWho Should Participate\n\nProgram leaders and managers\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer MacBlane\n \n Manager\nPublic Consulting Group \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jennifer MacBlane\n Manager\nPublic Consulting Group \n \n Jennifer MacBlane has over 25 years of experience in human services\, government\, and government consulting. She has been employed by PCG for more than 18 years\, and she specializes in helping jurisdictions develop effective systems of care for children\, families\, and individuals\, including program design\, payment and contracting strategies\, and program evaluation. She has led service array assessments\, rate studies\, and evaluations in dozens of states across the nation addressing substance use\, behavioral health\, and child welfare issues. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/meeting-the-complex-needs-of-young-people/ CATEGORIES:Child and Family Well-Being ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PCG_Webinar-June4_2025-web.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250527T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250527T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250512T183401Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250512T183406Z UID:10000484-1748354400-1748358000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Grassroots Onboarding Webinar: Your Voice\, Your Impact DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n New and returning advocates are encouraged to join this webinar to strengthen their advocacy skills. Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of advocacy\, pathways to become involved\, and available resources to support their journey. This session is ideal for those who wish to start advocating but aren’t sure where to begin\, as well as experienced advocates looking to reengage and strengthen their focus. \nTakeaways\n\nAbout the Social Current Grassroots Network and its purpose\nTools and engagement pathways\nA foundational understanding of nonprofit policy advocacy\nSpark long-term participation and action across the network\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/grassroots-onboarding-webinar-your-voice-your-impact/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Challenge-Series-Policy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250317T221056Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T204903Z UID:10000477-1747749600-1747753200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Amplifying Community Voices to Transform Data Collection DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Join Social Current and Strategic Industry Partner CCNY for an insightful session on how restorative practices can transform qualitative data collection\, fostering trust\, collaboration\, and meaningful community engagement.  \nIn this webinar\, you will hear from experts on how to amplify community voices\, strengthen relationships\, and empower participants to speak openly.   \nCCNY utilizes restorative practices and focus groups to better understand the challenges faced by organizations and communities. The underlying premise of restorative practices rests with the belief that people will make positive changes when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them. \nThe field of evaluation stands to benefit from considering the utilization of restorative practices within certain qualitative data collection opportunities because it further enhances participants’ abilities to be active listeners\, allows for self-expression\, fosters stronger relationships with one another\, and establishes high control and high support in participants\, leaving them empowered to respond to focus group questions openly.   \nThe approaches and tools shared in this session will allow your organization to move beyond traditional engagement methods while fostering relationships\, increasing social justice\, amplifying voices\, and creating lasting change.  \nTakeaways\n\nUnderstanding restorative practices \nHow to apply restorative practices in everyday work  \nHow to integrate restorative practices with focus group methodology \nLessons learned from challenges and setbacks \nAbility to incorporate tools into your continuous improvement practice  \n\nWho Should Participate\n\nBoard members and executive level staff (i.e.\, vice presidents\, chiefs\, etc.) \nDirector-level staff (i.e.\, program director\, etc.) \nManagement/supervisor level staff \nPerformance quality improvement staff \nProfessional/clinical services staff \n\n  \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Elyse Fuerst\, LMSW\n \n Evaluation Associate \nCCNY \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Elyse Fuerst\, LMSW\n Evaluation Associate \nCCNY \n \n Elyse Fuerst\, evaluation associate\, has a master’s in social work from the University at Buffalo (UB). During her time at UB\, Elyse became certified in restorative justice. She actively participated in the Racial Justice Network\, a group aiming to cultivate racial equity within the UB School of Social Work’s academic programs\, research agendas\, administrative policies\, and informal culture. Most recently\, Elyse worked with Our Lady of Victory Human Services as a behavioral health specialist\, working with high-risk adolescents in an inpatient mental health setting. Elyse has a passion for working with children and families\, specifically advocating for racial justice and mental health.  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/amplifying-community-voices-to-transform-data-collection/ CATEGORIES:Brain Science,Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Org-Excellence_Data_3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250505T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250505T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250501T193429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T202310Z UID:10000479-1746403200-1746489599@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: NatCon25 DESCRIPTION:See You in Philadelphia \nJoin us in Philadelphia at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing Conference (NatCon25) May 5-7.  \nAre you attending this event? \nJoe Perrow and Dylan Graham-Vannais from our network engagement and growth team look forward to meeting you at the Social Current exhibition booth. Get the details on our impact areas and range of solutions and pick up some Social Current goodies to bring home.  \nJody Levison-Johnson\, president and CEO of Social Current\, will share her pathway to leadership as part of a panel for session G1 – How Did We Get Here? Six Leaders Riff About Their Journeys.  \nRobena Spangler\, senior director of leadership and organizational development at Social Current\, will co-present with Trinka Landry-Bourne of the American Public Human Services Association. They will share actionable strategies that foster belonging\, connection and inclusion in session K12 – Ready for the Future: Leading with Resilience Through Uncertainty and Change.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nThe National Council for Mental Wellbeing Conference brings together nearly 6\,000 peers for three days of learning\, strategizing\, and exploring advancements in behavioral health. With hundreds of sessions on topics like crisis response\, rural health\, and workforce development\, #NatCon25 is a chance to strengthen your skills\, expand your network\, and bring fresh ideas back to your organization. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-natcon25/ 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:20250429T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250429T140000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250306T142306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250421T134622Z UID:10000469-1745931600-1745935200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Brain-Friendly Practices and Boundaries: Keys to Empathy and Staying Well in Disruptive Times DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n We are living in challenging times\, and many are feeling increased frustration and exhaustion in our daily work. What’s a first step we can take to decrease this tension? Use brain-aware strategies to build healthy and realistic boundaries. Join this session to discuss concrete approaches to reduce toxic stress\, prevent burnout\, boost productivity\, and enhance teamwork. \nDiscussion topics include: \n\nWhat boundaries are and how they allow us to say “yes” to the things that really matter\nWhy setting realistic and healthy boundaries requires us to regulate\, so we can be in our “thinking brains”\nHow healthy and realistic boundaries lead to increased empathy and resilience at work\n\nTakeaways\n\nThe three steps in the sequence of engagement – regulate\, relate\, reason\nThe basic components of healthy and realistic expectations\nBoundaries that are critical for a healthy workplace culture\nCritical steps for setting healthy and realistic boundaries\nPractice setting healthy and realistic boundaries\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. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/brain-friendly-practices-and-boundaries-keys-to-empathy-and-staying-well-in-disruptive-times/ CATEGORIES:Brain Science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Challenge-Series-BrainScience.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250427T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250427T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250226T173718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T204355Z UID:10000460-1745712000-1745798399@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: NJHSA PowerNET DESCRIPTION:PowerNET 2025: Thriving in a Changing World!\n \n See You in Denver \nJoin us in Denver at PowerNet 2025 April 27 -30. \nAre you attending this event? Stop by the Social Current booth to pick up some cool swag and visit with Marisa Collins\, director of strategic partnerships and partner communications\, to learn more about our wide range of solutions including COA Accreditation\, Impact Partnerships\, consulting\, and more! \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\nPowerNET is a four-day event where human service professionals\, leaders from member agencies\, and partner organizations come together to share ideas and experiences from around the world. This conference is a chance for attendees to learn useful insights\, make new connections\, and collaborate with professional peers. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-njhsa-powernet-2/ 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:20250424T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250424T150000 DTSTAMP:20260410T181927 CREATED:20250306T143129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T174858Z UID:10000471-1745503200-1745506800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Navigating Leadership: Finding Purpose in Disruption DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This session will focus on how to leverage disruption for change and navigate uncertainty with resilience\, clarity\, and adaptability for collective progress. Participants will explore strategies to reframe challenges as opportunities\, strengthen leadership agility\, and cultivate trust and courage. \nTakeaways\n\nStrategies to reframe disruption as an opportunity\, enhance resilience and adaptability\, and lead with purpose during periods of uncertainty\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 Development and Organizational 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 Robena Spangler\n Senior Director of Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence\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  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/navigating-leadership-finding-purpose-in-disruption/ CATEGORIES:Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Challenge-Series-Lead.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR