Social Current

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership: Practices for the Long Haul
2024-10-20 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver) | Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver, 80202, United States
Register for this pre-conference session by registering for SPARK 2024.
Four years after the murder of George Floyd, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the fight to advance equity and systemic change toward racial justice in the US. The Supreme Court’s decision last year on affirmative action dealt a significant blow to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) efforts, with thousands of EDI executives and leaders leaving or losing their jobs. Groups are further entrenching themselves into singular talking points and grievances, with smaller and smaller windows for building commonality. Furthermore, pressing leadership challenges exist for leaders who are EDI allies and leaders who are directly impacted racism, inequity, and bias.
Against this backdrop of fear and cutbacks, many leaders are struggling to find a path forward. It is helpful to lean on lessons from past decades of work to keep racial equity at the forefront. This session will feature the latest insight on what organizations need to understand to successfully advance EDI, as well as leadership principles and strategies to support organizational EDI journeys. It will look to support frank dialogue and include small-group discussions on what’s at stake for EDI and how leaders can continue to make progress in their organizational goals. Participants will hear insights from around the country on how to bridge divides and make shared commitments to EDI through strong leadership principles and trauma-informed care. They will have the opportunity to share struggles and successes with each other and identify strategies to keep their work on track.
Learning Objectives

Strategies for navigating resistance and opposition to EDI efforts
How leaders need to show up and be present for the ongoing journey of embedding EDI into organizational culture
Common barriers that nonprofits around the county are facing
Strategies and actions for embedding brain science and trauma-informed practices to advance EDI in an organization

Presenters

Undraye Howard, PhD

Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Social Current

Biography

Undraye Howard, PhD
Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Social Current

Undraye Howard currently serves as vice president of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Social Current. In his roles over the years, he has provided invaluable consultation to community-based organizations. In his current role, he leads Social Current’s efforts in providing strategy, solutions, and support for the development of leaders in the social sector, with an emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Through his strategic leadership and direction, he and a team of network leaders have co-created helpful resources, consultation, and workshops that uplift and disseminate best practices to help community-based organizations advance their EDI journeys.
In addition, Dr. Howard was instrumental in developing Social Current’s leadership development model, the rEvolutionary Model, which helps develop the skills of change leaders to drive toward system and population-level results. Dr. Howard also leads the annual Executive Leadership Institute, which is held in partnership with Loyola University’s Quinlan School of Business. This transformational experience equips leaders with the knowledge and skills to create greater systems change.
Dr. Howard also has a deep appreciation and connection to the greater Milwaukee community. He sits on the board of AD2LUV Senior Housing (2006-present), Father Hood Initiative (2012-present), and the board of Holy Cathedral (1999-present), where he also led as youth director and deacon. He also served as a member on the State of Wisconsin Strengthening Families and Children.
Dr. Howard holds a doctorate in business from Bellevue University. He received his master’s in communication and bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Karen Johnson

Senior Director of Change in Mind
Social Current

Biography

Karen Johnson
Senior Director of Change in Mind
Social Current

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.
Johnson 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.
During 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.
Johnson 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.

Robena Spangler

Senior Director of Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence
Social Current

Biography

Robena Spangler
Senior Director of Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence
Social Current

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.
In 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.

Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) and Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) at SPARK 2024
2024-10-20 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver) | Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver, 80202, United States
Register for IAT

These in-person trainings are pre-conference sessions at our SPARK 2024 conference in Denver, but registration is separate from the conference.
Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) (9 a.m.-Noon)
Price: $400
The Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT) is designed to prepare organizations to get the most out of their COA Accreditation experience. Topics discussed in this training include:

An in-depth overview of the COA Accreditation process, including key milestones
An overview of accreditation standards and the relationship between standards, evidence, and the rating indicators
How ratings are assigned by the volunteer review team and insight on the accreditation decision-making process
Tips on how to get organized and manage the work
How to prepare for the site visit

Register for PQI

These in-person trainings are pre-conference sessions at our SPARK 2024 conference in Denver, but registration is separate from the conference.
Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) (1-4 p.m.)
Price: $400
This performance and quality improvement (PQI) training is designed to help organizations pursuing COA Accreditation develop a comprehensive approach to a quality improvement process that will advance an efficient and effective service delivery system and enhance organizational capacity to deliver quality services. This training will demonstrate how quality improvement is a catalyst for successful achievement of strategic goals and program outcomes.
Who Should Participate

Organization primary contacts
Senior leaders at organizations seeking COA Accreditation
Other staff involved in an organization’s accreditation process

Special thanks to our PQI training sponsor, QI Folio.
Learn more about COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, and how to get started online.

Darrell Woodliff

Director of Volunteer Engagement
Social Current

Additional 2023 COA Accreditation Trainings

Oct

5

9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT)

Oct

5

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT

Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI)

Dec

1

10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST

Intensive Accreditation Training (IAT)

Dec

1

1:30 pm – 4:30 pm EST

Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI)

View Calendar

Introduction to COA Accreditation
2024-10-03 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-08-06 15:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
Register

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.
Takeaways

What is the value of accreditation
What is the accreditation process
How to become accredited

Who Should Participate
Anyone who is interested in learning more about accreditation for their organization, whether it be first-time accreditation or reaccreditation.

Joe Perrow

Network Growth Manager
Social Current

Biography

Joe Perrow
Network Growth Manager
Social Current

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.

Working Toward Equitable Solutions for Licensure Rate Disparities
2024-09-27 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Register

Every year, the human services sector experiences a staggering loss of licensure-track therapists from its workforce due to candidates struggling to pass licensure exams. In addition, there is a large racial disparity in outcomes. Pass rates for Black-identifying test takers are more than 30% lower than for white-identifying test takers.
This topic was first covered in a previous Social Current partner webinar, where Triad CEO Brandon Jones spoke about these rates and ways to address this critical issue that negatively impacts therapists, organizations, and communities. This follow-up panel discussion will cover additional strategies for increasing pass rates and ensuring an even distribution of educational and exam preparation resources to promote equity in standardized exams. Participants will also be encouraged to share their experiences and solutions.
Join this webinar to gain insights, share experiences, and learn how to help your staff.
Learn more about Social Current Strategic Industry Partner Triad by visiting their website. They are the leading provider of education, community, and career solutions for behavioral and mental health professionals and offer special discounts to the Social Current network.
Takeaways

Brief overview of Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) pass rate data
Insights and strategies employers can use to actively support their pre-licensed therapists to improve retention rates and promote more equitable outcomes
Policy and long-term planning to address this issue
Opportunity for peers to share experiences, solutions, and suggestions

Who Should Participate

Licensure track therapists
Mental health supervisors
Training and professional development staff
Human resources staff
Equity, diversity, and inclusion staff
Policy staff
Higher education staff

Presenter

Brandon Jones

CEO
Triad

Biography

Brandon Jones
CEO
Triad

Brandon Jones has over 20 years of experience in education/edtech, business leadership, and people development. He spent nearly two decades at Kaplan Test Prep He started his career as an SAT instructor and then advanced through a series of roles in academics, operations, sales management, and executive management, with the last several spent as the president of the largest business unit at Kaplan. Jones is passionate about the transformative power of education, and as an advocate of grit and growth mindset, he believes that just about anyone can do just about anything. Jones has a bachelor’s in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University, and lives in New York City with his wife and daughterBrandon Jones has over 20 years of experience in education/edtech, business leadership, and people development. He spent nearly two decades at Kaplan Test Prep He started his career as an SAT instructor and then advanced through a series of roles in academics, operations, sales management, and executive management, with the last several spent as the president of the largest business unit at Kaplan. Jones is passionate about the transformative power of education, and as an advocate of grit and growth mindset, he believes that just about anyone can do just about anything. Jones has a bachelor’s in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University, and lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.

Kathy Markeland

Executive Director
Wisconsin Association of Family & Children’s Agencies

Biography

Kathy Markeland
Executive Director
Wisconsin Association of Family & Children’s Agencies

Kathy Markeland is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of Family & Children’s Agencies (WAFCA). Markeland has represented WAFCA for more than 17 years – advocating for the human services and behavioral health sectors and advancing policy and practice that improves the lives of Wisconsin’s children and families.

Undraye Howard, PhD

Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Social Current

Biography

Undraye Howard, PhD
Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Social Current

Undraye Howard currently serves as vice president of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Social Current. In his roles over the years, he has provided invaluable consultation to community-based organizations. In his current role, he leads Social Current’s efforts in providing strategy, solutions, and support for the development of leaders in the social sector, with an emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Through his strategic leadership and direction, he and a team of network leaders have co-created helpful resources, consultation, and workshops that uplift and disseminate best practices to help community-based organizations advance their EDI journeys.
In addition, Dr. Howard was instrumental in developing Social Current’s leadership development model, the rEvolutionary Model, which helps develop the skills of change leaders to drive toward system and population-level results. Dr. Howard also leads the annual Executive Leadership Institute, which is held in partnership with Loyola University’s Quinlan School of Business. This transformational experience equips leaders with the knowledge and skills to create greater systems change.
Dr. Howard also has a deep appreciation and connection to the greater Milwaukee community. He sits on the board of AD2LUV Senior Housing (2006-present), Father Hood Initiative (2012-present), and the board of Holy Cathedral (1999-present), where he also led as youth director and deacon. He also served as a member on the State of Wisconsin Strengthening Families and Children.
Dr. Howard holds a doctorate in business from Bellevue University. He received his master’s in communication and bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Project Hope: Centering Hope, Building Trust, and Fostering Wellness
2024-09-26 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Register

Project Hope is using the science of hope to alleviate burnout and trauma among law enforcement, so they can build community connections. This interactive webinar will introduce the science of hope as a practice model for trauma-informed practice. Participants will learn how implementing evidence-driven strategies that nurture and restore hopeful thinking can increase well-being outcomes.
Participants will be able to assess their own hope and use question prompts to examine how the loss of hope may impact workforce, client, and community outcomes. Additionally, participants will have an opportunity to build strategies for nurturing hope. They will be able to examine practice from the science of hope and have immediate tools and knowledge they can use to adapt their thinking about the work and their skills.
This session is guided by global research on hope as a positive psychological and cognitive trait. Specifically, the presentation will feature the research team’s work at the Hope Research Center at the University of Oklahoma. Evidence from this research has guided the implementation of the hope-centered and trauma-informed framework.
Takeaways

Promising practices from the science of hope
How the science of hope can be applied to action to alleviate burnout and trauma
Describe how organizations can create belonging and safety internally
New strategies that address belonging from a lens of cultural humility

Who Should Participate

Law enforcement
Corrections
Public safety officers
Staff at community-based organizations
Social Workers
Community members

Presenter

Romero Davis

Director of Practice Excellence
Social Current

Biography

Romero Davis
Director of Practice Excellence
Social Current

Romero Davis is a director of practice excellence at Social Current. A mentor for professional development and community justice champion, Davis has worked nationally with agencies in areas such as poly-victimization; trauma in families; equity, diversity, and inclusion; juvenile justice; and domestic violence. He is a member of the technical assistance team for Child Safety Forward.

Dr. Chan Hellman

University of Oklahoma

Biography

Dr. Chan Hellman
University of Oklahoma

Chan M. Hellman is a professor of social work at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. He has written more than 150 scientific publications and has presented at numerous national and international conferences worldwide. Hellman also presented his work on hope with TEDx in May of 2021. His research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. This research informed the development of the “Hope Centered and Trauma Informed” training program. Hellman is the co-author of the award-winning book Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life with his co-author Casey Gwinn published by Morgan James. As a result of this work, Chan was one of five invited workshops for Jane Goodall’s Activating Hope Summit held November 2021.

Dr. Angela Pharris

University of Oklahoma

Biography

Dr. Angela Pharris
University of Oklahoma

Angela Pharris is an assistant professor in the Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma, director of the Center for Child Welfare Training, and senior research fellow at the Hope Research Center. Her research is focused on the application and implementation of hope-centered and trauma-informed practices that impact human service programs. Pharris’ current research is in child welfare and human service organizations and the application of the Hope-Centered and Trauma-Informed framework. This research informed the development of the “Hope Centered and Trauma Informed” training program. Hope is a psychological strength and a buffer to stress, adversity, and burnout and a hopeful mindset that improves organizational and individual outcomes.

Stephanie Freeman

North Carolina Department of Corrections

Biography

Stephanie Freeman
North Carolina Department of Corrections

Stephanie Freeman’s 28-year career has spanned higher education, state government, and local government.
As the Department of Adult Correction’s chief people officer, Freeman oversees the Partnerships, Engagement and Inclusion section, the Office of Staff Development and Training (OSDT), S.H.I.E.L.D. (the Department’s peer and behavioral support unit), Victim Services, and Employee Engagement. Prior to her current role, she served the department as the director of the Office of Staff Development and Training from July 2017 to October 2022.
Freeman graduated from North Carolina State University in 1995 with her bachelor’s in sociology and earned her master’s in criminal justice from SUNY Albany in 1996.
She has prior experience as a training specialist at the NC Department of Justice with both the Sheriffs’ Education & Training Standards Commission and the Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission. While at DOJ, she earned her General Instructor Certification and has over 26 years of experience as an instructor, including teaching undergraduate courses at NC Wesleyan College, Fayetteville State University, and Sandhills Community College. In 2007, she came to the Department as the curriculum manager and general instructor school director at OSDT before spending three years with the North Carolina Judicial Branch as its organizational development manager.
Currently, she serves as the past president of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Training Officers’ Association. She sits on the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and is the current chair of the Education and Training Committee. She is also a graduate of the Correctional Leadership Development Program (CLDP).

Root Cause Analysis Tools for Effective Quality Improvement
2024-09-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Register

Join Social Current Strategic Industry Partner CCNY, Inc. for a tactical “how to” for root cause analysis tools that will produce productive and positive quality improvement projects.
In this webinar, your team will learn the mechanics of process improvement, specifically conducting a root cause analysis and applying tools and techniques. A root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic approach to understanding the causes of an adverse event and identifying system flaws that can be corrected to prevent the error from happening again.
When utilizing a team approach to problem solving, there are often many opinions as to the problem’s root cause. CCNY will introduce you to the tools you can use to identify root causes that lead to more effective Plan/Do/Study/Act projects. The tools covered in this webinar will be:

Driver Diagrams
Process Mapping
Fishbone Analysis
5 Whys

Takeaways

Explore the type of organizational (QI) culture it takes to support RCA
Learn how to operationalize the tools (Driver Diagrams, Process Mapping, Fishbone Analysis, 5 Whys)
Identify how to leverage a root cause analysis to kick off a Plan/Do/Study/Act project

Who Should Participate
Anyone responsible for organizational outcomes in quality

Christa Foschio-Bebak, JD, MSW

Director of Quality Improvement & Training
CCNY

Biography

Christa Foschio-Bebak, JD, MSW
Director of Quality Improvement & Training
CCNY

Christa Foschio-Bebak is director of quality improvement with CCNY. In this role, Christa manages quality improvement projects in all aspects of QI planning, including development and implementation.
Prior to starting at CCNY, Christa spent five years as the Child Welfare Court Improvement Project Liaison for the Family Courts in the 8th Judicial District, implementing child welfare improvement initiatives across the eight counties in Western New York. In addition, Christa was employed with Catholic Charities of WNY, working with their court-related programs, specifically as a child permanency mediator from 2001-2003.
Christa’s varied background in coordinating cross-system reform in both behavioral health and child welfare systems provides the perfect foundation for leading quality improvement efforts across organizations.
Christa graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Law and Social Work with her dual-degree – juris doctor and master’s in social work – in 2001.

Social Current Solutions
2024-09-10 14:00 - 14:45, 2024-07-30 14:00 - 14:45 (America/New_York)
Register

Join this webinar to learn more about Social Current’s areas of expertise and solutions, which support the full range of human and social services organizations. We strengthen and amplify the work of the social sector in six core integrated impact areas.
Social Current translates our expertise, the latest research, and the knowledge and experience of the field into a range of innovative solutions that address challenges facing our sector and society. These solutions include COA Accreditation, consultation, networking, research support and learning, and federal public policy advocacy and mobilization.
All are invited to learn more about how Social Current can support your organization’s goals. We welcome questions and look forward to connecting with you.
Takeaways

Overview of Social Current and about our network
Our areas of expertise and impact
About our solutions and how to work with us
Time for Q&A

Who Should Participate

Executives and directors of community-based organizations and other nonprofits
Staff looking to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion and staff resilience and engagement
Staff looking to support continuous learning and best practice through COA Accreditation and more

Katy Lederer

Network Growth Manager
Social Current

Joe Perrow

Network Growth Manager
Social Current

Rachael Rucker

Network Engagement Specialist
Social Current

Joseph Seoane

Senior Director of Network Engagement & Growth
Social Current

Advancing Health Equity: Health Access for Special Populations
2024-09-10 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Register

Perhaps more than any other health crisis occurring in the past century, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the stark health disparities in our nation, particularly for communities of color. These disparities and others are evident in the ways different people and groups experience the social determinants of health (SDoH), which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors include socioeconomic status, access to health care, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks. As such, community-based organizations play a critical role in strengthening the health and well-being of communities by addressing the social needs of individuals and families.
Quality care and access for special populations and communities is essential yet remains a challenge for many today. During this webinar, the presenter will share and define who are special populations, the challenges of health access for these populations, and what factors contribute to systems that are meant to ensure quality care for all.
About the Social Current Advancing Health Equity Series
Everyone needs the building blocks for health and well-being in order to thrive, reach their full potential, and meaningfully contribute to society. But as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, people of color and many others are disproportionately affected by sickness and death due to reduced access to care, higher chronic disease burden, and historical racial bias within health care institutions. Social Current and its network of partners are committed to health equity as a key strategy to increase the safety and well-being of individuals, families, and communities most impacted by inequality and racism.
Takeaways

Core factors that affect access and care for special populations
Participants will be able to identify special populations with shared language
Strategies that provide equitable solutions to serving special populations

Who Should Participate

Executives
Program directors
Staff in population health/health equity
Quality managers
Policy leaders
Community leaders

Presenter

Romero Davis

Director of Practice Excellence
Social Current

Biography

Romero Davis
Director of Practice Excellence
Social Current

Romero Davis is a director of practice excellence at Social Current. A mentor for professional development and community justice champion, Davis has worked nationally with agencies in areas such as poly-victimization; trauma in families; equity, diversity, and inclusion; juvenile justice; and domestic violence. He is a member of the technical assistance team for Child Safety Forward.

Mary Garr

President & CEO
Family Services, San Antonio

Biography

Mary Garr
President & CEO
Family Services, San Antonio

Mary Garr is the president and CEO of Family Service, a nonprofit in San Antonio that provides a broad array of services to empower individuals, transform families, and strengthen the health of communities by addressing the social determinants of health that directly impact peoples’ lives based on where they live, learn, work, play, and age.
Garr is an experienced leader with three decades of diverse roles in several industries, including health care, city management, nonprofits, and the military, as a CEO and COO. Her last two military assignments were at Fort Sam Houston. She served as the last Garrison Commander of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, leading her teams in providing all the infrastructure and support services for a small city, supporting mission readiness and quality of life, while merging the Garrison into Joint Base San Antonio. She also stood up the San Antonio Military Health System as its first COO, working to integrate and align Army and Air Force health care delivery in San Antonio.
Over the course of her military career, she served in a variety of command and staff positions both in the U.S. and overseas, in hospital, academic, and operational assignments. Garr graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in foreign studies and obtained master’s degrees in health administration from Baylor University and strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. She has been actively engaged in the San Antonio Community for several years, serving on several boards and committees.

Building a Resilient Workforce Learning Series
2024-09-04 14:00 - 15:15 (America/New_York)
Four-part virtual learning series: Sept. 4, Oct. 9, Nov. 7, and Dec. 9 from 2-3:15 p.m.
Pricing:

Impact Partners:

Up to two staff members are eligible for free registration
$200 for additional staff members

Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation and Other Organizations:

$200

Social Current Impact Partners can contact us for the free registration code. Learn more about Impact Partnerships online.

Register

As workforce challenges continue to affect human services organizations, leaders are searching for concrete action steps to support staff who are emotionally and physically exhausted. Though staff often enter the field excited to make a difference, it can be difficult to keep them connected to the vision and mission of the organization.
This four-part webinar series will delve into core strategies and tactics for supporting staff, such as increasing accountability, managing conflict, nurturing relationships, embracing equity, and achieving excellence.
Sessions in this Series

Create Brain-Friendly Environments

Sept. 4, 2024, 2-3:15 p.m. ET
The human services field has made strides in raising awareness around the urgency of building healthy brains in new babies and young children. However, the field has been slow to translate emerging brain science into learnings and practices with adults and our workforce.
To be well at work, especially in complex and stressful settings, we need to understand basic brain concepts and embrace practices and behaviors that support optimal brain functioning. Stress, distress, and trauma interrupt our ability to access our “thinking brain” and, without intervention, keep us in our survival or lower brain, where we struggle to think, problem solve, focus, or manage conflict.
The first session in this series, focuses on the importance of embracing brain science awareness in our work settings. We explore the neurobiology of stress, distress and trauma, the arousal continuum, and strategies for practicing daily regulation activities at work and building a brain friendly culture that leads to resilience and success.
Learning Objectives

Brain science concepts and strategies to increase resilience in the workplace
State dependent functioning and the arousal continuum, and their application to daily work
Practical tools and strategies for increasing regulation
Strategies for building a brain friendly culture that enhances our optimal functioning at work

Build Psychological Safety

Oct. 9, 2024, 2-3:15 p.m. ET
Direct service staff face pressure from many different people and are often afraid of making a mistake that might harm those they serve, negatively impact others’ perception of them, or disappoint their supervisors or colleagues.
To alleviate this worry and ensure our staff can speak and act freely, it is critical to prioritize psychological safety. Popularized by Amy Edmondson, psychological safety is the belief that the work environment is safe for interpersonal risk taking and employees can speak candidly without the fear of retribution. It leads to authentic conversations critical to building equity, diversity, and inclusion practices; problem solving; innovation; connection; trust; and growth.
The second session in this series explores courage and vulnerability in the workplace and the critical skills involved in building a psychologically safe staff culture. It will discuss strategies for leaders to respond to staff challenges by modeling authenticity, accountability, and compassion, all which promote safe risk taking at work and strengthen our resilience.
Learning Objectives

Components of psychological safety and the critical need to build it at work
The impact of courage and vulnerability in the workplace
Leadership strategies for increasing psychological safety in the workplace

Prioritize Positive Staff Culture

Nov. 7, 2024, 2-3:15 p.m. ET
You’ve heard the adage, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” It’s true. If our organizational culture is unhealthy, we will struggle to get our work done. So, we must intentionally build a positive staff culture that reflects our organization’s stated values and beliefs, and aligns with our strategy.
The third session in this series explores the ingredients of a positive staff culture, and the steps needed to achieve it. Learn strategies for bringing our organizational values into daily interactions, achieving clear and realistic boundaries and expectations, and aligning our culture and strategy to build resilience and success.
Learning Objectives

Define organizational culture
How to realize organizational values in daily interactions
How to promote boundaries and expectations that support attitudes and behaviors critical to the agency mission and staff well-being
Steps for aligning organizational culture and strategy

Integrate Connection and Community

Dec. 9, 2024, 2-3:15 p.m. ET
Research from O.C. Tanner Institute notes that, now more than ever, employees are looking for a sense of community at work. People are social animals—we crave a sense of belonging, and to be seen, heard, and valued. An organization is 12 times more likely to thrive when employees feel connected. In essence, a strong work community holds an organization together, especially during challenging times. Our brains are hardwired for connection. When we build healthy connections with people at work, we are more equipped to tolerate uncomfortable feelings, actively listen, demonstrate empathy, have difficult conversations, and thrive while facing complex work tasks and constant change.
The final session in this series, explores the components of healthy connections in the work setting, and strategies for intentionally integrating connection and community across the range of experiences of our employees.
Learning Objectives

How connection is critical to feeling calm and regulated
Strategies for increasing connection in the virtual and hybrid workplace
Strategies for building community among employees with a range of experiences and preferences for ways to connect

Who Should Participate

Executives and senior leaders
Middle managers
Human resource staff
Staff with responsibility for equity, diversity, and inclusion

Individuals who are champions for strengthening the workforce culture, regardless of their title, will also benefit. This guidance is relevant for all workforces across the human services ecosystem, including at the community, systems, government, and policy levels.

Presenters

Karen Johnson

Senior Director, Change in Mind Institute
Social Current

Biography

Karen Johnson
Senior Director, Change in Mind Institute
Social Current

Karen Johnson brings knowledge of the advancing science around resilience, brain development, adversity, toxic stress, equity, and trauma-informed approaches to the complex challenges we face. This expertise, coupled with her 28 years of experience in child welfare, behavioral health, and community services, enables her to successfully partner with leaders, staff, community members, and participants across numerous settings to promote individual and organizational resilience.
Johnson leads the development of Social Current’s Change in Mind Institute, leveraging the latest advances in neurosciences and trauma-informed approaches across sectors and at the practice, policy, and systems levels. She oversees the Texas Change in Mind Learning Collaborative, through which 10 organizations from multiple sectors across Southeast Texas are working to embed brain science and equity principles with the goal of improving outcomes for children and families, as well as their organizational cultures and ability to collaborate with partners.
During her five-and-a-half years on the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s trauma-informed services team, and year-and-a-half as an independent consultant, Johnson trained and consulted with organizations, systems, and communities striving to strengthen their workforce and advance trauma-informed, resilience-oriented approaches. She worked in various roles in the treatment foster care department and led and developed community-based programs during her 19 years at Wellpoint Care Network in Milwaukee. Johnson combines the newest advances around adversity, relational health, and resilience to infuse hope and connection into our work.

Kelly Martin

Director, Practice Excellence
Social Current

Biography

Kelly Martin
Director, Practice Excellence
Social Current

Kelly Martin is the director of practice excellence at Social Current, with an emphasis on applied developmental psychology, healing-centered approaches, educational success, antiracism, workforce well-being, policy, and advocacy. In this role, she collaborates with stakeholders across the network to advance systems change through policy and advocacy efforts, and to build the capacities of leaders through networking, knowledge, and solutions. She has experience facilitating design sessions and learning opportunities with a wide variety of human service and education stakeholders which includes classroom teachers to frontline staff to executive leaders.
Prior to this role, Kelly was with the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities (Alliance), supporting internal and external efforts to advance equity, leading evaluation and research projects, and working closely with educational success stakeholders. Before joining the Alliance in 2016, Kelly was a researcher in the Developmental and Educational Psychology Departments at the University of Pittsburgh. She spent her time connecting with young people, families, and educators across the city of Pittsburgh, as well as collaborating with multi-sector leaders to infuse developmental theory, research, and best practices into local and state initiatives.  She was an adjunct instructor during her years at Pitt, teaching a graduate course in developmental psychology.
Kelly holds a master’s in applied developmental psychology, and a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently working toward the completion of Yoga Roots on Location® Certified Yoga Teacher Training, an anti-racist and social justice Raja Yoga teacher training offered through the Yoga Alliance’s 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) Certification.

Roundtable Discussion on Social Current’s 2025-2027 Policy Agenda
2024-08-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Register

As Social Current develops its 2025-2027 federal public policy agenda, we look toward human services organizations to share central concerns and priorities. We are offering two virtual roundtables to better understand shared challenges and visions for change. Additional roundtable discussions will be held Aug. 19 from 11:30-12:30 p.m. ET and Aug. 21 from 1-2 p.m. ET.
Social Current’s Policy and Government Relations staff will lead a dialogue to better understand hardships organizations are facing internally and throughout their community. We also seek feedback on the current policy agenda to promote continuous improvement and ensure the process best supports the priorities and preferences of the sector.
By centering our network’s voices and lived experience, we strive to align our policy priorities with the interests and needs of the human and social services sector. Your insight will guide the strategy for our upcoming agenda and ensure we fully capture the sector’s needs and desires.
Intended Audience

Executives and directors
Public policy, government relations, and advocacy staff
Human services professionals

Learning Objectives

Outline issues most impacting the human service sector
Determine areas of focus for Social Current’s next policy agenda
Understand the impact of the current policy agenda

Instruction Methods
The conversation will follow guided questions but defer to participants in determining the issues and topics most of note.

Facilitators

Blair Abelle-Kiser, Ph. D.

Senior Director of Government Affairs
Social Current

Abigail Levine, MSW

Field Mobilization and Policy Manager
Social Current

Advancing Health Equity: ACEs Interface and Building Resilience
2024-08-27 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Register

Perhaps more than any other health crisis occurring in the past century, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the stark health disparities in our nation, particularly for communities of color. These disparities and others are evident in the ways different people and groups experience the social determinants of health (SDoH), which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors include socioeconomic status, access to health care, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks. As such, community-based organizations play a critical role in strengthening the health and well-being of communities by addressing the social needs of individuals and families.
In this session, participants will learn about the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study, along with science that explains why ACEs have had an immense impact on people’s lives. This session will provide information on how we can dramatically improve health and resilience today and future generations of communities and families.
About the Social Current Advancing Health Equity Series
Everyone needs the building blocks for health and well-being in order to thrive, reach their full potential, and meaningfully contribute to society. But as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, people of color and many others are disproportionately affected by sickness and death due to reduced access to care, higher chronic disease burden, and historical racial bias within health care institutions. Social Current and its network of partners are committed to health equity as a key strategy to increase the safety and well-being of individuals, families, and communities most impacted by inequality and racism.
Takeaways

About ACEs and how they occur
How people adapt to trauma
How to be aware of the impact of trauma and build resilience in the populations you serve

Who Should Participate

Executives
Program directors
Staff in population health/health equity
Quality managers
Policy leaders
Community leaders

Presenter

Romero Davis

Director of Practice Excellence
Social Current

Biography

Romero Davis
Director of Practice Excellence
Social Current

Romero Davis is a director of practice excellence at Social Current. A mentor for professional development and community justice champion, Davis has worked nationally with agencies in areas such as poly-victimization; trauma in families; equity, diversity, and inclusion; juvenile justice; and domestic violence. He is a member of the technical assistance team for Child Safety Forward.

Mary Garr

President & CEO
Family Services, San Antonio

Biography

Mary Garr
President & CEO
Family Services, San Antonio

Mary Garr is the president and CEO of Family Service, a nonprofit in San Antonio that provides a broad array of services to empower individuals, transform families, and strengthen the health of communities by addressing the social determinants of health that directly impact peoples’ lives based on where they live, learn, work, play, and age.
Garr is an experienced leader with three decades of diverse roles in several industries, including health care, city management, nonprofits, and the military, as a CEO and COO. Her last two military assignments were at Fort Sam Houston. She served as the last Garrison Commander of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, leading her teams in providing all the infrastructure and support services for a small city, supporting mission readiness and quality of life, while merging the Garrison into Joint Base San Antonio. She also stood up the San Antonio Military Health System as its first COO, working to integrate and align Army and Air Force health care delivery in San Antonio.
Over the course of her military career, she served in a variety of command and staff positions both in the U.S. and overseas, in hospital, academic, and operational assignments. Garr graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in foreign studies and obtained master’s degrees in health administration from Baylor University and strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. She has been actively engaged in the San Antonio Community for several years, serving on several boards and committees.

On the Road: NFCC Connect
2024-08-27 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Join us in Washington, D.C. at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) Connect conference on August 26-28.
Are you attending this event? Be sure to stop by our exhibit booth and visit with Rachael Rucker, network engagement specialist, to learn more about our full range of offerings, upcoming learning opportunities, and of course pick-up some cool Social Current swag. We hope to see you there!

About the Event
Join leaders in credit and financial counseling including NFCC member agencies, non-member counseling agencies, debt management organizations, creditors, vendors, consumer finance advocacy organizations, government agencies, regulators, private corporations, and other counseling networks seeking cutting-edge financial counseling, education, and resources. Learn more about the conference here.

On the Road: Florida Behavioral Health Conference
2024-08-22 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
See You in Orlando

Join us in Orlando, Florida at the Florida Behavioral Health Conference on August 21-23.
Are you attending this event? Be sure to stop by our exhibit booth and visit with Joe Perrow, network growth manager, to learn more about our full range of offerings, upcoming learning opportunities, and of course pick-up some cool Social Current swag. We hope to see you in Orlando.

About the Event
Ignite! BHCon2024 will empower attendees to reignite their passion for helping and serving those most in need, reenergize their creativity, and reimagine the future of behavioral health care in Florida. Learn more about the conference here.

Roundtable Discussion on Social Current’s 2025-2027 Policy Agenda
2024-08-21 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Register

As Social Current develops its 2025-2027 federal public policy agenda, we look toward human services organizations to share central concerns and priorities. We are offering two virtual roundtables to better understand shared challenges and visions for change. Additional roundtable discussions will be held Aug. 19 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET and Aug. 28 from 2-3 p.m. ET.
Social Current’s Policy and Government Relations staff will lead a dialogue to better understand hardships organizations are facing internally and throughout their community. We also seek feedback on the current policy agenda to promote continuous improvement and ensure the process best supports the priorities and preferences of the sector.
By centering our network’s voices and lived experience, we strive to align our policy priorities with the interests and needs of the human and social services sector. Your insight will guide the strategy for our upcoming agenda and ensure we fully capture the sector’s needs and desires.
Intended Audience

Executives and directors
Public policy, government relations, and advocacy staff
Human services professionals

Learning Objectives

Outline issues most impacting the human service sector
Determine areas of focus for Social Current’s next policy agenda
Understand the impact of the current policy agenda

Instruction Methods
The conversation will follow guided questions but defer to participants in determining the issues and topics most of note.

Facilitators

Blair Abelle-Kiser, Ph. D.

Senior Director of Government Affairs
Social Current

Abigail Levine, MSW

Field Mobilization and Policy Manager
Social Current

Advancing Health Equity: Social Determinants of Health Overview
2024-08-20 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Register

Perhaps more than any other health crisis occurring in the past century, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the stark health disparities in our nation, particularly for communities of color. These disparities and others are evident in the ways different people and groups experience the social determinants of health (SDoH), which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These factors include socioeconomic status, access to health care, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks. As such, community-based organizations play a critical role in strengthening the health and well-being of communities by addressing the social needs of individuals and families.
During this webinar, Mary E. Garr, president of Family Service in San Antonio, will share how the organization has evolved to improve the SDoH experienced by its communities. In addition, the organization’s approach addresses adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by adopting the practice of trauma-informed care when working with individuals and families. Key to this initiative is the use of screening for social need, which helps to identify effective interventions sooner. The organization has also created a multiyear scorecard to guide its path to supporting community health and help all employees understand what they are working to achieve. Through this ongoing organizational development, positive health outcomes for people and strengthened neighborhoods are possible.
About the Social Current Health Equity Series
Everyone needs the building blocks for health and well-being in order to thrive, reach their full potential, and meaningfully contribute to society. But as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, people of color and many others are disproportionately affected by sickness and death due to reduced access to care, higher chronic disease burden, and historical racial bias within health care institutions. Social Current and its network of partners are committed to health equity as a key strategy to increase the safety and well-being of individuals, families, and communities most impacted by inequality and racism.
Takeaways

A framework of SDoH used nationally
How SDoH and ACEs intersect
Why it is critical for community-based organizations to understand the SDoH and how community members are affected
How community-based organizations can partner with other sectors in addressing the SDoH

Who Should Participate

Executives
Program directors
Staff in population health/health equity
Quality managers
Policy leaders
Community leaders

Presenters

Romero Davis

Director of Practice Excellence
Social Current

Biography

Romero Davis
Director of Practice Excellence
Social Current

Romero Davis is a director of practice excellence at Social Current. A mentor for professional development and community justice champion, Davis has worked nationally with agencies in areas such as poly-victimization; trauma in families; equity, diversity, and inclusion; juvenile justice; and domestic violence. He is a member of the technical assistance team for Child Safety Forward.

Mary Garr

President & CEO
Family Services, San Antonio

Biography

Mary Garr
President & CEO
Family Services, San Antonio

Mary Garr is the president and CEO of Family Service, a nonprofit in San Antonio that provides a broad array of services to empower individuals, transform families, and strengthen the health of communities by addressing the social determinants of health that directly impact peoples’ lives based on where they live, learn, work, play, and age.
Garr is an experienced leader with three decades of diverse roles in several industries, including health care, city management, nonprofits, and the military, as a CEO and COO. Her last two military assignments were at Fort Sam Houston. She served as the last Garrison Commander of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, leading her teams in providing all the infrastructure and support services for a small city, supporting mission readiness and quality of life, while merging the Garrison into Joint Base San Antonio. She also stood up the San Antonio Military Health System as its first COO, working to integrate and align Army and Air Force health care delivery in San Antonio.
Over the course of her military career, she served in a variety of command and staff positions both in the U.S. and overseas, in hospital, academic, and operational assignments. Garr graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in foreign studies and obtained master’s degrees in health administration from Baylor University and strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. She has been actively engaged in the San Antonio Community for several years, serving on several boards and committees.

Roundtable Discussion on Social Current’s 2025-2027 Policy Agenda
2024-08-19 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Register

As Social Current develops its 2025-2027 federal public policy agenda, we look toward human services organizations to share central concerns and priorities. We are offering two virtual roundtables to better understand shared challenges and visions for change. Additional roundtable discussions will be held Aug. 21 from 1-2 p.m. ET and Aug. 28 from 2-3 p.m. ET.
Social Current’s Policy and Government Relations staff will lead a dialogue to better understand hardships organizations are facing internally and throughout their community. We also seek feedback on the current policy agenda to promote continuous improvement and ensure the process best supports the priorities and preferences of the sector.
By centering our network’s voices and lived experience, we strive to align our policy priorities with the interests and needs of the human and social services sector. Your insight will guide the strategy for our upcoming agenda and ensure we fully capture the sector’s needs and desires.
Intended Audience

Executives and directors
Public policy, government relations, and advocacy staff
Human services professionals

Learning Objectives

Outline issues most impacting the human service sector
Determine areas of focus for Social Current’s next policy agenda
Understand the impact of the current policy agenda

Instruction Methods
The conversation will follow guided questions but defer to participants in determining the issues and topics most of note.

Facilitators

Blair Abelle-Kiser, Ph. D.

Senior Director of Government Affairs
Social Current

Abigail Levine, MSW

Field Mobilization and Policy Manager
Social Current

On the Road: National Conference of State Legislators Summit
2024-08-06 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
See You in Louisville

Join us in Louisville, Kentucky at the National Conference of State Legislators Summit (NCSL) Legislative Summit on August 5-7.
Are you attending this event? Be sure to stop by our exhibit booth and visit with Kelly Barkley Mane, manager of government relations and recognitions, to learn more about our full range of offerings, upcoming learning opportunities, and of course pick-up some cool Social Current swag. We hope to see you in Louisville.

About the Event
Engage in transformative discussions, gain valuable insights from public policy experts and develop new skills to take your career to the next level. Set against the backdrop of Louisville’s rich equestrian heritage, this immersive experience is the perfect opportunity to forge valuable connections and prepare for the policy challenges that lie ahead. Learn more about the summit here.

On the Road: Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit
2024-08-01 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Don’t Miss Our Presentation

Join us in Brookfield, Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit August 1-2.
Are you attending this event? You will not want to miss Social Current’s Phyllis Richards, director of equity, diversity, inclusion and research and Jerica Broeckling, EDI and engagement partner’s presentation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Polarizing Times: Strategies for the Long Haul on August 1 at 4-5 PM in Connect C1.
Presentation Overview: Four years after the murder of George Floyd, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the fight to advance equity and systemic change towards racial justice in the US. The Supreme Court’s decision last year on affirmative action kicked off a series of legal rulings against equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) around the country. Groups are further entrenching themselves into singular talking points and grievances, with smaller and smaller windows for building commonality.
Against this backdrop of fear and retrenchment, many practitioners are struggling to find a path forward. This session offers lessons from decades of work to keep racial equity at the forefront. Participants will be invited into a frank conversation on what’s at stake for EDI, and how practitioners can continue to make progress in advancing organizational goals. They will learn a framework that practitioners have found useful in identifying areas for growth and marking progress over time; hear examples and insights on what’s working today; and have the opportunity to share their own challenges and insights.

About the Event
The Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit convenes nonprofit leaders dedicated to elevating their organizations’ impact and connecting the community with their cause. Participants will share best practices, learn from seasoned experts, and build their peer network. Learn more here.

Impact Partnership Spotlight: Knowledge and Insights Center
2024-07-25 14:00 - 14:45 (America/New_York)
Register

Informing your work with relevant and trustworthy research is important—but it isn’t always easy to do. Information overload can be stressful and exploring emerging data and trends can be time consuming. Luckily, the Social Current Knowledge and Insights Center (KIC) can help.
Experienced Social Current staff and partners with subject matter expertise provide professionals in the nonprofit social services sector with timely and useful information solutions. This includes on-demand, 24/7 access to thousands of online knowledge and resource assets, full-text articles, journals and publications, and real-world policies and procedures from social services organizations.
Impact Partners can also consult directly with KIC staff who provide reference services, such as research requests, subject compilations, and coaching to use information resources more effectively. Join this session as we review some of the top issues and topics with the Social Current network and how KIC services and tools can provide insights, best practices, and other knowledge-building support.
Impact Partnership Spotlight Series
Join us to learn about the benefits of becoming a Social Current Impact Partner and the exciting opportunities to connect with colleagues across the network. All staff at organizations interested in learning more about the benefits of Social Current Impact Partnerships are encouraged to participate in this webinar.
In addition to delving into the session’s spotlighted topic, we will give an overview of Impact Partnerships and preview upcoming engagement opportunities. This webinar will include ample time for Q&A, as you explore ways to maximize the partnership experience for your organization and colleagues.
Takeaways

Features of the Knowledge and Insights Center
Hot topics in the Social Current network

Who Should Participate

Staff at Impact Partner organizations
Staff interested in learning more about becoming an Impact Partner

Presenters

Kirstin Anderson

Director of Content Strategy
Social Current

Rachael Rucker

Network Engagement Specialist
Social Current

Financial Well-Being as a Retention Strategy for Nonprofits
2024-07-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Register

In today’s highly competitive talent market, retaining staff is a top priority–particularly in nonprofit and human services industries, which historically have high turnover rates. In this webinar, Social Current Strategic Industry Partner Marsh McLennan Agency will explore the critical role financial well-being plays in retaining employees and offer a strategic framework for organizations to achieve this goal effectively.
There is an undeniable connection between financial stability and employee retention. Employees burdened by financial stress are significantly more likely to experience distractions at work. In nonprofit and human services organizations, where talent acquisition and retention are constant challenges, addressing these financial concerns takes on even greater importance.
Marsh McLennan Agency will share key findings from their report, The Power of Prioritizing Employee Financial Well-Being, which focuses on integrated well-being benefits offerings, encompassing compensation, benefits, and other perks that organizations provide to their employees. By including comprehensive integrated benefits that address employees’ financial needs, organizations can enhance their value and relevance.
But it doesn’t stop there, including an effective communication strategy and education as tools for ensuring employees fully understand and appreciate the benefits offered is just as critical to your plan.
Takeaways

How financial uncertainty puts a strain on your workforce and leads to turnover
As an employer, you can have a positive impact on your workforce’s financial security
How to provide strategic and integrated benefits, create a culture of support, and communicate benefits effectively

Who Should Participate

Executives
Human resources staff

Presenter

Nathan Rasmussen, AIF®, CPFA, CHSA

President of Retirement Services and Executive Compensation & Benefits
Marsh McLennan Agency LLC | New England & Northeast Regions

On the Road: National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
2024-07-22 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Transforming Crisis Care: Innovative Strategies to Prevent Crises, Promote Safety and Well-Being

Join us in Washington, D.C. at the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) annual meeting on July 21-23.
Are you attending this event? Be sure to stop by our exhibit booth and visit with Kelly Barkley Mane, manager of government relations and recognitions, to learn more about our full range of offerings, upcoming learning opportunities, and of course pick-up some cool Social Current swag. We hope to see you there!

About the Event
Founded in 1959, 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 about NASMHPH here.

Advancing Equity Workshop: Fundamentals to Support Your Journey (July Session)
2024-07-09 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Impact Partners and/or COA Accredited Organizations: $800
Other Organizations: $1,000

Register

Session Dates: July 9, 16, and 25 from noon – 3 p.m. ET.
This workshop also will be offered Nov. 6, 13, and 20. View details and register.
Understanding how to build an inclusive and equitable culture is the job of every leader within an organization. Creating an inclusive culture connected to the meeting mission in co-creating with communities across the country is essential in building a perfect union.
As some voices push against a ‘woke culture,’ there is an ever-increasing need to continue to raise the banner for social justice on every front and building organizational capacity for advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The need for leaders, especially within social sector organizations, to engage in building an equitable society for all.
During this three-part virtual workshop, participants will learn and engage in a safe environment, where they can ask questions and share reflections with their peers. Using Social Current’s three-prong approach to EDI (Person, Organization and Systems), the presenters will encourage participants to develop a deeper personal EDI journey, to build an inclusive work culture, and to become more aware of the systems that impact us all.
Session Objectives
Session One: Connecting Our Past to the Present (July 9 from noon – 3 p.m. ET)

Connecting the past to the present; the history of systemic racism and its current impact
Learning the steps for personal EDI growth

Session Two: Moving Towards a More Perfect Union (July 16 from noon – 3 p.m. ET)

Cultural humility
Psychological safety

Session Three: Supporting Your Organization’s EDI Journey (July 25 from noon – 3 p.m. ET)

Learn the phases of organizational growth in EDI
Discuss the essential components of an effective EDI plan
Discuss the challenges and opportunities for organizations as they implement EDI plans

Workshop Goals

Explore relationships with EDI in a safe environment
Increase understanding of how to build an equitable and inclusive workplace culture
Why and how to build psychological safety among teams, identify individual biases, and understand the role of inequitable systems
Phases of organizational growth in EDI and the essential components of a successful EDI plan

Who Should Participate

Senior Leadership
Directors and Managers
EDI Practitioners

Instruction Methods
The workshop will include webinar presentations of core concepts, facilitated discussions, and reflection opportunities. Organizations are encouraged to send multiple employees for collaborative learning and to build agency knowledge.

Presenters

Jerica Broeckling

EDI Consultant
Social Current

Romero Davis

Senior Program Manager
Social Current

Biography

Romero Davis
Senior Program Manager
Social Current

Romero Davis is a director of practice excellence at Social Current. A mentor for professional development and community justice champion, Davis has worked nationally with agencies in areas such as poly-victimization; trauma in families; equity, diversity, and inclusion; juvenile justice; and domestic violence. He is a member of the technical assistance team for Child Safety Forward.

Undraye Howard, PhD

Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Social Current

Biography

Undraye Howard, PhD
Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement
Social Current

Undraye Howard currently serves as vice president of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Social Current. In his roles over the years, he has provided invaluable consultation to community-based organizations. In his current role, he leads Social Current’s efforts in providing strategy, solutions, and support for the development of leaders in the social sector, with an emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Through his strategic leadership and direction, he and a team of network leaders have co-created helpful resources, consultation, and workshops that uplift and disseminate best practices to help community-based organizations advance their EDI journeys.
In addition, Dr. Howard was instrumental in developing Social Current’s leadership development model, the rEvolutionary Model, which helps develop the skills of change leaders to drive toward system and population-level results. Dr. Howard also leads the annual Executive Leadership Institute, which is held in partnership with Loyola University’s Quinlan School of Business. This transformational experience equips leaders with the knowledge and skills to create greater systems change.
Dr. Howard also has a deep appreciation and connection to the greater Milwaukee community. He sits on the board of AD2LUV Senior Housing (2006-present), Father Hood Initiative (2012-present), and the board of Holy Cathedral (1999-present), where he also led as youth director and deacon. He also served as a member on the State of Wisconsin Strengthening Families and Children.
Dr. Howard holds a doctorate in business from Bellevue University. He received his master’s in communication and bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Phyllis Richards

Director of EDI and Research
Social Current

Sheryl White, PsyD

Cultural Psychologist, OD Practitioner & Leadership Coach

Biography

Sheryl White, PsyD
Cultural Psychologist, OD Practitioner & Leadership Coach

Dr. Sheryl White, a cultural psychologist and organization development practitioner, brings over 25 years of experience facilitating ethical, strategic, and critical decision-making; inspiring compassionate leadership; advancing equity, inclusion and belonging; and fostering positive culture transformation for optimal performance and impact. Dr. White started her post-college career as a preschool teacher and assistant site supervisor on a military installation, and then transitioned to working as a rehabilitation counselor and consultant in the public and private sector. Prior to spending 20 years as an organization development consultant, she served as area manager of San Diego and El Centro, California for a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual and as an organization effectiveness specialist with the City of San Diego, California’s second largest city government.
Since 1999, Dr. White has served as a leadership coach and small group facilitator with the Center for Creative Leadership and a core adjunct professor at National University. She has provided leadership coaching to mid-level, senior and executive leaders from around the globe and across sectors from nonprofits, municipalities, education, and healthcare organizations to startups and Fortune 100 companies. In 2008, Dr. White joined the executive leadership team of the Neighborhood House Association one of San Diego county’s largest multi-purpose human services agencies, where she currently serves as Senior Vice President of Training and Organization Development and General Manager of InnoVisions, the agency’s social enterprise. Since 2009, Dr. White has been the host of Leadership Matters, an Internet radio show and podcast that airs on Voice America’s Business Channel.
Dr. White holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grambling State University, a master’s degree in counseling from Louisiana Tech University, and a master’s and Doctor of Psychology degree in culture and human behavior from Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. She is a recognized Board Certified Coach (BCC) with the Center for Credentialing and Education, Inc.
Dr. White is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc public service organization and has received countless honors and awards for her service. She is passionate about inspiring compassion and helping people work better, and better together, for the betterment of humanity.

On the Road: FFTA Annual Conference
2024-07-08 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Empowering Families & Elevating Communities

Join us in Denver, Colorado at the Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA) conference on July 7-10.
Are you attending this event? Be sure to stop by our exhibit booth and visit with Rachael Rucker, network engagement specialist, to learn more about our full range of offerings, upcoming learning opportunities, and of course pick-up some cool Social Current swag. We hope to see you in Denver!

About the Event
Advancing equity in child welfare and mental health systems, supporting families within their communities, and leading for today and tomorrow headline over 100 workshop, roundtable, and research educational offerings at this year’s conference. Attendees will also dive into leading-edge topics like workplace wellness, embracing local innovation, and implementing proven solutions in direct practice. Learn more about the conference here.

On the Road: NCFA National Adoption Conference
2024-06-27 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
See You In Texas

Join us in Fort Worth, Texas at the National Council for Adoption (NCFA) National Adoption Conference on June 26-28.
Are you attending this event? Be sure to stop by our exhibit booth and visit with Marisa Collins, director of strategic partnerships and partner relations, to learn more about our full range of offerings, upcoming learning opportunities, and of course pick-up some cool Social Current swag. We hope to see you in Texas!

About the Event
NCFA’s annual conference offers continuing education and high-caliber training to professionals from the adoption, social work, and child welfare communities who all share a common commitment to helping children thrive in nurturing, permanent families. Click here to learn more about the event.

Impact Partnership Spotlight: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
2024-06-24 15:00 - 15:45 (America/New_York)
Register

It is clear that advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is important for the social sector. It is critical for engaging our staff and for supporting children, adults, and communities. Join this session to learn more about Social Current’s years of experience in partnering with community-based organizations to help them set and reach their equity goals.
Presenters will share our approach to EDI, which positions organizations for success by focusing on organizational culture and addressing equity at multiple levels. Participants will gain tips for successfully advancing equity at their organizations.
This session will also offer an overview of the benefits included in Social Current Impact Partnerships and include time for Q&A.
Impact Partnership Spotlight Series
Join us to learn about the benefits of becoming a Social Current Impact Partner and the exciting opportunities to connect with colleagues across the network. All staff at organizations interested in learning more about the benefits of Social Current Impact Partnerships are encouraged to participate in this webinar.
In addition to delving into the session’s spotlighted topic, we will give an overview of Impact Partnerships and preview upcoming engagement opportunities. This webinar will include ample time for Q&A, as you explore ways to maximize the partnership experience for your organization and colleagues.
Takeaways

About Social Current’s approach to embedding equity at the person, organizational, and systems levels
Essential element for success in advancing EDI
Social Current resources for advancing EDI
About Social Current Impact Partnerships

Who Should Participate

Staff at Impact Partner organizations
Staff interested in learning more about becoming an Impact Partner

Presenters

Katy Lederer

Network Growth Manager
Social Current

Phyllis Richards

Director of EDI & Research
Social Current

Rachael Rucker

Network Engagement Specialist
Social Current

Cherie Yanek

Librarian
Social Current

COA Accreditation and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
2024-06-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Register

Participants will learn about COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current, as it relates to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). This webinar will provide an overview of accreditation for CCBHCs and feature BestSelf Behavioral Health, a COA-accredited organization operating a CCBHC program.
Staff from BestSelf will speak about their experiences with COA Accreditation, how accreditation has been an asset, and the learning curve for CCBHCs. Following their presentation, participants will hear from Social Current staff about the COA Accreditation process and receive an update on our mental health and/or substance use services (MHSU) standards and their alignment with the CCBHC criteria. The session will end with time for Q&A.
Takeaways

What an organization operating a CCBHC should know when considering COA Accreditation
How COA Accreditation works for an organization operating a CCBHC
Next steps for an organization operating a CCBHC to become accredited

Who Should Participate

CCBHC program directors, quality improvement staff, and behavioral health directors
State representatives from Division of Behavioral Health/DHHSS

Presenters

Joe Perrow

Network Growth Manager
Social Current

Kelly Barkley Mane

Manager of Government Relations and Recognitions
Social Current

Melissa Dury

Director of Standards
Social Current

Rebecca S. Steffen

Vice President of Quality Improvement & Accreditation
BestSelf Behavioral Health

Sarah Weirzbowski

Vice President of Clinic Services
BestSelf Behavioral Health

Advocacy Amplified Training and Hill Day
2024-06-11 08:00 - 2024-06-13 18:00 (America/New_York) | U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC, 20004, United States
Registration for this event has closed.
Impact Partners (Formerly Engagement Packages) and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation
Registration Price: $400
Non-Network Organizations
Registration Price: $475

About

Agenda

Location and Lodging

About

The 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. Held at Social Current Headquarters and Capitol Hill, the event will focus on transforming expertise into impactful strategies, fostering relationships, and mobilizing support around the Streamlining Federal Grants Act and other policy topics important to the sector.
About the Event
The 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.
On day one, attendees will learn fundamental aspects of effective advocacy and develop a strong foundation for future advocacy efforts. The session will cover the following topics:

Introduction to Advocacy
Navigating the Advocacy Landscape
Crafting Powerful Advocacy Messages
Building Relationships
Mobilizing Support

On day two, attendees 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:

Policy Analysis and Research
Influencing Legislation
Media and Communications
Advocacy Day Preparation
Ethical Considerations and Compliance

On day three, attendees 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.
Social 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 decisionmakers.
All attendees must attend both days of training and Hill Day. You cannot attend just one part of the event.
Takeaways

Empower attendees to transform their expertise, lived experience, and passions into impactful advocacy.
Equip attendees with fundamental advocacy skills and advanced advocacy strategies required for successful campaigns.
Gain hands-on experience meeting with legislators around a shared goal.
Foster a network of engaged and informed advocates from around the country.
Build relationships with Social Current’s Policy team and social sector colleagues.

Who Should Participate
Any staff or volunteer at a community-based organizations. No prior experience or skills are required.

Agenda

Day 1: June 11 – Fundamental Advocacy Skills & Advanced Strategies
8-9 a.m. | Registration and Welcome Breakfast
9-9:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks and Conference Overview
9:30-10:30 a.m. | Session 1: Introduction to Advocacy
An overview of advocacy, its importance, and its role in societal change at various governmental levels.
10:45 a.m.-Noon | Session 2: Navigating the Advocacy Landscape
Understanding the political landscape, identifying key stakeholders, and engaging with policymakers and advocacy organizations.
Noon-1 p.m. | Networking Lunch
1-2:15 p.m. | Session 3: Crafting Powerful Advocacy Messages
Developing skills to create persuasive messages, framing issues, using stories and data, and tailoring messages to different audiences.
2:30-3:45 p.m. | Session 4: Building Relationships
Strategies for engaging with elected officials and their staff, fostering connections, and building long-term advocacy partnerships.
4-5 p.m. | Session 5: Mobilizing Support
Rallying support and building coalitions for advocacy goals, engaging community members, organizations, and allies.
5-6 p.m. | Reflection and Group Discussion
6 p.m. | Networking Dinner and Social Hour
Day 2: June 12 – Skill Application and Preparation
8-9 a.m. | Breakfast and Day 1 Recap
9-10:15 a.m. | Session 6: Policy Analysis and Research
Techniques for analyzing policies, conducting research, gathering evidence, evaluating policy impact, and presenting data.
10:30-11:45 a.m. | Session 7: Influencing Legislation
Insight into the legislative process, effective policymaker engagement, opportunities for input, and shaping policy outcomes.
Noon-1 p.m. | Networking Lunch
1-2:15 p.m. | Session 8: Media and Communications
The importance of media in advocacy, using traditional and digital platforms to raise awareness, shape public opinion, and gain campaign visibility.
2:30-4 p.m. | Session 9: Advocacy Day Preparation
Preparing for Capitol Hill visits, including logistics, scheduling meetings, and conveying messages effectively in a limited time frame.
4-5 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Ethical Considerations and Compliance in Advocacy
Addressing ethical considerations, legal compliance, transparency, disclosure, and adherence to ethical standards in advocacy.
5-6 p.m. | Group Work: Strategy Development and Role-Playing Exercises
6 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Preparation for Capitol Hill Visits

Location and Lodging

Location
Day 1 and 2 (Advocacy Training)
Social Current Headquarters
1200 First St. NE 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
Day 3 (Hill Day)
Capitol Hill
1 First St NE
Washington, DC 20543
All attendees should meet at the Capitol Hill address provided. For anyone wanting to travel as a group, we will meet at Social Current Headquarters in the morning and take the Metro together to Capitol Hill.
Lodging
Please secure your own lodging for this event.
The Morrow Hotel
222 M Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Social Current has arranged a special room rate discount of 15% off the best available rate at The Morrow Hotel. Reserve your room online or call the hotel at 202-280-2288 and mention corporate ID 3222197.

Presenters

Blair Abelle-Kiser

Senior Director of Government Affairs
Social Current

David L. Thompson

Vice President of Public Policy
National Council of Nonprofits

Ben Kershaw

Director of Public Policy and Government Relations
Independent Sector

On the Road: APHSA National Human Services Summit
2024-06-10 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Shared Vision, Collective Impact: Shaping Our Future Together

Join us in Arlington, Virginia at the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) National Human Services Summit on June 9-12.
Are you attending this event? Join Jody Levison-Johnson, president and CEO of Social Current, for her Leading Through Constraint: Successful Strategies for Thriving session during the summit and be sure to stop by our exhibit table to meet Turaia Ahsan, COA accreditation coordinator, to learn more about our complete range of solutions. Hope to see you there!

About the Event
The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) National Human Services Summit offers unparalleled access to learning, peer networking, and connecting with a wide array of committed partners and organizations. Click here to learn more about the event.
