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:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250305T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250305T140000 DTSTAMP:20260412T002055 CREATED:20250227T195950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T204825Z UID:10000465-1741179600-1741183200@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Social Current Grassroots Network Convening DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n Human and social services professionals are invited to join this convening of the Social Current Grassroots Advocacy Network. We will discuss our network offerings\, key political issues affecting our sector\, and trainings to support and strengthen your organization’s advocacy. \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\nA comprehensive overview and facilitated access to Social Current’s advocacy resources and opportunities to enhance organizational effectiveness\, capacity building\, and community engagement\nShare feedback to enable Social Current’s Government Affairs and Advocacy team to adapt resources and offerings to ensure they are best aligned with the field’s priorities and concerns\n\nWho Should Participate\n\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\, Ph.D.\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\, Ph.D.\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlair 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/social-current-grassroots-network-convening/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Policy-Advocacy_4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250309T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250309T235959 DTSTAMP:20260412T002055 CREATED:20250226T173857Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T145918Z UID:10000456-1741478400-1741564799@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: National Afterschool Association Convention DESCRIPTION:See You in Nashville\n \n Join us in Nashville at the National Afterschool Association 2025 (NAA25) convention on March 9-12. \nAre you attending this event? Come say hello to our Accreditation Coordinator\, JeRae’ Sommersell\, at the Social Current booth in the exhibit hall. Learn all about COA Accreditation\, Social Current’s network\, and grab some swag when you stop by. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Event\n#NAA2025 brings together afterschool professionals across the country to celebrate their work and share the latest thought leadership in the field. Every learning session powers human connection\, inspired learning\, and professional advancement for participants. Learn more about the conference here. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-national-afterschool-association-convention/ 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:20250319T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250319T140000 DTSTAMP:20260412T002055 CREATED:20250306T141802Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T141806Z UID:10000467-1742389200-1742392800@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Philanthropy Meeting the Moment: Navigating Donor Conversations DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n The first few months of 2025 have been difficult for the social sector. This session will focus on key questions and the latest information about how institutional donors and individual donors are addressing the challenges to the sector from the administration. Participants will discuss how to have conversations with funders and donors about the potential impact of cuts. \nTakeaways\n\nHow institutional donors and individual donors are addressing current challenges\nHow to have conversations with donors about potential impact of cuts\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sarah Beth Lardie\, MPA\, MSW\n \n Chief Development Officer\nSocial Current \n \n Biography\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sarah Beth Lardie\, MPA\, MSW\n Chief Development Officer\nSocial Current \n \n Sarah Beth Lardie is the chief development officer at Social Current. With nearly two decades of experience in advancing the missions\, visions\, and goals of nonprofit organizations\, Sarah Beth has helped to lead the growth and sustainability of a wide range of successful organizations\, raising more than $20 million dollars annually for civil society actors ranging from United Nations to local food banks. She began her career as a social worker\, working with children and families\, before transitioning to a career in development. \n“Building civil society\, bringing more people and resources to the critical work being done is fulfilling. Nonprofit organizations are where innovations to solve society’s most difficult problems are happening – I love being part of that. That’s what drew me to Social Current.” \nAs a member of the founding leadership team of Joshua Venture\, a fellowship program for social entrepreneurs\, she was responsible for providing fellowships for 16 entrepreneurs across the U.S. She has also been a mentor with MIT’s LaunchX program and an advisor to the African Venture Philanthropy Network. \nBorn and raised in Detroit\, Sarah Beth has lived and worked in places around the globe including London; San Francisco; Washington\, D.C.; Kampala; and Johannesburg but always finds her way back to New York City to get great bagels! URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/philanthropy-meeting-the-moment-navigating-donor-conversations/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Philanthropy-Challenge-Series.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250319T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250321T130000 DTSTAMP:20260412T002055 CREATED:20241018T195118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T153419Z UID:10000436-1742403600-1742562000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:2025 Convening for Chief Executives DESCRIPTION:About\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Sessions & Speakers\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Schedule\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Location\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Planning Team\n \n\n \n \n \n \n Sponsors\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n About \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Register Now \n \n \n \n This event is open only to the CEO or executive director of a human/social services organization. \nRegistration must be received on or before March 3 to receive the early bird rate. After that date\, regular rates apply. \nImpact Partners and/or Organizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation: \n\nEarly Bird Registration $595\nRegular Registration $745\n\nOther Organizations: \n\nEarly Bird Registration $695\nRegular Registration $845\n\nAbout the Event\nThis event will offer learning and networking tailored to CEOs and executive directors of human and social services organizations. By bringing together leaders who truly understand each other’s day to day\, it will help you develop relationships\, share challenges\, find solutions\, and build community. \nWith facilitated sessions\, the event’s programming will emphasize dialogue and collaboration to identify solutions. This year’s session topics include: \n\nNavigating insurance and risk mitigation\nLeadership for resilience and sustainability in uncertain times\nAdvancing organizational readiness for artificial intelligence\nA new operating paradigm for human services leaders\n\nChief executives and executive directors are invited to make new connections\, deepen relationships\, and grow their network of go-to colleagues. \nWho Should Participate\n\nThis event is reserved for only the CEO or executive director of  a human/social services organization\n\nCancellation Policies\nCancellation by Participant: All cancellation requests must be made in writing. Conference cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee. Cancellation requests received after March 3 will not be refunded\, including the optional tour. Credit toward future Social Current events is not currently possible. Notice of written cancellation must be emailed directly to Social Current. \nCancellation by Social Current: If Social Current cancels this conference\, all registration fees will be refunded in full. \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Sessions & Speakers \n \n\n \n \n \n CEO Think Tank: Navigating Insurance and Risk Mitigation in 2025\nThis session will engage CEOs in a focused discussion on the evolving landscape of insurance and risk management in human services. Participants will analyze complex challenges within the insurance industry\, exchange knowledge and strategies\, and generate actionable insights to strengthen organizational resilience and leadership decision-making. \nPresenter: Eric Beck\, senior vice president and national nonprofit practice leader\, Marsh McLennan Agency \nPolicy Briefing\nGiven the current and ever-changing political landscape\, this convening will include a policy briefing from Blair Abelle-Kiser\, senior director of government affairs at Social Current. She will share relevant updates and answer participant questions regarding the current policy environment. \nPresenter: Blair Abelle-Kiser\, senior director of government affairs\, Social Current \nSuccess During Uncertain Times: Strategies for Positive Outcomes at the Individual\, Team\, and Organizational Levels\nNonprofits are facing uncertainty unlike any in recent history. On the horizon are seismic changes at the federal\, state\, and local levels that will result in significant changes to the nonprofit industry. Nonprofit organizations will be challenged over the next few years in ways that were previously unimaginable. How will we manage to persevere? What steps can CEOs take to ensure that their organizations stay mission focused and successful? How can I prepare my organization to remain on top? \nThis high-energy discussion will highlight strategies to leverage your leadership practice\, your team’s efficacy\, and your organization’s resilience. Participants will come away from this interactive and dynamic session with at least three concrete steps to support their leadership practice and continue their organizations’ success. \nPresenter: Paul L. Dann\, president and CEO\, North American Family Institute \nNetworking Activity: Funny Bus Charlotte\nGet ready for a unique and entertaining experience with Funny Bus Comedy City Tour. This 90-minute bus tour of Charlotte\, featuring a local comedian as our tour guide\, will be filled with laughter and learning. This rolling comedy show promises to be a memorable journey. Be sure to dress for the weather\, as the bus is open air. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure! \nAI and the Social Services Sector: Advancing Organizational Readiness\nIn this session CEOs will take a strategic look at the stages of AI readiness and frameworks for the safe\, ethical\, and effective design\, development\, and deployment of AI tools. Participants will engage in a collaborative effort to develop an AI readiness assessment rubric—an actionable resource designed to support organizational preparedness and implementation. Through this session\, participants will explore how AI can be integrated responsibly into the human services sector. \nPresenter: Lauri Goldkind\, professor\, Fordham University \nA New Operating Paradigm for Human Service Leaders\nThis session will explore a strategic framework for human services leadership\, emphasizing skills and strategies essential for navigating today’s complex landscape. Drawing insights from the Equip the Flip initiative\, a collaboration between Social Current and the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)\, participants will examine practical approaches to centering community voice\, building generative partnerships\, supporting people with lived experience\, enhancing political literacy\, and implementing participatory design. The session will also discuss strategies for fostering shared vision and achieving sustainable\, systemic impact in the human services sector. \nPresenters: Eric Schindler\, president and chief executive officer\, Child & Family Resources; and Robena Spangler\, senior director of leadership and organizational development\, Social Current \nSpeakers\nEric Beck\nSenior Vice President\, National Nonprofit Practice Leader\nMarsh McLennan \nEric joined Bouchard Insurance in 2003 and was invited into the ownership group in 2007. He became one of the majority shareholders and a board member. In February of 2019\, Bouchard was acquired by Marsh & Mclennan Agency where he is a senior vice president and national nonprofit practice leader. Prior to joining Bouchard Insurance\, he worked in many social service settings\, including residential group homes and as a teacher for middle school children with mental and behavioral health challenges. \nBeck is active in many nonprofit associations and has served on numerous boards. He is the endorsed insurance agent for the Florida Association of Community Health Centers and does a lot of work with the Florida Coalition for Children. He is a graduate of Leadership Pinellas and CEO Direct. He spends a lot of time working with clients to help defend their interests and funding sources. He regularly speaks at nonprofit seminars on ways to reduce insurance costs and how to develop a sound risk management program. \nIn 2016 and 2017\, Beck was recognized as a top 100 insurance agent in the country by Business Insurance magazine. He obtained his bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Mississippi in 1996. He currently lives in Clearwater\, Florida\, with his wife and their three children. \nPaul L. Dann\, PhD\nPresident and CEO\nNorth American Family Institute \nPaul Dann is the president and CEO of North American Family Institute (NAFI). The multiservice nonprofit organization has an annual budget of $130 million and provides 128 services to individuals across the lifespan in nine states. Prior to stepping into the president and CEO role he worked for 31 years to develop one of NAFI’s subsidiaries\, NFI North\, from a single program with an annual budget of $400\,000 and four employees in 1993 to the organization it is today\, with more than 28 services and annual budget more than $54 million and more than 400 employees. \nDann has published two books\, Introduction to Human Services: Policy and Practice\, 2019\, Pearson Publishing and Managing and Leading Nonprofit Organizations: A Framework for Success\, 2022\, Wiley and Sons Publishing. In 2022\, he received the NH Business Excellence Award. He serves as a core faculty in public administration in the Carsey School at the University of New Hampshire and provides consultation and training nationally in organizational culture\, change management\, and leadership development. Dann also serves on multiple nonprofit boards. \nIn his free time\, he is the frontman for a regionally recognized blues band\, The Brothers Blues Band. \nBlair 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\, she 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. \nLauri Goldkind\, PhD\, LMSW\nProfessor\nFordham University \nDr. Lauri Goldkind\, PhD\, LMSW is an associate professor at Fordham University and the editor of the Journal of Technology in Human Services. Her current research focuses on artificial intelligence in social work practice and data ecosystems in nonprofit organizations. She is a network co-lead for the Grand Challenges in Social Work Harnessing Technology for the Social Good. \nEric Schindler\, PhD\nPresident and CEO\nChild & Family Resources \nSince 2005\, Eric Schindler has been the president and CEO of Child & Family Resources (CFR)\, a statewide community organization based in Tucson. CFR works in communities across 13 Arizona cities to promote strong\, healthy families and ensure high-quality early childhood education so children can reach their full potential. CFR also partners with teens to prevent pregnancy\, drug use\, and suicide. \nSchindler received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona in 1982. After postdoctoral studies in child and family psychology at U.C. Davis and pediatric psychology in Chicago\, he has spent the last 43 years working in Tucson community settings as an administrator\, director\, teacher\, and practitioner. A licensed clinical psychologist since 1984\, he had a private practice focused on marriage and family therapy and substance abuse. Schindler was an adjunct faculty in the Family Studies and Human Development Department at the University of Arizona for many years. \nSchindler and his wife\, a family practice physician\, have two adult sons. They enjoy scuba diving\, travel adventures to different countries\, yoga\, hiking\, and cycling in their spare time. \nRobena Spangler\nSenior Director of Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence\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. 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 equity\, diversity\, and inclusion 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\, as well as a master’s in leadership and professional advancement. \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Schedule \n \n\n \n \n \n Schedule\nWednesday\, March 19\n5-6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception at 204 North Kitchen and Cocktails \nThank you to Thompson Child and Family Focus for sponsoring this reception. \nThursday\, March 20\n8:15-9 a.m. Networking Breakfast \n9-9:45 a.m. Welcome and Introductions \n9:45-10 a.m. Break \n10-11:45 a.m. CEO Think Tank: Navigating Insurance and Risk Mitigation in 2025 \n11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Policy Briefing \n12:30-1:30 p.m. Networking Lunch \n1:30-3 p.m. Success during Uncertain Times: Strategies for Positive Outcomes at the Individual\, Team\, and Organizational Levels \n3-3:15 p.m. Break \n3:15-5 p.m. Networking Activity: Funny Bus Charlotte \nDine with Your Peers or Evening on Your Own \nFriday\, March 21\n8-8:45 a.m. Networking Breakfast \n8:45-11:15 a.m. AI and the Social Services Sector: Advancing Organizational Readiness \n11:15-11:30 a.m. Break \n11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A New Operating Paradigm for Human Services Leaders \n12:30-1 p.m. Closing and Evaluation \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Location \n \n\n \n \n \n Welcome Reception\n204 North Kitchen and Cocktails\n204 North Tryon Street\nCharlotte\, NC 28202 \nMeeting Location\nThe Duke Endowment\n800 E Morehead St.\nCharlotte\, NC 28202 \nParticipants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from The Duke Endowment. \nLodging\nParticipants are welcome to stay at the hotel of their choice. The Duke Endowment recommends: \nFairfield Inn & Suites Charlotte Uptown\n201 South McDowell St.\nCharlotte\, NC 28204\n*approximately 0.7 miles from The Duke Endowment \nHoliday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte – South End\n1617 South Tryon St.\nCharlotte\, NC 28203\n*approximately 1.0 miles from The Duke Endowment \nExplore Charlotte\nPlaces to Eat\nThere is a plethora of places to enjoy a bite to eat in Charlotte. Here are just a few suggestions: \nThe Market at 7th Street\nThis nonprofit food hall is a bustling urban food destination in the heart of Charlotte’s Center City! The Market’s mission is to celebrate the food culture of the Carolinas and promote local and regional farmers\, food artisans\, and entrepreneurs. \nHaymaker\nHaymaker is known for using southern cuisine and ingredients in a fine dining setting. Locally sourced ingredients and a seasonal menu make dining at Haymaker a uniquely Carolina experience. \nMac’s Speed Shop\nMac’s Speed Shop has won numerous barbecue awards for its signature style and recipes. Pull up a stool and grab a cold one\, just don’t forget the extra napkins when your meal arrives. \nAmélie’s French Bakery & Café Uptown\nAmélie’s French Bakery & Café Uptown focuses on French-inspired pastries\, soups\, salads\, and sandwiches\, creating a place of community\, comfort\, and nourishment. \nMcNinch House Restaurant\nPerfect for special occasions\, McNinch House offers three daily menu options for guests to pick their culinary experience. It is the city’s only AAA Four Diamond dining spot. \nThings to Do\nSpending a little extra time in Charlotte? There’s lots to do in Charlotte\, but here are a few highlights. \nHarvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture\nThe Gantt Center serves as a reflective prism to present\, preserve\, and promote African-American art\, culture and history for the enlightenment of all. \nTour Charlotte’s Public Art\nLarge and small\, loud and subtle\, Charlotte’s public art is reflective of the city’s vibrant\, diverse culture. \nBirkdale Golf Club\nLocated on rolling terrain\, Birkdale Golf Club is a Championship golf course carved between tall pines and natural streams. It is Charlotte’s only Arnold Palmer signature design course. Check out Charlotte Golf for information on other courses. \nNASCAR Hall of Fame\nLocated in Uptown Charlotte\, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. \n  \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Planning Team \n \n\n \n \n \n Planning Team\nMike Bertrand\nPresident & CEO\nLutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois \nTom Campbell\nPresident and CEO\nFamily Service of the Piedmont \nMary Garr\nPresident & CEO\nFamily Service Association of San Antonio \nAndrea Hall\nPresident/CEO\nMYSI Corporation \nBeverly Hardin\nChief Executive Officer\nCarolina Youth Development Center \nLenora Hardy-Foster\nPresident & CEO\nJudson Center\, Inc. \nDesiree Jennings\nPresident & CEO\nThe Children’s Center of Wayne County \nWill Jones\nPresident/CEO\nThompson Child and Family Focus \nJenny Livelli\nPresident & CEO\nThe Children’s Guild \nMichelle Murray\nPresident & CEO\nNexus Family Healing  \nKirsten Olson\nChief Executive Officer\nChildren & Families First \nAnita Paukovits\nExecutive Director/President\nThe Children’s Home of Easton \nEric Schindler\nChief Executive Officer\nChild & Family Resources \nMichael Sexauer\nPresident\nHoly Family Institute \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n Sponsors \n \n\n \n \n \n Thank You to Our Sponsors\n  \n  \n \n  \n  \n  \nNetworking Reception Sponsor\n\n  URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/2025-ceo-convening/ CATEGORIES:Leadership Development and Organizational Excellence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/successful-business-professionals-presenting-analytical-report-working-together-in-corporate.jpg_s1024x1024wisk20cpDVuc5F8NK6Dv0eRoDZ4DB1t9LTCZGIK-QHm8uWO1Js.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250324T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250324T235959 DTSTAMP:20260412T002055 CREATED:20250226T173422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T203913Z UID:10000459-1742774400-1742860799@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:On the Road: ACRC Annual Conference DESCRIPTION:Intentional Practice: Aligning Innovation and Expertise to Meet the Holistic Needs of Children\n \n See You in Boston \nJoin us in Boston at the ACRC’s 69th Annual Conference March 24-27. \nAre you attending this event? Make 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 ACRC’s 69th Annual Conference\, “Intentional Practice: Aligning Innovation and Expertise to Meet the Holistic Needs of Children\,” will take place March 24-27. ACRC seeks to improve how children receive care and take steps to make the health care system better for young people. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/on-the-road-acrc-annual-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:20250326T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250326T151500 DTSTAMP:20260412T002055 CREATED:20241206T160821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T210707Z UID:10000444-1742997600-1743002100@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Workforce Well-Being and Resilience During Times of Change DESCRIPTION:Four-part virtual learning series: March 26\, April 23\, May 28\, and June 25 from 2-3:15 p.m. \nPricing: \n\nImpact Partners:\n\nUp to five staff members are eligible for free registration\n$200 for additional staff members\n\n\nOrganizations that Have Achieved COA Accreditation and Other Organizations:\n\n$200\n\n\n\nSocial Current Impact Partners can contact us for the free registration code. Learn more about Impact Partnerships online. \n \n\n \n Register \n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Staff at nonprofit organizations are facing change\, stress\, and conflict on multiple levels. Political polarization\, isolation\, and vicarious trauma are contributing to staff feeling drained and disengaged. \nThis four-part webinar series will equip leaders and supervisors with foundational knowledge and skills to help their teams manage uncertainty and interpersonal conflict so they can create a healthy and resilient organizational culture. To empower their staff\, participants will learn about core strategies and tactics that are based in brain science research and trauma-informed approaches. \nPresenters will address topics including increasing accountability\, managing conflict\, having crucial conversations\, nurturing relationships\, embracing equity\, and achieving excellence. \nSessions in this Series\n\nCreate Brain-Friendly Environments: March 26 from 2-3:15 p.m. ET\nBuild Psychological Safety: April 23 from 2-3:15 p.m. ET\nPrioritize Staff Culture: May 28 from 2-3:15 p.m. ET\nIntegrate Connection and Community: June 25 from 2-3:15 p.m. ET\n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Create Brain-Friendly Environments \n \n \n \n \n \n March 26\, 2025\, 2-3:15 p.m. ET \nTo be well at work\, especially in stressful and uncertain environments\, it is important to understand basic brain concepts and embrace practices that enhance its functioning. Stress\, distress\, and trauma can trigger a “fight or flight” response\, which makes it difficult to think and problem solve. However\, brain science offers tools for managing this response. \nThe first session in this series focuses on the importance of embracing brain science awareness at work. We explore the neurobiology of stress\, distress and trauma; the arousal continuum; and daily regulation activities to practice at work. \nLearning Objectives\n\nBrain science concepts and strategies to increase resilience in the workplace\nState dependent functioning and the arousal continuum\, and their application to daily work\nPractical tools and strategies for increasing regulation\nStrategies for building a brain friendly culture that enhances our optimal functioning at work\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Build Psychological Safety \n \n \n \n \n \n April 23\, 2025\, 2-3:15 p.m. ET \nDirect service staff face pressure from many different people and are often afraid of making a mistake that might harm those they serve\, negatively impact others’ perception of them\, or disappoint their supervisors or colleagues. \nPrioritizing psychological safety is essential to reduce this worry and allow staff to speak and act freely. It involves creating an environment where staff feel safe to take risks and speak candidly without the fear of retribution. When we foster psychological safety\, It leads to authentic conversations\, trust\, and innovation. \nThe second session in this series explores how to foster psychological safety in the workplace to support courage and vulnerability. It discusses strategies for leaders to respond to staff challenges by modeling authenticity\, accountability\, and compassion\, all which promote safe risk taking and trust. \nLearning Objectives\n\nComponents of psychological safety and the critical need to build it at work\nThe impact of courage and vulnerability in the workplace\nLeadership strategies for increasing psychological safety in the workplace\nStrategies for having crucial conversations\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Prioritize Positive Staff Culture \n \n \n \n \n \n May 28\, 2025\, 2-3:15 p.m. ET \nYou’ve heard the adage\, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” It’s true. If our organizational culture is unhealthy\, we will struggle to get our work done. So\, we must intentionally build a positive staff culture that reflects our organization’s stated values and beliefs and aligns with our strategy. \nThe third session in this series explores the ingredients of a positive staff culture and the steps needed to achieve it. Learn strategies for bringing your organizational values into daily interactions\, set clear and realistic boundaries and expectations and align culture and strategy to build resilience and success. \nLearning Objectives\n\nDefine organizational culture\nHow to realize organizational values in daily interactions\nHow to promote boundaries and expectations that support the organization’s mission and staff well-being\nSteps for aligning organizational culture and strategy\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Integrate Connection and Community \n \n \n \n \n \n June 25\, 2025\, 2-3:15 p.m. ET \nNow\, more than ever\, employees are looking for a sense of community at work. Our brains are hardwired for connection\, and we crave belonging. When we build healthy connections with people at work\, we are more equipped to tolerate differing perspectives\, actively listen\, demonstrate empathy\, and have difficult conversations. In essence\, a strong work community can hold an organization together\, especially during challenging and uncertain times. \nThe fourth session in this series explores the components of healthy connections in the workplace and strategies for intentionally integrating connection and community across the range of employee experiences. \nLearning Objectives\n\nHow connection is critical to feeling calm and regulated\nStrategies for increasing connection in the virtual and hybrid workplace\nStrategies for building community among employees with a range of experiences and preferences for ways to connect\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n   \nWho Should Participate\n\n\n\nExecutives and senior leaders\nMiddle managers\nHuman resource staff\nStaff with responsibility for equity\, diversity\, and inclusion\n\n\n\nIndividuals who are champions for strengthening the workforce culture\, regardless of their title\, will also benefit. This guidance is relevant for all workforces that serve children\, adults\, and families\, including at the community\, systems\, government\, and policy levels. \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n Presenters\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Karen Johnson\n \n Senior Director\, Change in Mind Institute \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\, Change in Mind Institute \nSocial Current \n \n Karen Johnson brings knowledge of the advancing science around resilience\, brain development\, adversity\, toxic stress\, equity\, and trauma-informed approaches to the complex challenges we face. This expertise\, coupled with her 28 years of experience in child welfare\, behavioral health\, and community services\, enables her to successfully partner with leaders\, staff\, community members\, and participants across numerous settings to promote individual and organizational resilience. \nJohnson leads the development of Social Current’s Change in Mind Institute\, leveraging the latest advances in neurosciences and trauma-informed approaches across sectors and at the practice\, policy\, and systems levels. She oversees the Texas Change in Mind Learning Collaborative\, through which 10 organizations from multiple sectors across Southeast Texas are working to embed brain science and equity principles with the goal of improving outcomes for children and families\, as well as their organizational cultures and ability to collaborate with partners. \nDuring her five-and-a-half years on the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s trauma-informed services team\, and year-and-a-half as an independent consultant\, Johnson trained and consulted with organizations\, systems\, and communities striving to strengthen their workforce and advance trauma-informed\, resilience-oriented approaches. She worked in various roles in the treatment foster care department and led and developed community-based programs during her 19 years at Wellpoint Care Network in Milwaukee. Johnson combines the newest advances around adversity\, relational health\, and resilience to infuse hope and connection into our work. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Robena Spangler\n \n Senior Director\, Leadership Development/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\, Leadership Development/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. URL:https://www.social-current.org/event/workforce-well-being-and-resilience-during-times-of-change/ CATEGORIES:Webinar,Workforce Resilience ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Workforce-Resilience_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T140000 DTSTAMP:20260412T002055 CREATED:20241219T183430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250303T184617Z UID:10000449-1743080400-1743084000@www.social-current.org SUMMARY:Advocacy in Action: Financial Health and Equity-Focused Advocacy DESCRIPTION:Register \n \n This webinar will discuss financial health and equity-focused advocacy. The webinar will offer tailored strategies to advocate for a financial environment that allows organizations to direct resources toward impactful services and effectively serve their communities. It is designed to empower organizations with the knowledge and resources needed to create actionable advocacy plans and best represent the needs of the communities you serve. \nThe webinar will outline opportunities to join Social Current’s advocacy efforts\, as well as leverage our advocacy toolkit to further support positive social change. Interactive elements\, like crafting clear\, persuasive advocacy messaging and role-playing meetings with policymakers\, will ensure participants leave prepared to act. \nThis is one session in the four-part Advocacy in Action webinar series: \n\nSocial Current’s Federal Policy Agenda: Jan. 22 from 1-2 p.m. ET\nStrategies for Workforce Sustainability and Insurance Accessibility: Feb. 19 from 1-2 p.m. ET\nFinancial Health and Equity-Focused Advocacy: March 27 from 1-2 p.m. ET\nBehavioral Health Integration and Systems Change: April 22 from 1-2 p.m. ET\n\nTakeaways\n\nThe overarching vision and priorities of the 2025-2027 Federal Public Policy Agenda\nBasics of effective advocacy\, including crafting clear\, persuasive messages\nAbout Social Current’s advocacy toolkit and how to use it for impactful engagement\n\nWho Should Participate\n\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\, Ph.D.\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\, Ph.D.\n Senior Director of Government Affairs\nSocial Current \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlair 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-in-action-financial-health-and-equity-focused-advocacy/ CATEGORIES:Policy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Policy-Advocacy_1.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR