Workshops

Day of Learning: Breaking Down Silos, Building Up Community

Join CNE for a dynamic Day of Learning designed to move our community from simple networking to strategic collaboration. This immersive experience will provide you with the mindset and the practical tools needed to build authentic, cross-sector partnerships.

Here's what's in store for you:

• A Strategic Network: Move beyond the business card and learn how to "weave" a network that supports your mission and accelerates your success.
• Asset-Based Growth: Join expert Sarad Davenport for a deep dive into Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), learning how to map local assets and create pathways for authentic community relationships.
• Real Talk – Philanthropy & Impact: A candid discussion on current philanthropic priorities and the systemic challenges shaping the regional landscape.
• New Alliances: Meaningful, face-to-face connections with fellow nonprofit leaders and funders in the Charlottesville region.

Featured Trainers & Panelists:

Sarad Davenport is a human-centered designer, media entrepreneur, and community leader with a proven track record for producing successful outcomes. He runs DSID, a consultancy focused on human-centered design, community engagement, and organizational development, and serves as the COO of Vinegar Hill Magazine.

The Panel:

• Daniel Grizzard – Director of Grantmaking & Partnerships, Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation
• Leslie Lynn Smith – President & Chief Executive Office, Charlottesville Area Community Foundation (CACF)
• Ben Wilkes – Vice President of Advancement, United Way Greater Charlottesville

A Unique Visual Experience

Nancy Brown McCauley of Downtown Doodles will be our official Graphic Recorder for the day! Nancy will capture the most important themes and insights in real-time, creating stunning visual summaries using hand-drawn illustrations, diagrams, and keywords.

Lunch:

We're bringing back the "Dine Around" format! Lunch is not provided, but you'll have time to explore Charlottesville's Downtown Mall with fellow attendees. We'll provide opportunities to help you continue building connections over a meal of your choice.

Agenda:

• 09:30 AM: Optional Breakfast & Networking
• 10:00 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
• 10:15 AM: The Art of Network Weaving: Move from contacts to collaborators using the Four Network Principles.
• 11:45 AM: Community Connection Lunch: "Dine Around" on the Historic Downtown Mall.
• 01:00 PM: Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD): A hands-on session with Sarad Davenport on mapping assets and building authentic relationships.
• 02:45 PM: Real Talk – Philanthropy & Impact: Candid conversations with leaders from the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation, CACF, and United Way.
• 03:45 PM: Closing & Conclusion
• 04:00 PM: Adjourn

Topic	Strategy
When	November 5, 2026 9:30 am - November 5, 2026 4:00 pm
Where	CitySpace- 100 5th Street N.E, Charlottesville VA
Trainer	Leslie Smith, Ben Wilkes, Sarad Davenport, Daniel Grizzard, Brian Ullman
Member Fee	$125.00
Non-Member Fee	$210.00