Posted on April 1, 2025 by -
Are you a marketing or communications professional looking to connect and learn from your peers in other organizations?
CNE’s Marketing & Communications Discussion Group provides an opportunity for folks working in communications to share challenges, swap stories, and get industry updates. Each session will focus on a different topic and include guest speakers when possible.
This month's topic: Communicating with Decision Makers
Many local nonprofits engage directly with decision-makers at the local, state, and federal levels. If policy plays a role in your organization, join us to discuss effective ways to reach decision-makers. We’ll focus on who should be the messenger, how to understand decision-makers’ communication needs, and how to learn from the communities they serve.
Special thanks to LaTasha Durrett, Senior Communications Manager at Southern Environmental Law Center, who generously facilitates these sessions.
Posted on April 1, 2025 by -
Are you a marketing or communications professional looking to connect and learn from your peers in other organizations?
CNE’s Marketing & Communications Discussion Group provides an opportunity for folks working in communications to share challenges, swap stories, and get industry updates. Each session will focus on a different topic and include guest speakers when possible.
Join us as we explore how your organization can prepare for what seems like the constantly changing landscape of social media. Join this discussion learn more and share your best practices for pivoting, maintaining digital marketing and social media plans during challenging times, and more.
This month's topic: Digital Engagement Strategies
Join us in conversation with Sarah Cooperman, Executive Director at Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, about her digital journey and experiences.
Special thanks to LaTasha Durrett, Senior Communications Manager at Southern Environmental Law Center, who generously facilitates these sessions.
Posted on March 27, 2025 by -
The legal landscape for nonprofits is shifting—are you prepared? From evolving policies to unexpected challenges, staying ahead requires knowledge, strategy, and adaptability. This program will equip you with the tools to confidently navigate legal uncertainties, analyze the impact of policy changes, and develop proactive strategies to safeguard your mission.
Through interactive discussions, participants will gain valuable insights to strengthen resilience, ensure compliance, and navigate legal complexities with confidence.
Join us on Thursday, May 22nd for this dynamic statewide session!
Posted on March 25, 2025 by -
Are you currently serving or interested in serving as a treasurer on a nonprofit board? Would you like to connect with others in similar roles to share insights, learn best practices, and discuss the unique challenges of nonprofit financial leadership?
This discussion group is designed to support individuals serving as nonprofit board treasurers or those interested in taking on the role. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore practical solutions to the financial and governance challenges they face in their organizations.
Program Overview
This program provides a collaborative and supportive environment for peer learning and mutual support. Whether you’re seeking advice on tackling a specific financial issue, looking to strengthen your understanding of nonprofit financial management, or simply hoping to connect with peers who understand the responsibilities of a treasurer, this group is here to help.
How It Works
Each session will focus on a specific topic related to nonprofit financial leadership to spark meaningful conversation. The latter portion of the session will be dedicated to open discussions, allowing participants to address pressing concerns or challenges. This time is ideal for seeking feedback on financial practices, brainstorming solutions to complex problems, or simply networking with peers who share similar responsibilities.
Special thanks to Melody Bianchetto who generously facilitates these sessions.
Posted on March 21, 2025 by -
This workshop, Trauma-Informed Approaches for De-escalation, equips participants with practical skills to navigate challenging situations using trauma-informed techniques. The session focuses on fostering calm communication and positive interactions through safety, regulation, connection, and story-sharing. Attendees will learn how to create a prepared environment, develop clear plans for intervention, and utilize effective verbal and non-verbal strategies to de-escalate tension. Emphasizing the importance of returning to safety during difficult moments, this workshop provides tools to manage conflict in a compassionate and supportive manner.
Participants will also explore key de-escalation techniques, such as self-regulation through breathing and grounding exercises, and learn how to connect with others by listening, validating, and relating to their experiences. The session encourages curiosity, challenges assumptions, and promotes a broader understanding through the "third chair" perspective. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have gained the skills to remain calm and compassionate in tense situations, fostering more positive, trauma-informed environments in their professional and personal interactions.
Posted on March 12, 2025 by ISS Value -
CNE recognizes that ongoing changes are creating uncertainty, and many nonprofit leaders have expressed concerns about how to navigate them.
To support our sector, CNE is bringing nonprofits together for a collaborative gathering focused on resilience and shared learning. Facilitated discussions will explore key topics such as risk assessment, fostering collaboration, overcoming paralysis, data collection, and impactful storytelling.
Jessica Mendieta, Policy Associate at the National Council of Nonprofits, will join the conversation to present on the impact of recent executive orders on nonprofits.
Please join CNE and fellow nonprofit leaders at 4:30 PM, on March 24 for an evening of insights, connection, learning. Light refreshments provided.
Posted on March 11, 2025 by Brian Ullman -
Are you a marketing or communications professional looking to connect and learn from your peers in other organizations?
CNE’s Marketing & Communications Discussion Group provides an opportunity for folks working in communications to share challenges, swap stories, and get industry updates. Each session will focus on a different topic and include guest speakers when possible.
Join us as we explore how your organization can prepare for what seems like the constantly changing landscape of social media. Join this discussion learn more and share your best practices for pivoting, maintaining digital marketing and social media plans during challenging times, and more.
This month's topic: Leveraging LinkedIn
Join us as we explore new features on LinkedIn and discuss how you (and your colleagues can leverage this platform to help advance your organizational mission, communicate with individuals and organizations in your space, and take advantage of the platform for longer-form content and engagement.
Special thanks to LaTasha Durrett, Senior Communications Manager at Southern Environmental Law Center, who generously facilitates these sessions.
Posted on March 11, 2025 by Brian Ullman -
Are you involved in nonprofit development or philanthropy and looking for opportunities to connect, share insights, and learn from others in similar roles?
This discussion group is designed to support individuals involved in fundraising, grant writing, donor stewardship, and other aspects of nonprofit development and philanthropy. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore practical solutions to the challenges they face in advancing their organizations’ missions.
Program Overview
This program provides a space for peer learning and mutual support. Whether you're looking to gain fresh perspectives on your current challenges or discover new strategies for tackling common issues, this group offers a collaborative and supportive environment to grow and learn.
How It Works
Each session will focus on a specific topic designed to spark meaningful conversation. The latter portion of the session will be reserved for open discussions, allowing participants to address pressing concerns or challenges. Whether you’re seeking feedback on a new initiative, brainstorming solutions to a complex issue, or simply connecting with peers who understand your role, this time is dedicated to supporting your needs.
Posted on March 6, 2025 by Waverly Davis -
CNE is delighted to invite our members to a special evening of community and connection. Take a moment to unwind, meet fellow members, and celebrate the incredible work you do.
- Level 10: Experience Charlottesville's stunning views from a beautiful vantage point.
- Harvest Moon Catering: Delight in delicious food and refreshments.
- Networking: Connect with fellow CNE members and build valuable relationships.
- Free Parking: Onsite garage parking is available (entrance on Garrett St).
This event is FREE for CNE members thanks to Level 10 and Harvest Moon Catering!
Space is limited—register here by March 24!
We can't wait to celebrate with you! 
Posted on March 6, 2025 by Catherine Smith -
We're excited to present our latest Legislative Education Session on building relationships with legislators.
Join us for a workshop on April 9th, from 9-10:30AM to discuss and develop tools and resources for how to reach out and talk to legislators and their staff. Special guest speakers have been invited including legislator offices on the local, state and federal level.
This session is essential for both nonprofits and legislators, highlighting the vital work organizations do in their districts. Engaging with a legislator’s office benefits organizations by providing insights into community needs, explaining how services and programs function, and identifying gaps that need attention. This exchange helps legislators make informed decisions while supporting the community and nonprofit efforts.