March 3, 2022
Hello Nonprofit Leaders and Supporters,
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Two short weeks ago was the last time I sat down to write this letter for our newsletter and between then and today, the world changed. It has been heavy and difficult to focus on work since Russia started a war by invading Ukraine on the evening of February 24. I am thinking of those in Ukraine today who do not deserve to be faced with this senseless violence and I am thinking of our large Ukrainian community here in Oregon (among the largest in the U.S.) who are watching this unfold, in fear for their families and friends. I'm also thinking about the majority of the Russian people (both here and abroad) who do not support the actions of their leader and who are unsupportive of this senseless war." It’s heartbreaking and it’s so easy to feel helpless from the safety of our homes here.
What has kept me going is the pressing reminder that when horrors happen in the world, nonprofit organizations are the first on the front lines to offer food, shelter, clothing, and even art, education, and sports for children. As these refugees and people internally displaced from their homes in the Ukraine, and even though Oregon is far from Ukraine, I know that there are many nonprofit organizations here already providing international assistance to Ukrainians and in the coming days, weeks, months, and years – many more nonprofits here will be joining them in that relief effort. This has served as a grim reminder that the work in the nonprofit sector is vital – the health and capacity of our organizations needs to be solid so we can be there for our communities here in Oregon and beyond our borders.
I’ve been in touch with some Oregon nonprofits and community members who are working to provide support for Ukrainians – please look to NAO’s social media accounts for updates on how you can donate, help, and volunteer to further their efforts. We’ll be publishing ways you can support these organizations as we receive more information.
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Stay healthy and be safe,
Jim White
NAO Executive Director
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Member Spotlight: National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) |
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) are longtime members of NAO and we have always been champions of their important work. Knowing how much good they do for Native children, youth, and families across the country, it is no surprise that they are at the forefront of the campaign to protect the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
On February 28, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear a challenge to ICWA, a 44-year-old law which has long been considered the gold standard in child welfare policy. The far-reaching consequences of this case will be felt for generations.
ICWA is widely supported by an impressive array of stakeholders within and outside of Indian Country. At the lower court, 486 Tribal Nations, 59 Native organizations, 31 child welfare orgs, 26 states + D.C., and 77 members of Congress offered support for ICWA. These supporters recognize that ICWA is firmly in the best interests of Native children.
For more information on NICWA, ICWA, and this upcoming case, visit here.
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Portland is Possible: Building Bridges to Our Shared Future
Are you prepared to lead for change? In a collaborative effort by Western States Center and Oregon Humanities, we invite nonprofit leaders around the Portland metro area to take part in a series of four facilitated roundtable discussions on reimagining, recalibrating, and re-engineering the roles of civic leaders serving the region. What have you learned these last two years and what does it mean for your organization’s plans for the future? How are you thinking about your institutional role as a civic leader now? How can Portland civic organizations bring us together to imagine common ground?
In-person roundtable discussions will take place every Tuesday in April from 3 to 6 p.m. To learn more about each topic discussion and registration, click here.
Save on ONLC Before March 15!
Have you bought your tickets to the Oregon Nonprofit Leaders Conference yet? We’re so excited to see a growing number of registrants for ONLC happening on April 12 – thank you to everyone who has already registered! This year’s conference theme and session topics revolve around using crisis as a catalyst – for change, for good, for growth.
Join nonprofit colleagues from all over the state in a virtual platform for three breakout sessions ranging anywhere from equity and inclusion, disaster preparedness, fundraising, nonprofit leadership development, and more. ONLC registration will increase by $30 on March 15, so register today for the best pricing possible!
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COVID-19: Mask Mandates Set To End On March 12
Beginning March 12, Oregon will end contact tracing and quarantine for the “general population,” including in schools. With hospitalizations rapidly declining, the end of the statewide mask mandate has been moved up to March 12. Gov. Brown announced the new March 12 date in cooperation with leaders in Washington and California.
During Wednesday’s briefing, it was emphasized that these changes don’t mean the pandemic is over. Despite the end of the mandate, the Oregon Health Authority continues to “strongly advise” universal masking as a way to reduce COVID-19 spread when county transmission levels are high. Businesses and school districts are allowed to set their own requirements for mask wearing after the statewide mandate expires.
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The Ongoing Impacts of the Pandemic on Nonprofits
The Pandemic and Workforce Shortage Relief for Charitable Nonprofits letter that we asked all of you to sign last week was sent to the White House, Congress and key Hill staffers on Monday. I am very proud to say that the State of Oregon’s nonprofit sector had more signatures on the letter than any other state in America! Thank you for using your voice and your right as a nonprofit to insist on support to our sector. With the current attention of the White House and lawmakers on the very real tragedy unfolding in the Ukraine, we can’t confirm that they’re willing to take action. We are sending the letter from NAO to each of our Congressional delegation and our Senators to underscore our collective message and the importance that Oregon nonprofits are placing on these necessary supports.
Child Care and Nonprofits
Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis conducted a hearing, “COVID Child Care Challenges: Supporting Families And Caregivers.” Chair Clyburn (D-SC) convened the hearing to “highlight how the coronavirus crisis caused a steep reduction in the employment of child care workers and the availability of child care, making it much more difficult for many Americans, particularly mothers of young children, to work.” It provided a particular focus on child care centers and employment. Here’s the link to the hearing and another to the Hearing Memo.
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NAO's Upcoming Learning and Convening Opportunities |
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Virtual Networks
**NAO will continue to hold all upcoming programming virtually through March. We will be announcing dates and plans for in-person gatherings for certain events later this month.
Building Inclusive Teams
April 14, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Gerardo Ochoa, Ed.M., Linfield University
As the demographics of our communities continue to change, organizations are striving to reflect on the communities they serve. This interactive session focuses on the implicit attitudes, behaviors, policies, and practices may influence how we engage with individuals and/or groups and make decisions in the workplace. The session provides an introductory exploration of the intersection of privilege, cognitive and structural bias, and micro and macro aggressions. The session reinforces the importance of having cultural agility and empathy and developing intentional tools and strategies for recruitment and retention. More details and registration information here.
Understanding Financial Statements 101: Reports and Tools You Need to Know
April 19, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Presenter: Erin Zollenkopf, Susan Matlack Jones & Associates
Join us for an interactive workshop on how to read financial statements. In a lively and welcoming setting, you will become familiar with nonprofit accounting terminology and learn about the major financial statements used by nonprofits. Additionally, you will gain an understanding about what the numbers say about the health of your organization and how to use the information in assessing financial performance and decision-making. More details and registration information here.
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NAO Webinar
NAO Member Open House
April 5, 10 – 11 a.m. | Presenter: Marie Antoniette Manuel, NAO
Interested in membership with NAO? Join us virtually and learn more about NAO and what membership means; the different types of memberships NAO offer; and benefits and resources curated just for members. This free session is for community leaders looking to join over 1,500 members across the state working to strengthen the collective voice of Oregon's nonprofit sector. More details and registration information here.
Board Bright: NAO's Quarterly Board Roles & Responsibilities Training
April 20, 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Presenter: Jenn Clemo, NAO
In this 90-minute webinar, participants will learn about the fundamentals of nonprofit governance and gain an understanding of the board’s role in the management of the organization. This quarterly learning opportunity is designed for emerging and seasoned board members alike, and anyone else looking for a governance refresh! More details and registration information here.
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Virtual Convening
Oregon Nonprofit Leaders Conference
April 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join us for a day of immersive capacity building, leadership development, and networking! Each year ONLC brings together over 350 nonprofit professionals, funders, and thought leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities of nonprofit management today. We are thrilled to feature nationally respected speakers while uplifting innovative and adaptive stories from Southern Oregon nonprofit leaders. This year’s theme and session topics revolve around using crisis as a catalyst – for change, for good, for growth. Early bird pricing ends March 14, so register early for the best price possible! More details and registration information here.
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Thank you to the following FUNDERS and SPONSORS who are supporting NAO’s online events and communications during these challenging times. Their support is vital in helping NAO to bring much-needed resources and information to Oregon’s nonprofits – thank you. |
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