February 7, 2019
Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits
Building Better Communities Through Effective Nonprofits
Important News
Getting to the Top will Require Nonprofits
Gov. Stitt delivered his first State of the State speech this week as the Legislature convened for the 2019 session at the Capitol. Early in the speech, the governor reaffirmed that Oklahoma could no longer live at the bottom of national rankings and said that we must become a top-10 state in the country.

While he mentioned a stronger business climate and education as priorities, the address really focused on a new way of doing business for state government. There was a great deal of talk about reforms and “re-imagination” of how the state operates.

It is clear that the governor has an audacious goal of turning Oklahoma into a top-10 state, a dramatic turnaround from the past several decades. This will only be possible through effective partnerships with the charitable sector, working together with nonprofits, philanthropy and business to solve complex issues facing so many Oklahomans.

The governor mentioned that Oklahoma taxpayers are looking for accountability, transparency and results. Because these principles are so ingrained within the nonprofit sector, it is critical that the state bolster partnerships and contracting with nonprofits to live out these values. Our sector is highly accountable to the public, especially our donors. And we have built in mechanisms for the highest levels of transparency.

And results from nonprofits typically speak for themselves. We can do far more with a dollar through our innovation and nimble, on-the-ground programs that improve the lives of countless Oklahomans. I hope that our state continues to see partnerships with nonprofits as not only efficient but as more effective for our communities. As we approach the future with our new governor and Legislature, we have great opportunities to tackle the biggest issues our state faces: criminal justice reform, healthcare, education, addressing poverty and more.

One of the first steps is that I have been asked to serve on an advisory council with the Department of Commerce to represent the charitable sector. This will be an important way that we will have a closer relationship with state government.

Gov. Stitt finished his address saying that the state was open for business. Let’s not forget that nonprofits are tax designations, and our businesses are equally crucial for our state’s health and well-being. 

Visions 2019 Nominations Now Open
The 2019 Visions: A Celebration of Nonprofit Leadership honors those individuals stepping up to a challenge and getting the job done in communities throughout Oklahoma. 

Nominate an individual, visit  www.okcnp.org!  Nominations will close at end of day March 1, 2019. 

Save the date: Individuals will be honored on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 in Oklahoma City. 

Individuals will be honored in the following categories:

THE PAT POTTS VISIONARY AWARD
Named in honor of the founder of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, this award will go to an individual executive leader who through focus, tenacity and leadership has inspired the success of a singular organization in carrying out its charitable mission.

Past honorees include Pam Newby (Special Care), Miki Farris (Infant Crisis Services), Albert Gray (The Children's Center), Rodney Bivens (Regional Food Bank), Lauren Branch (NewView Oklahoma), Danny Cavett (Cavett Kids Foundation) and Kevin Evans (Youth Services of Woodward).

THE RODNEY BIVENS INNOVATION AWARD
This award will go to a visionary leader(s) or volunteer(s) in the charitable sector who has burst on the scene with a new, dynamic and innovative idea that inspired groundbreaking changes bringing newfound success to the mission of an organization or pioneering, exciting program that changes lives.
The honoree will receive a $10,000 award thanks to a generous contribution from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation in honor of Rodney Bivens' lifetime achievements with the Regional Food Bank.

Past honorees include Christy Counts (Central OK Humane Society), Bob Ross (Educare), Tim McLaughlin (Fields and Futures), Jennifer Abney (Angel Foster Family Network) and Desiree Doherty (The Parent Child Center in Tulsa). Finalists for the award include Mary Frates (Oklahoma Arts Institute), Dan Straughan (Homeless Alliance), Toby Jenkins (Oklahomans for Equality) and Stacey McDaniel (Cleats for Kids).

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
This award will go to a nonprofit employee that has exhibited excellence throughout the past year. It could be any nonprofit practitioner (e.g., executive director, program director, support staff, etc.) who has worked tirelessly to make a difference in the everyday work of a charitable organization. This employee has demonstrated a dedication to mission above and beyond his or her call to duty, changed lives of those they serve and shown leadership to peers. Sometimes working with limited resources in difficult circumstances, the recipient of the Special Recognition Award is a selfless and tireless employee that exemplifies service to community and constituents. Wherever possible, this is a person that isn't regularly recognized for their service, so that we may honor those everyday heroes that make Oklahoma and our citizens thrive.

Past honorees include Pat McKinstry (Sunbeam Family Services), A. Jaye Johnson (Boys and Girls Club), Nina Daylor (United Way of Central Oklahoma), Sharon Gallagher (Tulsa Area United Way) and Shannon Luper (Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma) and Anne Roberts (INTEGRIS).

THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award will go to an individual (s) who dedicated a lifetime of philanthropy and volunteer leadership to charitable causes and has been instrumental in the success of one or more charitable organizations.

Past honorees include Ron Norick (former mayor, Oklahoma City), Lew Ward (Ward Petroleum, Enid), Ken Fergeson (NBC Bank, Altus), Wanda Swisher/Rita Moore (Community Volunteers, Oklahoma City), Larry Pulliam (Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation) and H.E. "Gene" Rainbolt (BancFirst), Kay Goebel and Jim Tolbert, III. 

THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Each year, at her choosing, the President and CEO may choose an honoree to receive an award of special distinction for their work with nonprofits. Past honorees include Bob Spinks (Oklahoma City University) and Beth Shortt (Leadership Oklahoma City). 
Join us for Nonprofit Advocacy Day @ The State Capitol - April 1, 2019
Now, more than ever, it is important for you and your organization to be aware of what happens at the State Capitol. What happens at 23rd and Lincoln will directly or indirectly affect your organization, and you must be in the loop. Oklahoma Nonprofit Advocacy Day is designed to get you the information you need and put you in touch with your legislators to discuss your organization’s mission and needs.

Whether you are an experienced nonprofit advocate or new to the game, all members are welcome to participate. We will provide the materials and training. 

Walk the halls of the State Capitol.
Meet your representatives.
Network with other nonprofit advocates.

We want you to Raise Your Voice and Stand for Your Mission!

Location :
Oklahoma State Capitol
2300 N Lincoln Blvd.

Date/Time:
April 1, 2019
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  
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OKCNP Member News
NEW Coffee Connections Begin in 2019!
Start your day with some coffee and colleagues! Come join us for our monthly Coffee Connection & network with fellow nonprofit partners. This engaging morning is all about making connections in the nonprofit world and sharing information about your organization. OKCNP staff will also give an update on what is happening at The Center.

This event is FREE for both members and not yet members. Don't forget to bring your business cards!

Upcoming Connections:
  • February 14 - Tulsa
  • February 19 - OKC
  • March 19 - OKC
  • April 16 - OKC
  • May 9 - Tulsa
  • May 21 - OKC
Community Connections Around the State
We want to hear from you! Come catch up with your friends for a free nonprofit connection event. This luncheon is all about making connections in the nonprofit world. We will share with each other information about the exciting things going on in the Enid nonprofit community. The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits will be there to give an update on what is happening in the nonprofit sector. We will enjoy a free lunch together as well.

This event is FREE for both members and not yet members. Don't forget to bring your business cards!

Upcoming Community Connections:
The Partnership is now FREE with your membership!
The Partnership
For board chair and CEO teams!

One of the most important relationships in your organization is with your CEO and board chair. Whether you are starting off the year with a new board chair, or you just need a refresher on roles and responsibilities, The Partnership is an incredibly valuable session to the future of your organization.

OKCNP Members, register now for The Partnership!


More opportunities for The Partnership classes will be available soon.
Other News for Oklahoma Nonprofits
Family Positive Workplace, Tulsa Workshop - March 1st
The Family Positive Workplace, Tulsa Workshop has been rescheduled to March 1 st , 2019.   Lunch will be provided! We hope you can attend!

We ask that you forward, share, and like on our Facebook page (and follow) to get as many attendees as we possibly can to this free event.

Thank you and we hope to see you March 1 st

February HR for Nonprofits Meeting on Diversity - RSVP Needed! 
We are excited to announce our February training on diversity called Viewpoint, presented by Kelli Adams of People Strategy Advisors. This will be an extended session, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. You are welcome as always to bring your brown bag lunch. Attendance will be limited to two staff per agency . 

Please RSVP to cmalcom@sunbeamfamilyservices.org if you plan to attend. 

Here is a bit about this interactive program –

We each bring our own perceptions into the work environment. What happens when our perceptions differ from the people we are around at work? ViewPoint will help you recognize your own lenses in how you see the world and will challenge you to see the world from another perspective. Caution: ViewPoint will lead to more respect for diversity in your workplace.  

We are so excited and grateful that Kelli has offered her time and talents to our group. I have attached information about Kelli and her consulting practice.  

Here is the standard information regarding our meeting:

It is time for our next meeting for HR for Non Profits.  The next meeting will be February 14 th , 2019 at 12:00.  Below are details about our meetings: 

Meeting times – Second Thursday of every month at noon!   This is an informal meeting and we welcome all individuals at all levels of expertise to discuss HR issues, especially as they pertain to nonprofits. 
If this will be your first visit to our agency, we are located at 1100 N.W. 14 th , off Classen. This is a brown bag lunch event so feel free to bring your lunch, etc. Microwaves are available as well. 
Idealware training scheduled for 2019 - Discount code for OKCNP below!
Idealware, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the authoritative source for independent, thoroughly-researched technology resources for the social sector. Our publications, assessments, and training can save you time and money by providing impartial guidance that gives you the knowledge and confidence you need to decide what’s best for your organization.

Your discount code for 2019 will be 19-OK .
 
Idealware partners with nonprofit associations, member networks, and consortiums to raise awareness
about and increase access to Idealware’s technology training curriculum. Your discount code provides, on average a 20% discount on each course. I’ve attached a copy of the Course Partner MOU so you may review the details if you like.
 
We already have a several sessions scheduled for the new year. Check out www.idealware.org/training to see what we have coming up.
 
Feel free to reach out with any questions. Happy Holidays, see you online in 2019!
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