Workshop Descriptions and Presenter Bios
All Sessions
Thursday Afternoon Workshops
- Developing Your Theory of Change
Workshop Description
Today we often hear funders ask about “theory-based programming” and “evidence-based programs.” Yet how many of us have a clear understanding of what theories underlie the services we provide our clients. Understanding what to evaluate and when your program or organization is ready for further evaluation will depend on the theoretical foundations of your program. Choosing the right outcomes and indicators will depend on having a clear understanding and developing a concise and clear theory of change.
In this workshop participants will learn what is meant by a theory of change and how it can inform program evaluation and program development. Participants will explore the elements of a theory of change, and be challenged to think about the connections between their program’s activities and its desired outcomes. Participants will have the opportunity to practice developing a theory of change for their programs.
Workshop Presenters
Elena Tamanas, Psy.D. is a Project Manager at OMG Center for Collaborative Learning where her current work includes developing a strategic framework for two postsecondary completion initiatives for SkillUp Washington and the evaluation of the Ford Foundation’s Arts Education Initiative. She has also been involved in OMG’s evaluation training projects, helping nonprofits integrate outcomes thinking and evaluation into their work.
Before joining OMG, Tamanas worked as a consultant assessing leadership behavior and communications effectiveness in educational settings and managed research projects on indicators of social responsibility and group dynamics in times of organizational uncertainty. She was previously employed by Teach for America. Tamanas earned bachelor’s degrees and her doctorate from Rutgers University. Her dissertation, “The Role of Ethnic Identity in Participatory Processes That Facilitate Psychological Empowerment Among Urban Youth,” was published by Rutgers University Press in 2010.
Justin Piff, MSSW is a Project Manager at OMG Center for Collaborative Learning where he has been involved in evaluation and training projects and works with the Pew Fund Capacity-Building Program, which provides capacity-building funding to The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Health and Human Services grantees in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Before joining OMG, Piff was a quality management coordinator at The Devereux Foundation. Prior to that, he worked as an evaluation manager with Cornell Companies where he consulted with treatment, education, behavioral health and corrections programs around the U.S. to monitor and improve outcomes and program performance. He has co-authored papers in Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal and the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Piff earned a bachelor’s degree at Eastern University and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University.
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- Eight Key Elements of Sustainability Planning
Workshop Description
Sustainability is a critical issue for progressive community-based nonprofits. Time-limited grants, narrow categorical funding streams, and difficult economic conditions means that program leaders often struggle to find a stable resource base to continue their programs over time. Moreover, nonprofits operate in a rapidly changing environment that includes political transitions, economic shifts, and demographic changes in the communities they serve. Comprehensive sustainability plans identify clear results, the costs and funding to achieve the results, and the internal controls and key champions to ensure that good programs are sustained over the long term. Sustainability planning helps position program leaders and decision-makers to navigate in tight fiscal times.
In this interactive workshop, an overview of eight key elements of sustainability planning, including establishing a vision and set of results, financing and funding, and building partnerships, will be shared. The Finance Project has developed a research-based approach and set of tools that guides program leaders, board members, and other key staff in developing a concise but comprehensive plan for sustainability. Workshop participants will receive an introduction to sustainability planning, a chance to interact with a comprehensive sustainability planning self-assessment tool, and a hands-on introduction to the key components of sustainability planning, with additional focus on building community support. Sample tools and templates include: (1) a sustainability plan outline; (2) sustainability planning self-assessment tool; (3) community partnerships assessment tool; and (4) community engagement action plan.Workshop Presenters
Shawn Stelow Griffin, is a Senior Program Associate at the Finance Project—a specialized non-profit consulting firm that helps public- and private-sector leaders create a shared vision among key stakeholders, build community support for services, and develop comprehensive long-term financing strategies. Currently Griffin provides technical assistance and develops policy tools to help support the financing and sustainability of afterschool and youth programs.
Prior to joining the Finance Project, she served as the Team Leader for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program at the U.S. Department of Education where she managed the program’s National Activities Plan, supporting states and grantees in their efforts to provide high quality afterschool opportunities. Previously, she was the Director of Youth Development at the Maryland Department of Education. Griffin holds a Master of Leadership in Teaching degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland as well as a Bachelor of Arts and a Latin American Studies Certificate from Dickinson College.
Elena Pell, president and CEO of Equilibria and a consultant with The Finance Project, hasworked with government, business, non-profits, education, health care, and local communitygroups to address organizational and leadership challenges. Her clients include the Massachusetts Dept. of Youth Services, the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center, Sacramento City Unified School District, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wachovia Bank Corporation, Georgia Department of Human Resources, Farmers Insurance, California First 5, and the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.
Pell was among the first recipients of the Annie E. Casey Foundation Children and Families Fellowship, awarded to outstanding innovators in transforming systems of services and support for children, families and neighborhoods. Previously she served as National Director of Program Development for the ASPIRA Association, Project Associate at the Ford Foundation, Project Manager for the US Basic Skills Investment Corporation and Community Affairs Officer for Mellon Bank Corporation. For two years she was also Chair of the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education. Pell earned her B.A. from State University of New York, and a Masters in Public Administration from Columbia University, and completed additional courses at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, the Averell Harriman School of Public Policy and Management, and Manchester University, UK.
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- Giving Good Media, Getting Good Press
Workshop Description
Not all press is good press! Learn how to strategically approach and assess media opportunities and how to prepare for those that promise to advance your strategic goals.
Know what you want from your media outreach and then learn how to get it. In this session we will look at examples of successful (and some less successful) forays into the media landscape. The session will cover tips and strategies for staying on message and getting your key points across. Then put what you learn to the test as you prepare for a specific interview (real or hoped for!) and participate in a mock Q&A to get you ready.Workshop Presenter
Michelle Molloy has over 15 years of experience as a strategic communications consultant for clients in the private, public and nonprofit sectors—from overseeing multi-million dollar advertising campaigns to developing innovative communications strategies for nonprofits on a budget. Most recently, Molloy was a Senior Vice President at Spitfire Strategies. She is a seasoned trainer and facilitator and leads workshops on messaging, branding, media relations and spokesperson skills.
Prior to her work at Spitfire, Molloy worked with Robert M. Brandon & Associates to develop and coordinate public interest communications efforts on key policy issues ranging from closing the digital divide to preserving access to health care. Earlier in her career she developed and implemented communications efforts for clients such as The League of Women Voters, Open Society Institute, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Liz Claiborne Inc., and NY City Administration for Children’s Services. Molloy holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from Bucknell University.
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- Procrastinator's Guide to Year-End Online Fundraising
Workshop Description
Time is running out to launch your year-end fundraising plan, and the stakes are high. Did you know that 40 percent of all online donations come in at year-end? But don't worry: You are not too late! Learn the 10 critical action steps for mobilizing your donors and raising money this year-end.
What you will learn:- How to optimize your donation page: easy fixes you can make to your donation page, so that donors complete the donation process.
- How to create compelling, holiday-themed fundraising campaigns that motivate web visitors to make a donation on your website right now.
- How to communicate and follow up: what to do before, during, and after they donate online and how to engage them in the New Year.
- How to thank your donors - when, how, and for what.
Jocelyn Harmon was recently named Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Network for Good. Previously she was Director of Nonprofit Services at Care2, where she was responsible for connecting charitable organizations to Care2's more than 16 million members and helping them to acquire new donors, members and advocacy supporters online. She started her fundraising career at the Georgia Center for Nonprofits and then became Director of Development and Communications for the National Council of Nonprofits, an association of 22,000 local charities.
Prior to joining Care2, Harmon was Director of Business Development for InfoGroup Nonprofit where she was responsible for sales, marketing and new product development. In 2009, Fast Company recognized her as one of the "Women in Nonprofit Technology Who Rock!" Her personal blog, Marketing for Nonprofits, is top-ranked on Alltop. She also writes a bi-monthly column for Fundraising Success and serves on the board of directors of NTEN (Nonprofit Technology Network). Harmon earned a B.A. at New York University and a master’s degree from the University of Washington.
Return to top - Vulnerability 2030: Thinking about How to Prepare for the Future
Workshop Description
What will vulnerability in America look like in 2030? How will key economic, policy, social, environmental, and other factors evolve over the next two decades and how will you prepare your organization to meet those challenges? Discover a set of four scenarios for the year 2030 which were developed for the RWJF Vulnerable Populations Portfolio. They include:- an "expectable" future where the government is constrained by debt and the ranks of the vulnerable grow;
- a challenging future with a double-dip recession and widening disparities in health, wealth, and opportunity;
- an equitable future where government leads efforts to create a society and economy that work for all; and
- a community-focused future where local efforts emphasize sustainability and enable nearly everyone to achieve his or her full potential.
Workshop Presenter
Eric H. Meade is vice president and senior futurist at the Institute for Alternative Futures. His recent work includes developing scenarios for the future of vulnerability for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, creating a pro-poor scenario toolkit for the Rockefeller Foundation, and facilitating a vision process for a non-profit working to improve education in Milwaukee. He has also presented in international forums on using futures methods to identify emerging opportunities for development and on the impact of microfinance.
Earlier in his career, Meade worked as a business executive and entrepreneur in Asia, where he set up the China sourcing operation of Melissa & Doug, Inc., a major U.S. toy manufacturer. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese and has a deep understanding of Chinese culture and business practices. He also served for five years as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. Meade received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his Master’s in Business Administration from INSEAD, where he was awarded the Marakon Associates scholarship. He is a member of the World Future Society and the Association of Professional Futurists.
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Friday Morning Workshops
- Breaking through the Noise: A Conversation on Health Care Reform
Workshop Description
The Affordable Care Act when fully implemented will alter virtually every aspect of the U.S. health care system. In this session, we will review the key policy dimensions of federal health care reform and examine the political elements of the ongoing debate. Who are some of the most influential players to watch (people and organizations)? What elements are most or least likely to change?
We will also learn about a variety of initiatives designed to advance the implementation process. We will then divide into small groups to explore the most significant challenges being faced in achieving effective implementation of the law. You will have the chance to explore how these factors may affect your work, your clients and collaborators and your community. We will reconvene toward the end and report on each group’s key observations.Workshop Presenter
Andrew Hyman, J.D., director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Coverage Team, is responsible for developing and executing strategies to secure meaningful access to health care coverage for all Americans. He and the Coverage Team work with policymakers, researchers and advocates to help our nation’s leaders craft and enact policies designed to expand coverage. Hyman joined the Foundation in 2006 as a senior program officer in the Health Care Group.
Previously he served as director of Government Relations and Legislative Counsel for the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. Prior to that, Hyman was the director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), serving as Secretary Donna Shalala’s liaison to state, local, and tribal governments. His work at HHS also included efforts to combat tobacco use and to implement state children’s health insurance programs. Hyman received a J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law, and a B.A. from Columbia College.
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- Building Community Support and Key Champions
Workshop Description
Most effective programs have one thing in common—key champions that help to support and sustain quality programs and services. Key champions and a strong and diverse array of partners are even more important in tight fiscal times when funding is scarce and good programs are at risk of elimination. Leading effective programs, however, takes more than charisma or good people skills. A strategic and comprehensive approach to sustainability planning is necessary to guide decision-making around program goals, funding, and internal policies and practices. Sustainability plans help community leaders identify and respond to changes in their community in ways that will increase their chances of long-term success.
In this interactive workshop, a research-based framework for sustainability planning will be shared, as well as a set of tools and strategies that program leaders can draw on to plan for long term sustainability. Workshop participants will also discuss one sustainability element—building community support—more deeply. While it is only one aspect of sustainability planning, community engagement and building community support is nonetheless a crucial piece of the puzzle. Workshop participants will receive an introduction to sustainability planning, a chance to interact with a comprehensive sustainability planning self-assessment tool, and a hands-on introduction to the key components of building community support: (1) developing broad stakeholder support; (2) engaging key stakeholders; and (3) being adaptable to changing political and economic conditions. Participants should come prepared with a list of existing and target key champions for their programming. - Opposition Messaging - Show Up Armed and Ready!
Workshop Description
Having trouble “staying on message” in a contentious situation? Are you having conversations that don’t advance your work? Getting dragged into a debate that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? Developing strong messages for your organization is only half of the battle. Ensuring that you can deliver those messages, without getting sidetracked by either opposing or competing interests, is critical!
In this workshop you will learn how to make communications opportunities work for you and expand your arsenal as a spokesperson. You will plan and practice how to effectively get your messages across. Whether it's a media interview, a panel discussion, a one-on-one conversation or a large forum meeting—regardless of the situation, you’ll be ready!
Workshop Presenter
Michelle Molloy has over 15 years of experience as a strategic communications consultant for clients in the private, public and nonprofit sectors—from overseeing multi-million dollar advertising campaigns to developing innovative communications strategies for nonprofits on a budget. Most recently, Molloy was a Senior Vice President at Spitfire Strategies. She is a seasoned trainer and facilitator and leads workshops on messaging, branding, media relations and spokesperson skills.
Prior to her work at Spitfire, Molloy worked with Robert M. Brandon & Associates to develop and coordinate public interest communications efforts on key policy issues ranging from closing the digital divide to preserving access to health care. Earlier in her career she developed and implemented communications efforts for clients such as The League of Women Voters, Open Society Institute, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Liz Claiborne Inc., and NY City Administration for Children’s Services. Molloy holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from Bucknell University.
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- The Art and Science of Fundraising Online
Workshop Description
According to Giving USA and Blackbaud, $15 billion was raised online in 2009. Online fundraising continues to grow exponentially as more and more Americans move online and as technology enables more nonprofits to develop their online fundraising programs. What is your current fundraising strategy and how might an online component increase support for your organization? This interactive workshop will focus on the art and science of fundraising online, including whether you have the infrastructure to start now.
What you will learn:- 5 steps you can take today to optimize your website for fundraising
- Why list-building is key to your online fundraising success
- How to create killer copy
- How to measure success
- Using Outcomes and Indicators for Program Evaluation
Workshop Description
Many of us provide services to our clients hoping to see a change in behavior, skills, or attitudes. Yet how do we know when this change has happened? Better yet, how do we measure the level of change that can be tied to the service(s) our programs provide? Nonprofit service providers want to know if their programs achieved their stated goals and outcomes and how to set appropriate benchmarks and targets.
This session will take a closer look at how to develop indicators to help determine when and whether program outcomes have been achieved. Participants will learn how to set targets for performance measurement and will have the opportunity to develop indicators for their programs. In addition participants will explore possible data collection methods such as surveys and focus groups. Participation in the previous day’s session, “Developing a Theory of Change,” will be helpful, but is not required.Workshop Presenters
Elena Tamanas, Psy.D. is a Project Manager at OMG Center for Collaborative Learning where her current work includes developing a strategic framework for two postsecondary completion initiatives for SkillUp Washington and the evaluation of the Ford Foundation’s Arts Education Initiative. She has also been involved in OMG’s evaluation training projects, helping nonprofits integrate outcomes thinking and evaluation into their work.
Before joining OMG, Tamanas worked as a consultant assessing leadership behavior and communications effectiveness in educational settings and managed research projects on indicators of social responsibility and group dynamics in times of organizational uncertainty. She was previously employed by Teach for America. Tamanas earned bachelor’s degrees and her doctorate from Rutgers University. Her dissertation, “The Role of Ethnic Identity in Participatory Processes That Facilitate Psychological Empowerment Among Urban Youth,” was published by Rutgers University Press in 2010.
Justin Piff, MSSW is a Project Manger at OMG Center for Collaborative Learning where he has been involved in evaluation and training projects and works with the Pew Fund Capacity-Building Program, which provides capacity-building funding to The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Health and Human Services grantees in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Before joining OMG, Piff was a quality management coordinator at The Devereux Foundation. Prior to that, he worked as an evaluation manager with Cornell Companies where he consulted with treatment, education, behavioral health and corrections programs around the U.S. to monitor and improve outcomes and program performance. He has co-authored papers in Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal and the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Piff earned a bachelor’s degree at Eastern University and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University.
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Workshop Presenter
Prior to joining the Finance Project, she served as the Team Leader for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program at the U.S. Department of Education where she managed the program’s National Activities Plan, supporting states and grantees in their efforts to provide high quality afterschool opportunities. Previously, she was the Director of Youth Development at the Maryland Department of Education. Griffin holds a Master of Leadership in Teaching degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland as well as a Bachelor of Arts and a Latin American Studies Certificate from Dickinson College.
Elena Pell, president and CEO of Equilibria and a consultant with The Finance Project, has worked with government, business, non-profits, education, health care, and local community groups to address organizational and leadership challenges. Her clients include the Massachusetts Dept. of Youth Services, the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center, Sacramento City Unified School District, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wachovia Bank Corporation, Georgia Department of Human Resources, Farmers Insurance, California First 5, and the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.
Pell was among the first recipients of the Annie E. Casey Foundation Children and Families Fellowship, awarded to outstanding innovators in transforming systems of services and support for children, families and neighborhoods. Previously she served as National Director of Program Development for the ASPIRA Association, Project Associate at the Ford Foundation, Project Manager for the US Basic Skills Investment Corporation and Community Affairs Officer for Mellon Bank Corporation. For two years she was also Chair of the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education. Pell earned her B.A. from State University of New York, and a Masters in Public Administration from Columbia University, and completed additional courses at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, the Averell Harriman School of Public Policy and Management, and Manchester University, UK.
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Workshop Presenter
Prior to joining Care2, Harmon was Director of Business Development for InfoGroup Nonprofit where she was responsible for sales, marketing and new product development. In 2009, Fast Company recognized her as one of the "Women in Nonprofit Technology Who Rock!" Her personal blog, Marketing for Nonprofits, is top-ranked on Alltop. She also writes a bi-monthly column for Fundraising Success and serves on the board of directors of NTEN (Nonprofit Technology Network). Harmon earned a B.A. at New York University and a master’s degree from the University of Washington.
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