Virtual event | May 21st & May 28th

Interstate Converse

Guided conversations on creating a post COVID-19 vision for our communities of small businesses, disadvantaged social enterprises.

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ABOUT THIS EVENT

Join Nonprofit Utopia and NJ Hess Associates for a series of conversations sharing what we're learning about COVID-19 across state lines. Following a community conversation model developed by Nancy J. Hess, we will explore how access to financial resources, technical assistance, mindset pivot and political action play a role in developing an effective community response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to register for all 4 events separately in order to gain access to each session.

What will be different?

Our conversations will be interstate, and will include panelists from Illinois and Pennsylvania, who will share lessons they are learning in real time
You will get to hear from thought leaders from various sectors of our economy, including elected officials, small business owners, heads of foundations and nonprofits, bankers and technical assistance providers
We will share downloadable handouts that will help you follow along during the discussions, and use after the call
We will send you links to the recorded sessions, and notes for your future reference
We will provide resources that will help you navigate “the new normal”
Our hosts are prepared to facilitate solutions that will allow you to convene community conversations or help you to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic
Even if we can’t answer your question during the time allotted, we will share your questions with the panelists to whom the questions were directed

WHERE

Virtual

WHEN

Thursday, May 21 & 28

10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. central time

11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. eastern time

May 21

Session 1 - 10 AM - central time; 11:00 AM eastern time

Leveraging Financial Resources to Amplify Community Response to COVID-19

We would all agree that “throwing money at problems” without a plan or accountability doesn’t make the problem go away. In fact, this approach could actually add fuel to the fire, if we’re not careful. This session will explore how members of the civic, philanthropic and banking sectors are not only writing checks—but they are working in the trenches—partnering with municipalities and local residents to develop viable plans to address emergencies and transition to life post-COVID-19.

11:30 AM - noon; Break (central time)

Session 2 - 12:00 PM - central time; 1 PM eastern time

Capacity Building Community Style - Access to Technical Assistance

Once the financial assistance becomes available, how do we mobilize people and resources in our local communities to maximize participation and bring partners together to create a collective impact? What have we learned from our experience that we can bring forward to help us work together, across silos, to make sure people get the resources they need?

May 28

Session 3 - 10 AM - central time; 11:00 AM - eastern time

Creating a New Economic and Social Framework for Resilient Communities

The actions we take to fight the immediate health and economic effects of COVID-19 will affect residents after the crisis subsides. This session will discuss how our actions today can create the foundation for new economic and social frameworks, based on principles such as subsidiarity and inclusion, to build resilient communities and support sustainable, long-term success for all.

11:30 AM - noon Break (central time)

Session 4 - 12:00 p.m. - central time; 1 PM - eastern time

Call to Political Action - Answering the Call to Arms in the War on COVID-19

The coronavirus is invisible, yet, it is an enemy that presents clear and present danger. It threatens our quality of life, our livelihoods and our very lives. The casualties are staggering, and sometimes, it seems there is no end in sight. We must fight back, but how?

Our panelists will share some of the strategies they are using to engage community stakeholders and elected officials to effect policy changes at the federal, state and local levels to ensure that our communities get the resources and technical assistance they need to survive. The best part about this panel is, you get to take the lessons learned from the series and try them in your own communities.