The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership announced today the launch of The Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, a new monthly leadership series beginning this month.
The Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective is designed to provide a caucus space for New Jersey nonprofit professionals of color to engage in a supportive community for growth, professional development and meaningful peer relationships. The series is facilitated by Victoria Fernandez, acting program director of Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership, and Tyneisha Gibbs, founder and principal of 144th & Vine.
“We believe nonprofit leaders, no matter their experience, can benefit from a multi-pronged approach to professional development and that leaders of color are rich with knowledge and will benefit from a nurturing and stimulating support network,” Fernandez said. “The series builds upon past work of the Institute and fills a gap in the sector, and we are proud to have Dodge on board as a partner.”
The series launches with a full-day Opening Gathering on Friday, Jan. 24 at Rutgers-Newark. It includes an introduction to the Collective goals and resources for participants, conversations and opportunities to shape future gatherings, a workshop addressing the state of the nonprofit sector and issues pressing to people of color working in nonprofits. A networking happy hour will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Registration is required.
“Many of our grantees have asked us to support a caucus for professionals of color over the past several years, and we are pleased to partner with Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership,” said Wendy Liscow, Dodge Education and Technical Assistance program director. “The Institute has demonstrated their commitment and expertise to supporting the leaders of color through their multiple training programs.”
What to expect from the series:
The Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective is not your typical leadership or workshop series. Over the course of nine monthly gatherings, participants will be invited to engage in sessions about relevant topics for nonprofit professionals of color, enjoy facilitated peer-to-peer time, receive one-on-one coaching, peer and executive mentoring, and hang-out with plenty of like-minded social profit sector movers and shakers.
Over the course of the next nine months, potential facilitated topics covered throughout the series include:
- Class and colorism;
- Safe spaces and intersectionality;
- Recognizing inner power;
- Shifting systems and navigating upward mobility;
- Recognizing and managing allies;
- Politics in the workplace;
- Speaking truth to power and consequences
- Fundraising
Who should attend:
Nonprofit professionals of color working in all levels of service in the nonprofit sector including executives, directors, direct service staff, entry-level staff, board members, and more. This includes those who identify as, live their daily lives as, and understand themselves as people of color.
While participants will find additional benefits from attending all the gatherings, the series is designed so people can attend one or all sessions and still benefit. Professionals of color are invited to join the Collective for the whole series, for topics of particular interest, or join the group only for the happy hours. The series will likely take place at locations in Newark and central Jersey.
Cost:
Advance registration is required. Each session includes lunch plus light bites and refreshments during happy hour. Each session is limited to 50 people and will fill up fast.
Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership has a “pay what you can” practice that helps cover a portion of programming and continuing support for nonprofit leaders.
The value of each workshop including materials, meals, and light refreshments during happy hour is $175. Any amount helps to defray the costs of your seat and those who cannot afford to make a contribution. If you are unable to contribute toward your ticket cost and need to register for a free seat, please email Vicki Fernandez. If you are unable to attend due to other costs or barriers, please also reach out.
Questions
Please contact Dodge’s Technical Assistance Team or Rutgers Institute of Ethical Leadership by email or phone at the contact information below. Email Wendy Liscow or call 973-695-1181, Judy Ha Kim or call 973-695-1171, or Victoria Fernandez, acting executive director of Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership, or call her at 973-353-3488.
