MarinLink University Course to start on February 4th

The fundamentals of nonprofit management for anyone who has ever thought of starting a nonprofit or charitable project

SAN RAFAEL, CA – MarinLink, the Marin County incubator and fiscal sponsor for start-up nonprofit projects, announces its next MarinLink University Course, a ten-module program providing an overview of nonprofit governance, strategies, and tactics. The first class will be held Wednesday, February 4th. Consecutive classes will be held at the Northgate Mall community meeting room every three weeks from 5–7:30 pm, a time convenient for working adults. The course includes a resource binder, contact list, and will culminate with a certificate of completion.

MarinLink University designed this program to provide nonprofit strategic skill sets based specifically on the needs of its over 100 fiscally sponsored projects. The modules include strategic leadership, financial and legal tools, marketing skills, and measurement tools to those new to the nonprofit sector or those looking to hone their expertise.

MarinLink acts as an incubator and fiscal sponsor to a wide array of groups and individuals. Community events such as Bioneers, businesses wishing to start a nonprofit foundation such as Extrafood.org are examples of varied MarinLink projects which also include community gardens, education programs, art organizations, and many others.

“MarinLink is excited to offer this first foundational series of classes for 2016,” says Executive Director Mary O’Mara. “The consultants who helped us develop this program have invested hundreds of hands-on hours helping our projects achieve success.”

Presenters include community experts along with leadership expert Carl Welte. His book Making and Fulfilling your Dreams as a Leader will be included in the curriculum along with a resource binder and list of contacts.

About MarinLink. MarinLink identifies and fulfills unmet community needs, strengthening Marin communities through innovation and collaboration. Nimble and solution-based, MarinLink serves as an incubator and fiscal sponsor to individuals and groups whose inspirations for projects range from homeless services, community gardens, health and transportation initiatives, environmental education, veteran’s programs, arts organizations, and more. www.marinlink.org

DETAILS

WHAT: MarinLinkUniversity, a ten-module program providing an overview of nonprofit governance, strategies, and tactics for individuals starting new nonprofit projects and for those looking to hone their skills.

WHEN: February 4th-June 3rd, ten Thursdays  5–7:30 pm

WHERE: Northgate Mall Community Meeting Room, Northgate Mall, Suite 250, San Rafael 94903

FEES: $295 for MarinLink projects | $395 for general public

INFO: www.marinlink.org | 415-472-0211

The Emerging Status of Nonprofits And the Bystander Effect

On March 13, 1964, Kitty Genovese was returning home from work as a bar manager in New York. She parked her car and walked towards her apartment, just a 100 feet away. Suddenly she heard footsteps racing behind her. Before she could react, the assailant stabbed her twice. Screaming at the top of her lungs, she cried for help; repeatedly. No one came.  She died two hours later.

As investigators and reporters began piecing the story together, they were shocked by the lack of citizen intervention. At least two dozen people heard the screams over a 30-minute time span. Politicians, psychologists and clergymen were outraged, calling it another example of our apathetic social decay.

But two psychologists weren’t so sure. They wanted to know why Kitty was offered no help. Over the course of the next year, they conducted a series of experiments in crowded and private situations to understand what triggers and doesn’t trigger a response from bystanders. Here’s what they discovered:

Crowds behave like schools of fish – they group think. If there are no reactions to a stimulus, no one in the crowd will act. They found that “no one wants to stands out in a crowd.” This was proven time and time again as experiments were conducted on busy New York streets.

But as they tweaked their experiments, they finally discovered the answer and what instigates a reaction.

In today’s version of the “bystander effect,” one of our most precious socially important industries continue to pattern their future in the same methods as the past. As funds continue to dry up, many nonprofit agencies continue to seek financial help by using a single method of revenue generation: writing grants.

In comparison, a growing legion of innovative nonprofits across the globe are building “social enterprises,” and generating income through their own sales and services. One important result of this type of income is that grant-makers are more inclined to approve funds to organizations that are proving their ability to diversify their resources and gain greater self-sufficiency.

So in collaboration between Renaissance Marin and the Marin Community Foundation, we’re launching our best effort to break the bystander effect. Open to the first 20 nonprofits, this is an opportunity for agencies to learn the methods for building their own social enterprises. Think about the alternative: stay steady on your current course and watch your grant dollars diminish. The cost is also exceptionally affordable with some tuitions at $100 - less than seven percent of a popular national training program.

This is the one and only time we’ll be offering this training in 2013. The program is tailored made for nonprofits with little or no experience with business modeling. Not only will you learn all the essentials, you’ll have an opportunity to pitch your concepts to a panel of well accomplished business and social entrepreneurs. For ten groups that finish this two-month program, personal consultation will be provide to help you take your concepts to reality.

In addition, the workshops have been developed to respect your busy schedule. We’ll be meeting once every Thursday morning for three hours during the eight-week program starting January 31.

To get all the information, we urge you to attend the upcoming orientation on Thursday, Dec. 13; 10am at Renaissance Marin, 1115 3^rd Street, San Rafael.

This program is specific to nonprofit agencies in Marin County and highly recommended for organizations receiving their funding through MCF.

For reservations to the orientation, please call us at 415.755.1115.

If you find yourself among of sea of bystanders unwilling to help you, what the researchers found was to target a single individual, get in front and make a plea. They found that tactic was the most effective way to gain help because a single individual when alerted stops group-think and becomes personally responsible. 

 

 

Contra Costa County Environmental Stewards: Generation Green

 

Since 1990, Generation Green, a 501c3 nonprofit, has sought to inform and encourage environmental action in CCC. Generation Green has hosted dozens of workshops and attended countless events. Their efforts have reached all segments of the community. From local arts and crafts classes to attendance at City Council meetings—their goal is to educate all residents in the county about environmental issues.

Generation Green empowers its citizens to voice their concerns and implement earth saving actions. Through heightened awareness they encourage wise choices that ensure sustainable living and the preservation of the environment.

Programs Supported by Generation Green 

Dumpster Diversion 

Discover the process of creative reuse through arts and crafts with the Dumpster Diversion Project (DDP). This programs promote the principles of conservation, recycling and reuse. Children and adults of all ages can enjoy using unique materials to create amazing works of art! DDP facilitates the construction of trash to treasures: unusual arts/crafts pieces made from found objects. Participants easily learn that it is important to think before you toss anything away! 

The DDP also supply local artists and teachers with discarded materials for various projects. Recipients of DDP materials include the Early Childhood center of Martinez, the Martinez Arts Association, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Martinez.

Green Rheem 

Periodic Green Rheem film nights are a chance to socialize with friends at the historical Rheem Theatre in Moraga, CA. Participants savor local wine and appetizers before the film and then watch an educational documentary.

Think Global, Eat, Drink and Shop Local. Attendees are introduced to local vendors for food and wine and learn about key issues facing the health of our community.

Contra Costa County Climate Leaders Program 

Local Governments are taking the lead to develop a livable community and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Contra Costa County (CCC). To facilitate, track and measure regional action, 4CL monitors activities, provides free resources and tools, and provides a multimedia communications strategy that ensures best practices are shared and implemented. Elected officials and staff receive a monthly newsletter, attend workshops and share successes on line.

Sustainable Schools Connection 

Sustainable Schools Connection goal is to create and support sustainability with youth by developing environmental stewardship and encouraging individual, campus and community involvement.

Red, White and Blues Celebration

Generation Green holds its annual Red, White and Blues event to help raise money for their non-profit. This event features local food and wine and is held in July each year. For more information or to be a part of the celebration, send an email to info@generationgreen.com

Reduce Reuse Respect

Reduce

The program aims to reduce our impact on earth. Generation Green will cultivate and promote environmental sustainability for a healthy livable planet through education and community outreach. They provide forums, sponsor events, workshops and classes to inform and support the public on the benefit and need for a sustainable, reusable, low impact, healthy lifestyle.

Reuse

Generation Green’s goal is to reuse our materials and to reduce ecological footprint on the planet. They accommodate reuse collection centers and participate/coordinate events for promoting creativity through art and education using recycled and reuse materials.

Respect

The goal is to respect our planet to regain our connection to the planet and to abundance. Generation Green assists education and consultation on healthy living within the community and share the work of other cultures.

These include:

thoughts for working with native traditions, cultures, working for the next seven generations.

work in Ghana - educating and assisting third world countries.

restoration - native plants and habitat restoration, removing invasives.

conservation work - saving teaks, open space lands etc.

herbal medicine folklore and information and materials.

Links to education materials.

 

To get updates about Generation Green events and activities visit the website, http://generationgreen.com/  . Call 925-708-9686 for more inquiries.