Explore the pivotal role of representation in leadership, igniting dialogue on its profound impact. Uncover why diversity matters, fostering innovation and equitable decision-making. Discover how inclusive leadership cultivates environments where every voice is valued, driving organizational success. Through real-world examples, we'll delve into the transformative power of diverse perspectives, fueling societal progress. Join us to challenge norms, spark actionable strategies, and pave the way for a future where diverse and representative leadership is the cornerstone of inclusive excellence and societal advancement.

In an ever-changing media environment, it has become increasingly difficult for nonprofits to navigate their own media relations efforts. In this workshop, Alex Middleton and Meg Walsh of Champion Communications will discuss the basics of strategic media relations. More specifically, they will discuss tips and tricks on media outreach, doing well in an interview, and organisational storytelling. They will also outline how media relations can successfully tie into government relations and advocacy efforts.

Join us for an engaging workshop that delves into the dynamics of collaboration among the nonprofit, business, and government sectors. In this session, participants will explore strategies for fostering productive partnerships and leveraging the unique strengths of each sector to address complex societal challenges. Attendees will be provided with practical examples and gain insights into effective collaboration models and learn how to navigate potential obstacles. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, business executive, government official, or simply passionate about driving positive change, this workshop offers valuable tools and perspectives for building meaningful collaborations that make a difference.

Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates are seasoned political strategists. They come from opposite ends of the political spectrumand that’s what makes their comradery so interesting. The Discourse is a weekly political podcast where Erika and Cheryl dissect and discuss current events and popular issues through the contrasting lenses of their opposing ideologies. In this live taping, Erika and Cheryl discuss the government’s current approach to funding for non-profits and share their experiences of what government relations strategies work and what doesn’t.

This dynamic session kicks off with 3 strong points of view on the forces beneath the surface that contribute to shaping civil society. Our first speakers will discuss the role of nonprofits to contribute to systems change, what is working and not working within our sector, and policies that can support the change we want to see. This session is a tap-in-tap-out conversation. All delegates are invited to tap in and take the stage to advance a collective conversation on the systems of civil society.

Most Albertans tend to think of their province's politics like the Wild West:  conservative, polarized, and dog-eat-dog competitive. But just how accurate is that portrait, and what effect do those cowboy stereotypes have on the way we approach advocacy? Our Common Ground Team has met and surveyed thousands of Albertans since 2019. We've learned that most of us suffer from a false sense of reality that holds us back from pursuing bold new ways of thinking when it comes to public policy. Albertans aren't who they think they are. In this session, we discuss ways of recognizing and overcoming these barriers.

A chance for our delegates to hear directly from funders about the trends that they are seeing in their work (trust-based philanthropy, equitable funding practices, etc.) as well as for the panelists to talk more about their funding priorities, offer tips to delegates about how to approach funders and build relationships with them, and time for questions. Essentially it is an opportunity to demystify the funding process and build better understanding that we are all in this together.

Philanthropy, as we know it, has flaws that lead to inefficiencies and missed impact. But a paradigm shift is underway, emphasising trust, transparency, and mutual accountability. In this 50-minute journey, we'll delve into trust-based philanthropy, confronting historical inequities and redefining what power dynamics can look like. We'll navigate mutual accountability's importance and practical applications, empowering grantees and inspiring greater philanthropy. Real-world examples will guide us towards applying these principles for maximum impact. Finally, we'll explore the ripple effect and broader sector implications of trust-based philanthropy and its transformative trajectory towards impactful giving. Ready to embark?

A closer look at how ambitious projects get started and move forward with impact. This panel will shed light on how large and complex initiatives build partnerships, attract major donors, create shared governance, build community support, and create impacts that change communities and possibly even the world. Featuring The University of Calgary's One Child Every Child and United Way of Calgary and Area's Healthy Aging Alberta and Planet Youth.

Fundraising tools have never been so available, while implementing an integrated fund development program has never been so difficult. Now, governance pressures, lack of personnel, the continued influence and rise of Artificial Intelligence and more are resulting in uncomfortable leaders, uninformed government policies and ever harder to please or renew, grantors and donors. Scott will present and have an interactive discussion on AI, revenue disruptions, the ethical challenges and how to navigate them in a changing world.

In a time marked by significant global and technological transformations, fundraising professionals face unique challenges and opportunities. Join us as ViTreo’s CEO shares what these changes are and how they are reshaping behaviors and expectations. From integrating machine learning tools to understanding the global socio-economic and demographic shifts, hear how to future-proof (or at least, future-hedge) your fundraising strategies to thrive in the coming years.

This presentation will highlight the impact Exclusive Language has in creating Unconscious Biases. The presenters will share with the audience examples of how exclusive language has shaped our biases when engaging with members of marginalized communities. The presenters will share strategies that will introduce inclusive language to the workplace, creating inclusive environments.

In this panel discussion, you will learn how nonprofits can increase their capacity to complete projects tied to strategic advancement and enhanced service delivery, such as creating new evaluation tools, reviewing financial viability of proposed programs, updating policy manuals or databases, or market research for client outreach. Various post-secondary programs offer course-based projects that allow nonprofits to access student support to undertake these projects at no cost; providing a mutually beneficial solution while simultaneously building skilled labour and a talent pipeline for their organization. Nonprofits will learn about the variety of courses available, types of problems students can work on, the process and organizational commitment required, and impact for organizations. The panel will conclude with an opportunity for audience questions and networking.

This workshop will be interactive and focuses on an organization’s need for adaptability given their continuously changing environmental conditions. These environmental forces will also require innovative strategic responses and an alignment of capabilities to activate the requisite strategic initiatives. The relationship among these imperatives will be evident in the session where participants will learn:

• the forces contributing to the need for organizational adaptiveness and what it means to be an adaptive organization;
• the types of strategic decisions that will need to be made to sustain and grow in these dynamic conditions;
• how to assess and to align the requisite capabilities to activate the initiatives resulting from those strategic decisions; and
• how an empathetic understanding of the impact on key stakeholders can both inform and shape effective strategic and organizational transformations.

Curious about the real impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Human Resources (HR) landscape? Lack of understanding and media hype has made many people afraid of AI. The truth is, AI is not here to replace but to enhance the capabilities of HR professionals. Among the array of AI tools, ChatGPT stands out as an accessible and empowering tool that you can leverage on a day-to-day basis to make the most of the precious hours you have. In this session, you will learn how ChatGPT can re-shape the future of HR, how to use it effectively and responsibly, and how to get started on your own ChatGPT journey.

Join us for an insightful discussion as Kim Ruse, CEO of Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter (CWES), takes us on a transformative journey of rebranding the agency as FearIsNotLove. Discover the motivations behind the brand evolution, barriers overcome and the strategies employed. Gain valuable insights into the successes, key learnings, and future aspirations of FearIsNotLove. Kim inspires leaders to drive change and challenge misconceptions in the nonprofit sector. Co-presented by Jill Petrovic, Senior Associate, ViTreo Group.

Dan will be delivering a dynamic presentation focusing on the integration of AI in the workplace, particularly examining the functionalities and applications of ChatGPT versus Copilot. The session will explore various versions and their specific uses, providing practical demonstrations on how these AI tools can be effectively utilized in professional settings. Attendees will also benefit from interactive QA session, offering personalized insights and solutions to enhance their understanding and implementation of AI technologies in their daily operations. The primary aim is to provide a deeper understanding of how to get started with AI in the workplace, equipping professionals with the knowledge to leverage AI for improved productivity and innovation.

The Kahanoff Centre for Charitable Activities is a unique building that offers affordable office and meeting space to Charitable and Non-Profit organizations located in Mohkinstsis, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 2018, we identified a systemic barrier that existed within the Kahanoff Centre as an institution. We began working with an advisory group made up of Pikanii Elders Reg and Rose Crowshoe, Indigenous and non-Indigenous tenants and stakeholders to impact change. In June 2022, after 4 years of collaboration, the Kahanoff Centre allowed for Indigenous Oral Practices and ceremony to occur within the building. Daisy Giroux and Diana Steele will share why this effort is important and how others can be part of the journey.

Article 11 of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) supports these efforts by stating, “Indigenous peoples have the right to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs. This includes the right to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures, such as archaeological and historical sites, artifacts, designs, ceremonies, technologies, and visual and performing arts and literature."

74% of nonprofits in Alberta have been impacted by climate change in the last year, whether wildfires, heatwaves or floods. However, you’re running at 110% and have many competing priorities. How can you make climate action manageable and fit with your existing strategies and operations? How can you ensure your organization is also prepared for the impacts of today and tomorrow?

Join Dana Decent (Program Director, Climate and Health) in this engaging and practical session outlining simple steps any non profit can take to 1) reduce emissions to limit the worse impacts of climate change, and 2) prepare your organization for the impacts already here and to come. Resources from CCVO and others will be shared with real life examples from Alberta nonprofits.