2008 National Nonprofit Congress
California Association of Nonprofits (CAN®) Joins the 2008 National Nonprofit Congress
Washington, DC, June 1- 4, 2008
Individuals and organizations interested in attending the 2008 Nonprofit Congress can do so by visiting http://www.nonprofitcongress.org/meeting.
Over 800 nonprofit professionals will gather in Washington, DC, on June 1- 4, 2008, to participate in the second Nonprofit Congress National Meeting and Nonprofit Expo. This conference is designed for all those who are involved in and care about the future role of the nonprofit sector. The Congress organizers seek nonprofits from every state, sub-sector, and from large, mid-size, and small organizations. Attendees will include emerging leaders, seasoned professionals, executives, program staff, board members, funders, and volunteers.
The California Association of Nonprofits will serve as this state's coordinator for this four-day event. In 2006, CAN lead a delegation of 20 nonprofit organizations to the nation's first Nonprofit Congress National Meeting. We joined with over 400 nonprofit representatives, from across the United States and Canada, to convene with many missions and one voice.
The Nonprofit Congress is an initiative of the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA). Audrey Alvarado, executive director of NCNA states that the "success of the Nonprofit Congress depends on the active involvement of leadership organizations and we could not find a better partner than the California Association of Nonprofits. Their creditability and accomplished leadership will ensure that California is represented at the national meeting; as well as the work leading to and from the meeting.
Using the theme Convene • Connect • Commit, this national nonprofit conference will build on and celebrate the accomplishments of our nation's nonprofits that are committed to positive change for the sector and in their communities. During the meeting, attendees will examine the accomplishments that have resulted since the 2006 inaugural meeting of the Nonprofit Congress and assess the progress made in addressing its top priorities: nonprofit organizational effectiveness, advocacy, and grassroots community activities, nonprofit collaboration, partnerships with government and business, public awareness and support of the nonprofit sector and social change.
During the four-day meeting, attendees also will explore ways on how to:
- inspire and further solidify a sense of unity and collective purpose among nonprofits across mission - area, geography, and size
- develop the capacity of attendees to address the top priorities including cross-fertilization of ideas and skill-building educational sessions
- allow attendees to grow and strengthen their networks
- build relationships with and inform Congressional offices through Lobby Day.
The Nonprofit Congress will also celebrate the sector's successes and recognize innovative and effective projects. In the coming months, the California Association of Nonprofits will reach out to nonprofits across the state through town hall meetings and other means to offer them the opportunity to help shape the agenda for this year's Congress in Washington, DC.
