2002-2003 ACN Programs Included:

Annual Meeting and Luncheon Program: Survival and Growth Strategies in a New Era
Wednesday, June 18, 2003, 11:30am-2pm
(Reception with cash bar 11:30am-noon, Luncheon at 12pm)
The Three Arts Club of Chicago
1300 N. Dearborn Parkway, Chicago
The Three Arts Club of Chicago is a residence, gallery, & performance space for women in the arts.
Founded in 1912, the Three Arts Club is the only remaining club of its kind in the world.
The building itself is a Chicago landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Having enjoyed substantial growth in donations, programs and services delivered throughout the '90s, many nonprofits are finding it increasingly challenging to operate and even survive in the current economic climate. Donations from individuals are down significantly, foundation returns on investments have significantly decreased, and resources available from local and state governments are even more limited. We may not be in a recession, but the majority of leaders in philanthropy think fundraising is as challenging as it's been in 30 years.

Organizations must think very creatively - think outside of the box! Listen to a distinguished panel of nonprofit executive "survivors" as they discuss their diverse strategies for survival, including spin-offs, mergers, the development of new fee for service and earned income streams, performance/process improvement and intentional "downsizing." Our speakers will also address where or how the services of a consultant or outside resource were used or perhaps should have been used!

Panelists include:
Christopher Persons, Executive Director, Inspiration Cafe (earned income streams, mergers)
Kathy Flanagan, Board President, Artistic Circles (intentional downsizing)
Tracy Poyser, Director of Employer and Industry Relations, OAI, Inc. (spin-offs)
Karen Helfrich, Director, Evanston Program of Trilogy, Inc. (mergers)
Nancy W. Moore, N.W. Moore & Associates (performance/process improvement and panel moderator)

Demystifying Program Evaluation
May 5, 2003, 11:30am-1:30pm
DePaul's Egan Urban Center
243 S. Wabash Ave, 9th Floor, Chicago

Have you ever wondered...
• What is evaluation?
• How do consultants practice evaluation?
• What do nonprofit stakeholders want from evaluations?
• How does a consultant manage stakeholder expectations and give nonprofits a valuable evaluation product?

Chantell Johnson, Lucy Knight, Jennifer Avers, and Amy LaRue offer an interactive presentation and panel discussion about program evaluation. This session will present multiple evaluation models, definitions, and uses in a way that "demystifies" the sometimes-intimidating jargon and research in the field.

Presenters will frame the discussion around the various approaches consultants may use as they engage in evaluation projects with a range of nonprofit clients. Through role-playing, presenters will simulate evaluation design meetings demonstrating the needs and perspectives of funders, executive directors, program directors, and consultants, specifically exploring different evaluation purposes. Participants will leave this meeting with evaluation resources they may refer to and use in their consulting engagements.

Presenter Profiles

Chantell Johnson, Associate Director of Evaluation for The Conservation Company, has conducted program evaluations for a range of organizations including state departments of education, school districts, private foundations, and nonprofit associations. She has considerable experience in both qualitative (needs assessments, focus groups, and interviews) and quantitative data collection (survey research, analysis of national databases), and in analysis. Chantell's consulting emphasizes the facilitation of nonprofits' use of data/information to make better, informed decisions and determine strategic direction.

Jennifer Avers is an Associate Consultant with The Conservation Company and comes to consulting from the nonprofit world. She has conducted needs assessments, program evaluations, and organizational assessments. With an interest in public policy and nonprofit management, Jennifer enjoys those evaluation assignments that have the ability to inform the nonprofit sector in a way that positively and significantly impacts communities.

Lucy Knight has extensive experience in teaching outcome evaluation to staff and trustees of foundations, as well as staff and board members of small and large nonprofits, including human services, health, housing, education, and arts organizations. Her particular emphasis is on helping nonprofits design the evaluations that will answer their own questions about what kinds of change they are accomplishing.

Amy La Rue is the lead outcome evaluator for Children's Home & Aid Society of Illinois and conducts program evaluations for the wide range of child welfare programs provided by this organization. Amy has experience with survey research, strategic planning, and systems development. She also specializes in outcome evaluation training for child welfare professionals.

Fostering New Opportunities:
Working with Diverse Colleagues & Clients
April 24, 2003, 11:30am-1:30pm
DePaul's Egan Urban Center
243 S. Wabash Ave, 9th Floor, Chicago

Moderator: Joann Horton
Panelists: William Boone, Layton Olson, Paul Oostenbrug, Heather Parish, Jean Hardy Robinson, Laura Stempel

This interactive program will explore a variety of scenarios in which, as consultants to nonprofits, we might deal with issues of diversity:
• helping an organization to become more diverse;
• getting an organization to accept a consultant who is different from its staff or client base; and
• modeling diversity in our business practices.

The objectives of the program are to:
• heighten awareness and understanding of diversity and real world issues;
• provide an interactive forum for consultant sharing and learning; and
• provide some resources for use in addressing diversity concerns in the non-profit sector.

Joann Horton, President, Team Masters, Inc.
Joann Horton, Ph.D., is known for her expertise in teambuilding, diversity enhancement, leadership development, and organizational change. Dr. Horton has more than twenty years of senior executive experience, including President Texas Southern University and CEO State of Iowa Community College System. Dr. Horton serves public and private sector clients, including foundations, higher educational institutions and government entities. She has earned recognition from governors, legislators, and business groups. These include Salzburg Leadership Seminar; Leadership Illinois and Leadership Greater Chicago; Texas Legislative Commendation; Iowa Governor's Target Alliance Board; National Alliance of Business; and Texas Black Women's Hall of Fame.

Marketing for Business Development
March 13, 2003, 11:30am-1:30pm
DePaul's Egan Urban Center
243 S. Wabash Ave, 9th Floor, Chicago

Each of the three experienced consultants on our panel has faced and overcome a marketing challenge that could have derailed her business. Come listen to what they did and how it's working for them--then ask their advice about your marketing challenges.

• Marketing Through a Transition. Ann Becker, President, Ann Becker and Associates, Inc.

• Maintaining a Name Brand. Barbara Talisman, President, Talisman Associates, Inc.

• Collateral Marketing Needs on a Budget. Sangeeta Kaul, SpicySeed Design Studio.

• Moderator: Dyana Flanigan, Principal, Flanigan Communications, Inc.

Consultants as Leaders
February 21, 2003, 11:30am-1:30pm
DePaul's Egan Urban Center
243 S. Wabash Ave, 9th Floor, Chicago

Consultants can take an active role in leading their clients toward sound decision-making. A key part of this process is the ability to see the issues clearly and communicate them effectively, focusing on what can and cannot be done with available resources.

This session will offer a presentation and facilitated discussion. We'll focus on what we can learn from proven resources and each other about the following topics:

• How does an organization benefit from having a consultant with strong leadership skills?
• Can leadership be learned?
• Is there a difference between corporate and nonprofit leaders?
• What are the common, or not so common, traits of leaders?
• Focusing the discussion on the real issues--seeing reality as it is, not as it’s perceived.
• Giving positive and negative feedback in a constructive, non-judgmental manner.

This program will be led by Sid Barsuk, a seasoned executive who has spent more than 25 years in senior management in both the charitable and for-profit sectors. He has served as a Vice President for Development and been chief administrator for management assessment centers.

Barsuk has developed leadership programs and has helped organizations grow by assessing organizational strengths, then developing plans around them. He has built and trained boards and committees and worked closely with corporate CEO’s and political leaders at the national, state, and local levels. Barsuk has been a Visiting Professor of Management and Marketing at Roosevelt University and an adjunct faculty member at three other Chicago-area universities, teaching Leadership, Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, Communications, Marketing, and Assessment Management to MBA and senior-level students.

Software Solutions
January 22, 2003, 11:30am-1:30pm
DePaul's Egan Urban Center, 243 S. Wabash Ave, 9th Floor, Chicago

Two fundraising software experts addressed the crucial questions: What software is right for your organization? Do you need a better way to manage your projects?

Brian Worrall, a consultant with The Alford Group and a recognized expert in the field of fundraising software, compared the features of three different packages: eTapestry, Millennium, and Raiser’s Edge. Raymond Hall, of Raymond V. Hall Training and Consultant Services, shared his vast knowledge of project management software while comparing Microsoft Project, PlanView, and Sure Trak. In addition, he will discuss certifications, resources, and other issues.

HOLIDAY PARTY
Tuesday, December 10, 6pm
ACN MEMBERS ONLY

Take a break from your holiday preparations and join us for an evening of lively discussion, laughter, food and drink. This holiday gathering will be hosted by ACN's Board of Directors on December 10, 2002, 6:00 p.m. at the home of a board member. This is an ACN-members-only event.

IDENTITY CRISIS?  Choosing the Best Legal Structure for Your Practice

Tuesday, November 26, 11:30am-1:30pm
Egan Urban Center, 243 S. Wabash Ave, 9th Floor, Chicago
ACN MEMBERS ONLY

ACN member and attorney Kathryn Vanden Berk will help you understand issues that surround your choice of business structure. You'll learn the difference between C and S corporations, partnerships, and the new limited liability companies. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each entity, the costs of forming them, and important liability issues and tax law implications. This members-only presentation will include sample partnership agreements, LLC and incorporation forms.

SOUTHSIDE SOIREE! ACN Networking Event

6-8pm Thursday, November 7, 2002
at the NEW Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th St., Chicago

The Board of Directors of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits (ACN) cordially invites you to celebrate an evening with ACN at the new Beverly Arts Center of Chicago.

Who: You! ACN members, prospective members, and friends

When: 6-8pm Thursday, November 7, 2002

Where: The new Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, Illinois

What: Come and connect with ACN's dynamic network of consultants who support one another's success. You'll also enjoy light fare and a chance to tour Chicago's newest state-of-the-art venue, the Beverly Arts Center

Bring a colleague or friend who might be interested in ACN!

Please RSVP by November 1 to Laura Stempel

Directions: By Car: Beverly Arts Center can be reached from the north or south via I-57. Exit at 111th Street (Exit 355) and head west approximately 1 mile. (Note: After exiting I-57 from the North, turn right at the 2nd stoplight. From the South, turn left at the 1st stoplight. (This street has various names [like Monterey St.], but is renamed 111th Street further west.) BAC is located at the southwest corner of 111th St. and Western Avenue at 2407 W. 111th Street. Free parking is available in the BAC lot adjacent to the building.

By Public Transportation: the BAC is served by Metra's Rock Island line from the LaSalle Street Station downtown (LaSalle and Van Buren El Stop). Take the Joliet Sub-line (Beverly Branch) to 111th Street. Head west 4 blocks. BAC also can be reached via the CTA 111th Street bus from 95th Street (Red Line El), and by PACE buses 49A and 349 (South Western).

GETTING THE MOST FOR YOUR MONEY: Choosing & Using Consultants Effectively

Tuesday, October 15, 2002
11:30am-1:30pm
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
618 S. Michigan Avenue 

Who will benefit: Nonprofit executive directors, staff, board members, volunteers, funders

Moderator: Kassie Davis, Project Director, Giving Greater Chicago

Panelists:
Lloyd A. Fry III, Vice Chairman, Lloyd A. Fry Fndtn. and Vice President of Development, WTTW-Channel 11
Rita A. McLennon, Executive Director, National Center on Poverty Law
Gary Garland, Executive Director, Lakeview Pantry
Maureen O'Connor, President, Association of Consultants to Nonprofits

When: Tuesday, October 15
Registration: 11:30am
Program: 12-1:30pm

Where: Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 618 S. Michigan Avenue

Cost: Free to ACN Members, Donors Forum Members, Associate Members and Forum Partners. $15 for non-members. Bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages provided.

Who: The program is sponsored by Donors Forum of Chicago and the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits RSVP by Oct. 7 preferred

New Beginnings: Maximizing Referrals and Collaboration