Finances are not only the lifeblood of business, but also nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit advocate Kim Klein believes that nonprofits working together across a broad spectrum can have a more powerful voice in governmental finance decisions at all levels. Klein will be the featured speaker in an upcoming local workshop to discuss issues of public finance and the California budget process.
The League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County, in partnership with the Turlock/Modesto Branch of the American Association of University Women and the Department of Politics and Public Administration at California State University, Stanislaus, is sponsoring the free workshop on finance for the common good for active members of local nonprofit groups.
"Legislators often consider the impact their decisions make on businesses or labor unions, but seldom have big consideration on impact on nonprofits," said Mary Giventer, elected president of the Stanislaus County chapter of the League of Women Voters. "However, nonprofits are often the frontline for providing services to the community."
Giventer said they brought Klein in to speak because she is a fundraiser and consultant best known for her work adapting traditional fundraising methods to meet the needs of organizations with small budgets working for social welfare. She is currently working with the Building Movement Project to develop collaborative efforts among nonprofit groups.
Nonprofit organizations, from faith-based social service groups to arts groups, make vital contributions to the quality of life in our community, said Giventer. Governmental decisions at all levels, from school board and city council to state legislatures and Congress, directly impact the ability of nonprofits to achieve their goals, yet the voice of nonprofits is often not well heard as these bodies decide how funds are allocated.
The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on March 18 at the CSU Stanislaus Event Center. In the afternoon there will be a follow up session for those most directly involved in their organization. Reservations are required for the afternoon and attendance is limited to 25. For more information and reservations call Mary Giventer at 632-8996 or e-mail mgiventer@pacbell.net.
