March Member Update
A Message from the Executive Director
Guest Columnist
Member Resource
Members In the News
New Members
Events Calendar
Program Updates
Nonprofit Community Events & News
ED CEO & C-Level Position Announcements
Thank you!
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Members,
Only 7 weeks to the must attend nonprofit conference hosted by Executive Alliance, Seattle University Nonprofit Leadership Program and the Nancy Bell Evans Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs University of Washington.
The Conference starts the morning off with nationally known keynote speakers, Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant, authors of the book Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits. For a complete details including the session descriptions, go the conference website at www.npconference.org.
Go to www.npconference.org and register. Register more than yourself and you save even more!!
EA is looking to relocate its office and we would like your help in identifying potential spaces. If you know of any office space, please let us know. Basic needs include anywhere between 750 – 1200 square feet, depending upon layout; parking; and kitchen facilities. We are open to location, however as centrally located as possible is preferred.
Have a wonderful month.
Melany Brown
Guest Columnist
Meet Your New Membership Services Manager
On March 10th Gail Schaar joins Executive Alliance as manager of membership services, with responsibility for identifying, designing and executing member programs and events that provide value. Gail sat down with us recently to talk about the direction of membership services.
Q: Can you tell us how your work experience prepared you for this job?
As the Business Services Manager with the Kent Chamber of Commerce, I have had an opportunity to work with all sorts of organizations. I know how to listen to members and identify new program, products and event that add value to members. Exceptional customer service and providing valuable benefits is important to me.
Q: What are the goals of you want to address as part of EA’s membership team?
We will continue to grow the benefits we offer to our members. Our Peer Coaching program is extremely popular. We need to continue to not only meet the needs of our members, but anticipate them and exceed expectations. In the next year we will look to ramp up our events and partner with more businesses that can help our members achieve their goals.
Q: Why is membership important to Executive Alliance?
Our membership program is designed to fulfill a part of our mission – to Advance a Powerful Nonprofit Sector. In a very tangible way we accomplish this through our outstanding annual conference, our peer coaching program, our public policy work and forum and our leadership breakfasts. And let’s not forget our fun and engaging quarterly SchmoozeFest. Our public policy efforts ensure that legislative and regulation support Washington’s nonprofits. Collectively, our voices are stronger when we work together.
Q: Can you elaborate on how membership benefits strengthens nonprofits?
By offering our members those benefits which allow them to operate more efficiently and effectively, they become stronger for those they serve. Truly, through all of our combined efforts, the nonprofit is strengthened. The value of membership is intrinsic.
Q: Executive Alliance has resolved to engage its member more. How do you propose to do that?
Engaging our members is a priority! At the same time, we must respect their time. From offering members the opportunity to become involved in committees and forum discussions, to requesting feedback, conducting surveys, and informal chats over coffee – or tea, there are many things we can and will do to encourage participation. And we’re always looking for new ideas – we are looking forward to our readers sharing their ideas with us.
Feel free to welcome Gail after March 10th and share ideas or comments. 206-328-3826 or gail@exec-alliance.org
Member Resource
What media is available to you?
What are some of the ways you can get the word out using media in a way that generates attention from non-traditional audiences or utilizes non-traditional venues?
Radio
Radio is a low to no cost method to get the word out regarding your organization. Most stations have public affairs programming. Contact local stations and request a time when you can either provide an interview or go on air to tell your story in person. KBCS, at Bellevue Community College, provides basic volunteer training, public affairs programming and PSAs. KEXP runs a Community Partnership Initiative, highlighting a different nonprofit monthly through mentions on their programming and fundraising events at a local club. Other local stations are worth checking out – send us your ideas and we’ll post them!
Video
Television has traditionally been cost prohibitive for non-profits wishing to use this powerful vehicle to deliver a significant message. With the advent of online video, however, it’s become much simpler to shoot a short video and post it online. Last July, Idealist.org and YouTube launched a partnership to assist nonprofits who want to use video in their marketing and communications. To learn more, you can go to Idealist’s Using Online Video and YouTube’s Broadcast Your Cause pages.
Public access channels exist to provide a venue to inform the public about your work.
SCAN-TV
SCAN is a non-profit organized to develop outlets for diverse expression and community development through access to training, media tools and distribution channels. They offer independent program producers and non-profit organizations cable television channel time on a lottery basis. Additionally, SCAN provides classes, workshops, skilled professional support, program promotion and community resources to help individuals and organizations create and distribute their programming.
TVW
You know you’ve watched a legislative committee late at night, waiting to hear mention of your testimony. What you might not know is that 799,999 other folks were also watching. According to statewide polls of registered voters by Elway Research, in 2006 and 2007 22% of registered voters in Washington State - some 800,000 people - had watched TVW within the last 2 weeks. If you have an event that you would like televised during non-legislative session months, contact TVW and they just might do it. Their contact information can be found here.
Additionally, we have community nonprofits, like 911 Media and Northwest Film Forum where nonprofit staff, volunteers and board members can get a basic (or in some cases, advanced) education in how to produce videos with professional-quality equipment.
Finally, we were prompted to put this list together by arrival of a packet from Starfish TV, a national satellite, cable and internet broadcaster. Their mission is to assist nonprofits, charities, and foundations in getting their message to a broad segment of the population in a cost-effective manner. For more information, you can check out their How Do I Get Involved page or contact them at 800-624-1844 or at info@starfishtv.org.
Welcome to New Members
Click on each new member to learn more about them.
Center for Sex Positive Culture
Elizabeth Gregory Home
Friends of the Cedar River Watershed
Monson and Bass, Inc. P.S.
Music Center of the Northwest
Pike Market Senior Center
Refugee Women's Alliance
Seattle Chinese Garden
Seattle Education Access
Urban Sparks
University Street Ministry
Washington Association of Local WIC Agencies
Washington Courage & Renewal
Events Calendar
Please RSVP for all events and meetings!!
Public Policy Committee Meeting
Date: Tuesday, March 11th
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Fee: No fee
Location: Catholic Community Services
RSVP to Nancy Belcher
Washington State Nonprofit Conference
Date: Wednesday, April 9th
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fee: $135 early bird before Feb. 15th, $175 after Feb. 15th
Location: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
This one-day conference has been the premier gathering of nonprofit community leaders, supporters, and board members coming together to explore ways to enhance the vitality of the nonprofit sector. For more information click here. To Register click here. Please take advantage of the Early bird registration extended to February 29th!! Also, 10% discount on multiple registrants.
Executive Alliance Annual Meeting
Date: Thursday, June 5th
Time: 8:00 to 10:30 am
Location: Spirit of Washington Center, Renton
Program Updates
Public Policy
We want your input on the issues facing the nonprofit community in King County, the Puget Sound Region, Washington State.
Executive Alliance is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 22nd 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the 2100 Building. During this Town Hall meeting nonprofits representatives from the Puget Sound Region will come together and share what their concerns are. EA will gather this input and present it at the National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) Congress in June. EA has secured former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice to open the meeting speaking about the importance of nonprofits to our communities. As an active member with the NCNA, EA participates with a network of state and regional nonprofit associations serving over 20,000 members in 41 states. NCNA works to link local organizations to a national audience. Please come and join us at the Town Hall meeting and have your voice heard!
On February 20, 2008, EA sent a letter to the Attorney General (AG), Rob McKenna’s office about concerns over HB 1114; the 2007 bill concerning the marketing of estate distribution documents, and its potential impact on nonprofits’ ability to consult with potential donors. While EA understands and applauds the effort to crack down on unethical practices, we are concerned that the language of the statute may have some unintended consequences for legitimate nonprofit organizations and their charitable giving officers. EA requested guidance from the AG in interpreting HB1114 and the impact it will have on the nonprofit sectors efforts to introduce new donors to the charitable opportunities available in financial and estate planning. EA looks forward to the AG’s response and will update our EA members as soon as we can.
If you are impacted by the Employee Hour Tax or ‘Head’ Tax for companies with employees working in Seattle check the EA website for more information and the computation worksheet: http://www.exec-alliance.org/documents/Headtax2jan.pdf
SENATE BILL 6829 concerning the increase of individual raffle ticket prices from $25 to $100 passed the House and moved on to the Senate. On 01/25/08 the bill was referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Development. EA will keep you informed of its progress through the Senate.
IRS Form 990 Webinar Series: Changes and Implementation
Significant changes have been made to IRS Form 990. Don't miss this chance to hear from experts in the field about changes to the Form 990 and how they impact your organization. NCNA will be presenting a 3-part webinar series on March 6, March 20, and April 3.
Join us and hear from the experts, get answers to your questions, and
- gain insights into what you need to do NOW to better prepare your nonprofit for its 2009 filing,
- receive the most recent guidance from the IRS on your specific questions,
- learn about what small nonprofits are required to file on the new Form 990-N, and
- prepare your organization to file electronically
Put Barber is moderating this series. NCNA has agreed that EA members can attend the 3-part webinar at the member-of-an-NCNA- recognized-state-association rate. When you register enter coupon code saone at checkout to save on one webinar or saseries to save on the entire series.
Each webinar will cost $35 or you can take part in the entire series for $90. Space is limited, register today!
Nancy L. Belcher, MPA, Ph.D.
Public Policy Manager
Nonprofit Community Events and News
Friends of Thrive by Five
As many of you know, Thrive by Five and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have been working with the White Center community to develop a comprehensive set of early learning supports and services to help children and families. The White Center community has worked tirelessly for the past 18 months to create a plan to address the early learning needs of their highly diverse population.
We are delighted to share with you today’s funding announcement which will significantly enhance quality early learning opportunities for children ages birth to 5 in this south King County neighborhood. The White Center Early Learning Initiative – which is funded by Thrive by Five Washington, a champion for early learning improvement, and the Gates Foundation – will provide parents and caregivers with education and support to help ensure that all children in the community begin school ready to succeed.
Specifically, two grants will provide $4.7 million in comprehensive services and $7 million for construction of an early learning hub for the community. Funding for services will support the development of a continuum of programs aimed at children from birth to 5, their parents and caregivers. It will also enhance the learning environments of licensed child care centers, preschools and family child care homes in the White Center and Boulevard Park neighborhoods. A new early learning center will serve as a headquarters for education and outreach services in the community.
White Center is one of two communities selected to design a comprehensive early learning network. Plans for a similar partnership in East Yakima will be announced later this spring.
This is a much anticipated milestone for all of us at Thrive, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this effort.
Cash Flow, the Right Balance is Critical
Date: Wednesday, March 5th
Time:
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fee:$40 checks only
Location:
Seattle Public Library 1000 - 4th Ave
RSVP: sarah.booth@therightbank.com
Refreshments will be provided
For the nonprofit executive - please attend our upcoming seminar "Cash Flow Solutions for Nonprofit Organizations." Presented by Richard& Anna Linzer, Linzer Consulting. Each attendee will receive a copy of Richard & Anna's Book "The Cash Flow Solution."
Jefferson Awards
Date: Tuesday, March 25th
Time: 12:00 to 1:45 pm
Fee: $45 per person
Location:
Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle
For more information and registration click here.
Each year CityClub and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer join to recognize the year’s five Jefferson Awards winners. Past winners, nominees and other community members come together to honor these remarkable citizens and their outstanding contributions at this event. The Jefferson Awards began in 1972 when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Senator Robert Taft Jr. founded the award as a Nobel Prize for public service.
The Cascade Center for Public Service and Leadership at the Evans School of Public Affairs
*EA Member Benefit
For information and registration on offered courses click here. Executive Alliance Members benefit from a 10% discount on all courses except the Executive Management Program and the Pacific Northwest Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute. The Executive Alliance Members discount code for FY 2007-2008 is: 0809EA. There is a line on the online and paper registration forms under billing information that says “group discount code” – all EA members need to put the EA code in that line and it will trigger our registration system to give a discount.
Series Courses March-April
Strategic Marketing in the Public Sector
March 17-19, 2008
Nancy Lee, MBA
Policy and Politics of Budgeting
March 24-28, 2008
Arnold Howitt, Ph.D. and Dwight Dively, Ph.C.
NEW!! Coaching: Performance Improvement for Individuals and Teams
April 7-8, 2008
Carlie Casey, Ph.D. and Kim Loop, BFA
NEW!! Mapping, Planning, and Action: A Framework for Strategy
April 24-25, 2008
Diana Gale, Ph.D. and David Harrison, MPA
Effective Management in a Political Environment
April 28-May 2 Diana Gale, Ph.D., David Harrison, MPA and Larisa Benson, MPA
The VAN Annual Conference for Leaders of Volunteers
The Volunteer Administrators Network Presents:Reinventing Volunteerism
Date: Friday, March 28th
Time: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Location: North Seattle Community College.
Fees: VAN Members: $60/Non-Members: $85
________________________________________
Keynote Presentation:
REINVENTING VOLUNTEERISM:
From Scarcity, Sacrifice and Burn-out to
Inspiration, Empowerment, Miracles and Celebration with Jim Bergquist
Many volunteer organizations often find themselves stuck in a cultural condition of scarcity; not enough money, not enough time, not enough volunteers, not enough appreciation, not enough of myself? And it isn't just thinking that things are scarce but actually thinking from a general transparent cultural condition of scarcity. Being able to see this and experience it for your self allows for the creation of new possibilities.
Discover your power to lead/empower volunteers to go beyond what they thought was possible; to make a profound difference in the lives of others and for all of you to go home with an experience of deep fulfillment and satisfaction.
Jim Bergquist coached the now world famous "Pike Place Fish Market" in developing an empowering company culture and in fulfilling their vision to be "world famous in a way that makes a difference for people."
Jim specializes in helping leaders unleash employee creativity and generate organizational breakthroughs. His approach, which is based on inspiration and empowerment, gives volunteer leaders an innovative set of tools to use in their volunteer programming and management.
Other topics include:
- The Millenials and the Future of Civic Engagement
- New Volunteer Trends
- Your Volunteer Program and Advocating for Change
- High Impact Volunteers including Baby Boomers
- Training Your Staff to Manage Volunteers
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Volunteer Appreciation Strategies
- Episodic Volunteers
- AmeriCorps different programs and processes
________________________________________
Conference Registration Fees include:
- Keynote presentation and workshop with Jim Bergquist
- All presentations and workshops
- Lunch, beverages, and refreshments
Register Today!
Please join us for another fantastic day of workshops, presentations, and professional development opportunities for volunteer leaders and administrators. We look forward to seeing you there!
Congress Approves Loan Forgiveness Program for Nonprofit Employees
A student loan forgiveness program for nonprofit employees is now a reality! On September 7, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a college tuition assistance bill that establishes a student loan forgiveness program for public service employees, including people who work at nonprofits for 10 years. The votes came two days after a Congressional conference committee, which included Sen. Richard Burr and Rep. Virginia Foxx of N.C., met to work out differences in the House and Senate versions of a college tuition assistance bill. President Bush signed the legislation into law on September 27.
This legislation is an important victory for the nonprofit sector, because it will make nonprofit jobs a more attractive option for talented young college graduates! It also may provide a measure of loan forgiveness to some current nonprofit employees.
The N.C. Center for Nonprofits strongly supports the student loan forgiveness program that the conference committee approved. This summer, the Center sent letters to Sen. Burr, Rep. Foxx, and Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, the sponsor of the Senate student aid bill, explaining how the loan forgiveness program will benefit the nonprofit sector.
Effective Date
The loan forgiveness program is effective for student loan payments made after October 1, 2007. Nonprofit employees will be eligible for loan forgiveness after making 120 monthly payments after this date, while employed by nonprofits or in other public sector jobs. This means that the nonprofit employees will be eligible for loan forgiveness beginning in October 2017.
Eligible Student Loans
Eligible student loans include Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Federal Direct Consolidation Loans. In addition to Section 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public service jobs eligible for loan forgiveness including positions in government, the military, public education, emergency management, law enforcement, public health, social work, and public library service.
How Loan Forgiveness Works
Loan forgiveness means that the federal government will cancel all student loan debt that remains after 10 years of public service. Loan forgiveness does not include reimbursement for any loan payments that have already been made, including payments made during the 10 years of public service. Borrowers eligible for loan forgiveness do not receive a check from the federal government for the outstanding loan balance, but rather this debt is cancelled.
Applicability to Existing Student Loans
Current nonprofit employees who are making student loan payments may be eligible for forgiveness of their existing student loans. To be eligible, these employees would need to make 120 payments on their student loans after October 1, 2007 while they are employed by a nonprofit or in another public service job. Here's an example of how this can work:
- Sally Student graduated from college in 2002 with a 30-year federal student loan, meaning she is scheduled to make 360 monthly payments between 2002 and 2032.
- Sally began working for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2002 and has continued to work there for the last five years.
- Sally has been making monthly payments on her student loan over the past five years and is not in default on this loan.
- Beginning October 1, 2007, Sally's monthly student loan payments may count toward the 120 payments needed as a prerequisite for loan forgiveness.
- Consequently, if Sally continues working for a nonprofit – or in another public service job – for the next 10 years, while continuing to make her monthly student loan payments, her outstanding student loan balance would be cancelled effective October 2017.
Process for Opting into this Loan Forgiveness Program – To Be Determined
The U.S. Department of Education has not yet announced the process for eligible borrowers to opt into this loan forgiveness program, but we expect the negotiated rulemaking process to be completed by Spring 2008.The Department of Education's rules will likely address several key issues for nonprofit employees, including: (1) regulatory consistency with the statutory definition of public service employment, which includes jobs with 501(c)(3) nonprofits; (2) protection of loan forgiveness rights after marriage; (3) clarity on whether all lenders must offer these loan forgiveness terms; and (4) provision for an effective process for notifying borrowers in public service jobs of how to consolidate their existing student loans into this loan forgiveness program. We'll keep you posted on further developments as these regulations are developed.
Background of this Law
In July, the U.S. Senate passed the College Cost Reduction Act (H.R. 2669), which establishes a student loan forgiveness program for public services employees. Unlike the House version, the Senate bill didn't include jobs with Section 501(c)(3) nonprofits among the types of "public service" positions qualifying for loan forgiveness. The House version made employees eligible for forgiveness of federal student loans after 10 years of service with 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This program would make nonprofit careers a more feasible and attractive option for many college graduates with student loan debt. The conference committee approved the House version of this provision, and this version was included in the final legislation passed by Congress.
Other Provisions of the Legislation
The College Cost Reduction Act has been described by the House Education and Labor Committee as "the single largest increase in college aid since the GI Bill." In addition to creating the student loan forgiveness program, the legislation includes several other provisions designed to make higher education more affordable. These measures include:
- Reducing interest rates on subsidized student loans.
- Limiting student loan payments based upon borrowers' income.
- Increasing the maximum Pell Grant award and expanding eligibility for the Pell Grant.
- Creating a tuition assistance program for undergraduate students committed to teaching in low-income public schools.
- Establishing matching challenge grants for states and certain educational nonprofits for activities targeted to making higher education more accessible for low-income students and first-generation college students.
Executive Director CEO & C-Level Positions
Arts Ed Washington Communications and Membership Manager
For a detailed position profile click here. Electronic Submissions Only. Please send a cover letter, resume, references and three writing/publication samples to: Una McAlinden, Executive Director, info@artsedwashington.org The position will remain open until filled.
Please, no phone calls.
Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC) Executive Director
For a detailed position profile click here. Submit a resume and cover letter to Barbara Green at Barbara@bbtc.org. Must be received by February 24, 2008.
College Access Now Executive Director
College Access Now seeks an Executive Director to lead an respected and growing college admissions program for economically disadvantaged high school students in Seattle. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. In order to receive full consideration, however, candidates are urged to submit their materials before February 29, 2008. For a detailed position profile, click here.
Earthcorps Director of Finance and Communication
For a detailed position profile click here. Please submit resume and cover letter via email to financedirector@earthcorps.org. Preference will be given to applicants who apply by 2/29/08. The position is open until filled.
Hilltop Children's Center Executive Director
For a detailed position profile click here. Submit a resume and cover letter to yazmin@hilltopcc.org or via regular mail to Yazmin Mehdi, c/o Hilltop Children's Center, 2400 8th Ave W, Seattle WA 98119. Open until filled.
Neighborhood Free Medical Clinic Executive Director, Lacey
For a detailed position profile, click here. Submit a resume and cover letter to office@nfreemc.org or via regular mail to Sheila Graham, c/o
Neighborhood Free Medical Clinic, 3045A Carpenter Road, Lacey, WA 98503
Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau Executive Director
For a detailed position profile click here. To nominate a candidate or apply, please contact: Dave Osmer, Hagel & Company, Phone: 425-643-4223, Email:dave@hagel.net.
University Heights Community Center Association Executive Director
For a detailed position profile click here. Please send resume with cover letter and salary requirements with attention: ED Position, University Heights Center, 5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105-4341 or email to director@uhcca.org. Position open until filled. UHCCA is an equal-opportunity employer.
Washington State Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP)
Interim Associate Director
For a detailed position profile click here. Please submit an application packet containing: cover letter, resume, and release of information to WCSAP as soon as possible to 4317 6th Ave SE, #102, Olympia, WA, 98503. This position will remain open until filled.
Washington State PTA Executive Director
For a detailed position profile click here. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume as soon as possible via email in M/S Word format to Dave Osmer, Hagel & Company, at dave@hagel.net. Full consideration is assured if letters and resumes are received by 8:00 a.m. PST, January 8, 2008. All submissions will be held in strict confidence and will be acknowledged. It is anticipated that final interviews for the position will be conducted in late February, 2008 in Tacoma, WA, with the hiring decision being made shortly thereafter.
New Futures Executive Director
Applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest to Susana Schuarzberg, susanas@newfutures.us, who will coordinate this process for the Selection Committee. Email applications are preferred, but candidates may also mail materials to PO Box 66958, Burien, WA, 98166. Confidential questions about this position may be addressed to Ruth Dickey, ruthd@newfutures.us, 206-248-9647 x15. Resumes and letters of interest for this position should be submitted by April 11, 2008.
New Futures is an Equal Opportunity Employer that highly values workplace diversity, and strongly encourages diverse applicants.
For inclusion of a listing please contact Executive Alliance at
206-328-3836 or e-mail us at info@exec-alliance.org. Please contact us when a position has been filled. We will include the announcement for two member update cycles.
Thank You!
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