NACG Conference Center
Thursday, July 2, 2009

Growth Through Diversity
National Workplace Giving Training Conference
January 20 – 23, 2005
Alexis Park Resort
Las Vegas, Nevada

Schedule Overview | Registration | Hotel Accommodations | Training Conference Agenda
Thursday | Friday | Saturday | NACG Benefit Auction | Sunday
Trainers and Presenters

Look Who's Coming       Things to Do in Vegas      Transportation Options

Sponsors & Exhibitors

NACG wishes to thank the following conference sponsors and exhibitors:

Summary

The National Alliance for Choice in Giving is a membership association of local, state, and national workplace giving federations and funds that raise awareness and vital dollars for community development, environmental protection, human health, human rights, international relief, and much more. NACG works with and for its members to enrich, expand, and uplift employee-based philanthropy across North America.

Twice each year, NACG organizes a national training and networking conference open to the staff and volunteer leaders of workplace giving organizations, employers, funders, and all others interested in the development and enhancement of employee giving. NACG membership is not required to attend, however registration fees are higher for non-members.

These gatherings promote professional development, collaboration, dissemination of research and best practices, understanding of emerging technologies, and ongoing analysis of the forces influencing the workplace giving marketplace as it moves into the 21st century.

Please join us January 20-23, 2005 in Las Vegas. Our conference theme, “Growth Through Diversity,” speaks to the myriad ways in which our field benefits from and promotes diversity. As a diverse community of organizations offering giving opportunities to an increasingly diverse workforce, we work together to be consistently responsive to the shifting needs and demands of our constituents. If you have questions about the conference that are not answered here, give us a call at 207-761-1110 or send us an e-mail.

Schedule Overview

Preliminary Meetings

Wednesday, January 19: NACG Board Meeting and Board Dinner, 1:00pm – 9:00pm

Thursday, January 20 Federation Meetings (Community Shares USA, Community Health Charities, Earth Share and others that would like meeting space) 9:00am – 5:00pm

Training Conference

Thursday, January 20 Welcome Reception and Dinner, 6:00pm

Friday, January 21 Training Conference 8:30am – 7:00pm

Saturday, January 22 Training Conference 8:30 – 5:00pm
Saturday, January 22 NACG Benefit Auction, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Sunday, January 23 Wrap-up breakfast, 8:00am – 10:00am

Registration

• Register online
• Download Registration Form
• Download CHC Affiliates Business Meeting Registration Form - (registration deadline 1/7/05)

NACG Conference Deadline is Friday, January 7, 2005

NACG Board Meeting Only: $80 (Wednesday: breakfast, lunch, dinner & breaks)

NACG Board Meeting and all conference programs: $400 (includes all meals and breaks Wednesday through Sunday breakfast except Friday dinner)

Federation Meeting Only: $70 (Thursday: breakfast, lunch and breaks)

Federation Meeting and Welcome Reception & Dinner: $100 (Thursday: breakfast, lunch, dinner and breaks)

Federation Meetings and all conference programs: $375 (includes all meals and breaks Thursday through Sunday breakfast except Friday dinner)

NACG Member Training Registration: $300 (Thursday: dinner; Friday: breakfast, lunch and breaks; Saturday: all meals & break; Sunday: breakfast)

Non-Member Training Registration: $425 (Thursday: dinner; Friday: breakfast, lunch and breaks; Saturday: all meals & break; Sunday: breakfast)

Guest tickets for NACG Benefit Action and Dinner on Saturday night: $30

Conference Hotel

We will be at the Alexis Park Resort (opens a new window) in downtown Las Vegas. Rooms are $85 single/ double. Call 1-800-582-2228 to make reservations; ask for the NACG rate. Room rate guaranteed only through 1/7/05.

View Transportation options from McCarran Airport to Alexis Park Resort.

Training Conference Agenda
(subject to change)

There will be three training tracks on Friday, January 21 and two tracks on Saturday, January 22.

Training Track Codes

CD = Campaign Development
CG = Campaign Growth
FM = Federation Management
SE = Senior Executive

Thursday, January 20

6:00pm

“Everything on the Table” - National Networking Dinner & Welcome Reception

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the origin, mission, and geographic scope of your workplace giving partners
• Hear about their top priorities, current strategies, and long-term goals
• Consider new directions for local and national collaboration

Learn more about your local and national partners through brief presentations prior to dinner. Information will be provided about key issue areas, their history, geographic reach and how they are dealing with “hot button” topics such as direct pay and e-campaigns.

Friday, January 21

7:30 Breakfast Served

Breakfast Roundtables

Sometimes the best way to learn is from each other. Topics will include: "Community Building: How to get your member agencies more invested in your federation," "Direct Pay,"and "Avoiding Burnout: Effective strategies for self-preservation." Your facilitator will guide the group through a discussion designed to expand your horizons and connect you with your peers.

Facilitators:

• Community Building: LeAnne Moss, Executive Director, Women's Funding Alliance, Seattle

• Direct Pay: Deb Furry, Board Member, Earth Share

• Avoiding Burnout: Karen Campbell, Executive Committee, Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee

8:30 a.m. Opening Plenary:

Diversity Management and Workplace Giving at MGM Mirage

Learning Objectives:
• Understand how and why one company has developed a diversity management program
• Understand the relationship between MGM Mirage’s diversity management program and their workplace giving program
• Explore the ways in which our organizations offer value to corporate diversity management programs

Session Description:

Since July 2002, more than 4,000 managers throughout the MGM Mirage company have been trained as Diversity Champions. Managers have a mission to educate the workforce at MGM Mirage's 12 casino resorts about diversity. Last spring the Voice Foundation, created by MGM Mirage, kicked off its first donation drive in Southern Nevada, taking in nearly $2 million -- not through corporate sponsorships, but from donations by its own work force. Those contributions were allocated to local charities-- agencies chosen not by MGM's board of directors but by a council of company employees. Representatives from MGM Mirage will discuss the origins and implementation of the company's nationally recognized diversity management and workplace giving programs.

Presenters:

•  Punam Mathur, Senior Vice President, Corporate Diversity and Community Affairs, MGM Mirage

•  Christina Feldman, Director of Corporate Philanthropy MGM Mirage

Moderator: Matt Howe, Executive Director, NACG

10:00 BREAK

10:30am – Noon Sessions

CD Community Organizing for New Campaigns

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the basic principles of community organizing
• Understand how these principles can be applied to the development of new campaigns

Session Description:
Learn from NACG members that focus on community organizing as a basis of their work to break through the barriers in private sector workplaces. This session will include a discussion of the basic concepts behind using your existing contacts to find friends and influence decision-makers.

Presenters:

•  Peggy Mathews, President, Mathews Consulting

•  Cheri Dubiel, Development Director, Community Shares of Wisconsin

•  Shelley Wascom, Executive Director, Community Shares of Tennessee

Moderator: Jennifer Henderson, President & Founder, Strategic Interventions

CG Going Electronic – Employers Tell Their Stories
                                                             - sponsored by:
                                                           
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the internal challenges employers face when making the transition from paper
to e-campaigns
• Become confident and conversant when speaking with employers about e-campaign implementation

Session Description:
This session will feature case studies from employers that have instituted e-giving campaigns. Learn about the decision-making process these employers used to select their e-campaign technology and their lessons learned along the way.

Presenters:

•  Christina Feldman, Director of Corporate Philanthropy MGM Mirage

•  Peggy Paul, Consultant, former corporate philanthropy executive, GMAC
 

Moderator: Miranda Beebe, Vice President Campaign Development, Community Health Charities

12:00 LUNCH

1:30 – 3:00pm Sessions

CD Pitch Like a Pro: Utilize Corporate Sales/Marketing Tools that Sharpen the Chances for Opening Campaigns

Learning Objectives:

•  Understand the process, activities and accountability tools used by professional corporate sales/marketing people to close new accounts

•  Make these tools your own and apply them to campaign prospecting and ‘make it happen'

Session Description:

A fast-paced, in your face, 90-minute session using successful corporate sales/marketing tools in workplace campaign development. Use your prospects; get strategic objectives, timelines and evaluation for each one. This interactive session will include role-playing, peer commitment and action steps in getting off dead center.

Presenter:

•  Bill Brackett, former senior manager (30 years) in corporate sales and marketing; ace volunteer, Community Shares of Colorado

CG The 365 Day Campaign

Learning Objectives:
• Understand a variety of strategies and tactics to use throughout the year to cultivate loyalty and support from workplace coordinators and workplace donors
• Consider how practices from other federations and funds can be incorporated into your year-round plan
• Explore how to adjust the process when dealing with spring campaigns

Session Description:

Learn how the campaign process is a year-round affair: developing relationships, maintaining visibility, and adopting more efficient internal procedures, from representatives of Community Health Charities, Earth Share, and Community Shares. Topics will include an overview of year ‘round campaign activities; preparing and implementing a campaign plan and timeline; handling spring campaigns, and training staff, board members, and volunteers.

Presenters:

•  Elicia Fritsch; Campaign Director, Earth Share of Georgia

•  Beverly Feinstein, Middle Tennessee Director, Community Shares of Tennessee

•  Mary DeGroot, President, Community Health Charities of Colorado

Moderator: Edie Muehlberger, Co-Director, Earth Share of Texas

SE Senior Executive Forums (Part I) [Registration Closed]

Learning Objectives:
• Understand key issues facing other senior executives
• Develop strategies to address situations unique to long-time leaders of workplace giving federations

Session Description:
Less formal round table discussions and peer-to-peer strategizing for experienced leaders of maturing federations. Potential topics include:
• Advanced campaign development strategies
• How to grow your federation well
• Avoiding burnout – strategies that help

Facilitator: Peggy Mathews, President, Mathews Consulting

CG E-Campaign Vendor Demonstrations

In addition to open exhibit time throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, leading electronic campaign vendors will hold more formal and complete product demonstrations. This will be an excellent opportunity for conference attendees to received detailed information about these products.  

1:15 pm – 2:00 pm America 's Charities Pledge First!

3:00 BREAK

3:30 – 5:00pm Sessions

CD Train the Trainer: How to Get Your Board Motivated for New Campaign Development

Learning Objectives:
• Learn how to train your board members and other community volunteers on opening new campaigns
• Find out how you can help others overcome common fears and reluctance to full engagement in the campaign development process

Session Description:
Learn about the psychology of persuasion and how to train others to overcome their fears. Participants will be provided with tips and tricks for motivating volunteers to overcome the initial “no’s” and see campaign development as a process rather than a single conversation.

Presenter:

Jennifer Henderson, President & Founder, Strategic Interventions

CG Beyond Payroll Deduction: Raising Campaign Dollars In and Outside the Workplace Through Other Means

Learning Objectives:
• Understand non-traditional means of raising campaign funds including the use of on-line giving, credit cards, and electronic banking
• Understand how to attract non-workplace donors including retirees, self employed, and other individuals interested in contributing to your campaign

Session Description:
Grow your campaign through means other than traditional workplace payroll deduction including mechanisms for moving money (on-line, credit cards, electronic banking) for non-workplace targets (retirees, self-employed, other individuals). This session will define these methodologies and provide strategies to tap into these non-traditional approaches.

Presenters:

•  Tara Friedman, Development Director, Community Shares of Colorado

•  Jim Bliss, Executive Director, Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati

•  Casey Herbst, President, Community Health Charities of California

SE Senior Executive Forums (Part II) [Registration Closed]
(continuation of Part I described above)

CG E-Campaign Vendor Demonstrations

In addition to open exhibit time throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, leading electronic campaign vendors will hold more formal and complete product demonstrations. This will be an excellent opportunity for conference attendees to received detailed information about these products.  

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm Helix DP

4:00 pm – 4:45 pm ABCD E- Pledge

5:00pm – 7:00pm

E-Campaign Vendor Reception with hors d'oeuvres and cash bar

Representatives of e-campaign service providing organizations will highlight the features of their products and share their perspectives on trends in the marketplace.

Participants:

Moderator:  Miranda Beebe , Community Health Charities

•  Debbie Snyder, Kintera, Inc.

•  Real Bedard, Helix DP – ANDAR

•  Rick Gondella , America 's Charities – PledgeFirst!

•  Lisa Doucett , Action for Boston Community Development E-Pledge

DINNER ON YOUR OWN

Saturday January 22

7:30 Breakfast Served

Breakfast Roundtables

Small, facilitated group discussions will be offered based on the response to Friday's roundtables as well as issues that arise during the Friday training sessions. Keep an eye out for details as you enter the room for breakfast.  

8:30 NACG Membership Meeting (all attendees welcome; voting rights only for NACG members)

• Report from the NACG Board on board meetings held January 19
• Review of NACG resources available to all members
• Proposed electronic campaign protocol
• Discussion and vote on NACG standards of public accountability checklist and standards revisions

10:00 BREAK

10:30 Plenary: Changes at the Top - The Meaning Behind the Makeovers

Learning Objectives:
• Become acquainted with recent strategic shifts and the latest tactics of the market leader
• Hear perspectives on what these changes mean for the workplace campaigns of the future
• Consider the implications of these changes for our local and national strategies

Session Description:
This session will focus on recent structural change and strategic shifts by the workplace giving industry leader. A panel of experts will provide insight into the reasons for these changes and what they mean for the rest of the marketplace.

Presenters:

•  Kevin Ronnie, Director of Field Operations, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

•  Tony De Cristofaro, Executive Director, Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area

• Annece Cross, National Relationships Manager, American Red Cross

Moderator: Max Woodfin, Executive Director, Earth Share of Texas

12:00 Luncheon Plenary:

The CFC: The Next Ten Years

Speaker: Mara Patermaster, Director of CFC Operations, Office of Personnel Management

Ms. Patermaster will provide an update on the 2004 campaign and the status of proposed regulatory changes, along with an in-depth look at future directions for the CFC with respect to technological innovation and structural change.  A question and answer period will follow her remarks.

1:30 – 3:00pm Sessions

CG Campaign Management Roundtable: Lessons from the New Wave of Competition

Learning Objectives:
• Find out who is managing combined campaigns and how they can help you
• Understand the issues considered by these organizations as they were deciding to pursue public sector campaign management contracts
• Participate in frank dialogue about the benefits and costs of mobilizing to win and fulfill the terms of these contracts
• Evaluate the campaign management movement and assess where we should individually and collectively go from here

Session Description:
In this session we will discuss the lessons learned by federations and funds that have successfully unseated the incumbents as public sector campaign managers. Was it worth it? If so, what are the measures of success? Are these organizations continuing to pursue more contracts? Should you? How can we work together to identify and win the right contracts?

Presenters:

•  Karen White President, Community Health Charities of Washington State

•  Marsha Frey, Executive director, Community Solutions Fund

•  Edie Muehlberger, Co-Director, Earth Share of Texas

•  Lisa Doucett, Special Projects Coordinator, Action for Boston Community Development

Moderator: Tony De Cristofaro, Executive Director, Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area

FM Federation Value: Putting it into Practice

Learning Objectives:
• Understand what specific programs are being offered by workplace giving federations and funds that are adding value in the eyes of the employers, employees, member organizations, and local communities
• Understand what resources are available to help develop similar programs for your federation or fund

Session Description:
Using NACG’s newly revised “Roles of Federations” document as a reference point, we’ll discuss how to introduce programs that add further value to the federation model. Programs to be discussed include “Lunch & Learn,” volunteer management, and other educational and community-based plans and national initiatives developed by NACG members and other workplace giving organizations. Included will be tips for managing and marketing these programs efficiently.

Presenters:

•  Don Sodo, President & CEO, America 's Charities

•  Coralie Curran, Project Coordinator, Community Health Charities of Maine

•  Bill Borden, Executive Director, Earth Share of Washington

Moderator: Cathy Brunicardi, Global Impact

CG E-Campaign Vendor Demonstrations

In addition to open exhibit time throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, leading electronic campaign vendors will hold more formal and complete product demonstrations. This will be an excellent opportunity for conference attendees to received detailed information about these products.

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Donar

3:00 BREAK

3:30 – 5:00pm Sessions

CG  Office Hours with OPM 

Following up her luncheon address, Office of CFC Operations Director Mara Patermaster will be on hand for informal group discussion with conference participants regarding CFC issues of both specific and general concern.  

Presenter: Mara Patermaster, Director of CFC Operations, Office of Personnel Management

FM Federation Structure: If We Knew Then What We Know Now

Learning Objectives:
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of current federation and fund structures
• Understand how current and planned programs may dictate revisions in how federations are structured
• Understand the next steps toward assessment and change

Session Description:
If we could start all over again today, what would our federations or funds look like? In light of expanding programs that add value to the federation model, are we optimally structured to meet the challenges ahead? This panel discussion will help participants think outside the box as they assess the need for and undertake structural changes to their federation.

Presenters:

•  Nondas Hurst Voll, Executive Director, Fund for Community Progress

•  Greg Truog, Executive Director, Community Shares USA

•  Jim Swanstrom, President & CEO, Community Health Charities of Iowa

•  Paul Bingle, Executive Director, Earth Share of Ohio

Moderator: Karen Campbell, Executive Committee, Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee

6:00pm – 9:00pm

NACG Benefit Auction & Dinner

Open to all registered attendees. Additional tickets $30. Your donations of goods and services are greatly appreciated!

Sunday January 23

8:00am – 10:00am Wrap-Up Breakfast

Save the Dates! June 16-19, 2005

NACG Summer Training Institute
Portland, Oregon

The stage is set for the 2005 Summer Training Institute in beautiful Portland, Oregon. The NACG Executive Committee has approved the staff's recommendation to hold the conference slated for June 16-19, 2005 at the historic Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Portland. This elegant yet affordable ($99 room rate) hotel is in the heart of the city close to public transportation, shopping, and many fine restaurants. The conference follows the height of the renowned Portland Rose Festival which features events throughout the month of June.

The Portland Host Committee, which includes Trudy Toliver (Earth Share of Oregon), Cindy Thompson (Children's Trust Fund of Oregon Foundation), and Amina Anderson (Black United Fund of Oregon) provided guidance on hotel selection and will be instrumental in helping to plan a rewarding experience for conference attendees. We thank them for their efforts and look forward to a great turnout in Portland.

Look for a preliminary conference curriculum at www.choiceingiving.org by March 1, 2005.

The mission of NACG is to serve as a voice for charitable choice in the workplace and to increase the capacity of workplace giving federations and funds that are working to improve the human condition and protect the environment. NACG achieves this mission by:

• Providing leadership development, training, and technical assistance for members;
• Disseminating knowledge and best practices about the workplace giving field;
• Promulgating standards of conduct and public accountability for workplace giving organizations;
• Broadening public awareness of workplace giving options and workplace campaign models

Membership in the National Alliance for Choice in Giving is open to all federations and funds that support NACG’s mission and Standards of Conduct for Workplace Giving Organizations. Effective January 1, 2004 NACG, annual dues are $250 for federations and funds raising less than $150,000/year in the workplace; $500 for those raising $150,000 to $2,000,000; and $1,000 for those raising over $2,000,000. For more information on NACG membership and to receive a 2004 membership application, call 207-761-1110 or send us a request using email.

NACG conferences are open to all organizations regardless of NACG membership.