Earlier this month, YNPN chapters from across the country convened in Chicago for the 2019 National Conference, presented by University of Chicago Booth School of Business Civic Scholars Program. This three-day gathering brought chapter leaders together to learn with and from one another through educational sessions, presentations, and group discussions, or “UnSessions.”

First of all, what is an Employee Resource Group (ERG)? If you have spent most of your career in the nonprofit sector, chances are you probably haven’t come across ERGs at your workplace (sometimes called Affinity Groups or Business Resource Groups). ERGs bring together employees with shared characteristics or life experiences, often times from underrepresented groups, and help employees advocate for the groups they represent and gain leadership experience.

Guest blogger Laura Rothenberg Campbell, LCSW, of LIFT-Chicago shares her experience with using gratitude practice in not only her personal life, but also the workplace.

Have you wondered what it would be like to serve on the YNPN Chicago Executive Board? Perhaps you’re interested but still have a few hesitations. Or maybe you’re wondering what you’ll gain from this experience. That’s why we’re sharing the top five reasons to apply for YNPN Chicago’s Executive Board. What better way to decide if you should apply than by hearing from current board members about their experience?

Guest blogger Alexis Allegra of Allegra Consulting shares more information on phrases and buzzwords that are thrown around the nonprofit sector. 

On Tuesday, February 26th, Chicago will be electing a new Mayor, 50 Aldermen, and a new city Treasurer.

The decisions made at City Hall have a profound effect on our organizations and the people that we serve.The Mayor appoints the Board of Education, who govern Chicago Public Schools. They propose a budget and makes decisions about allocations of city resources. Aldermen propose legislation, vote on the budget, approval of mayoral appointees.

We’ve done our best to compile a list of resources and links to some non-profit organizations doing great work around voter education and amplifying the voices of the nonprofit sector.

At the end of last year, we asked what you learned in 2018, and our community rendered some insightful responses that we all can take with us into 2019. Thanks to everyone who replied, and good luck to all on a fantastic new year!

YNPN Chicago is always on the lookout for the latest in professional development and career advancement opportunities. Recently, we were notified by staff of the Kellogg School of Management of the creation of the Nonprofit Management Essentials. We reached out to Amy Stewart Smith to learn more, and tried some NME courses for ourselves.

If you've never heard of donor-advised funds (DAF), check out my blog post entitled Donor-Advised Funds 101, which goes over the concept of DAF and how donors use these funds to make gifts to non-profit organizations.

This post will take a look at how these funds have grown over the past year. They are becoming an increasingly popular giving vehicle, and their growth shows no signs of stopping.

The figures used in this post are from the National Philanthropic Trust’s 2018 DAF Report unless otherwise cited.

Still haven't gotten your tickets for Holiday Social at Revolution Brewing? We've got 10 great reasons for you to attend next Tuesday, November 27 from 6-9 p.m.