By Ruthellen S. Rubin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Damiano, Director of Professional Development
The Support Center for Nonprofit Management
Tel: 212-924-6744, extension 302
Fax: 212-924-9544
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.supportcenteronline.org
Press Contact: Ruthellen Rubin, 215-378-6698, Email: [email protected]
PSEG Partners with Nonprofit Leaders to Discuss Challenges Ahead
February 23, 2009, Newark, NJ – PSEG recently joined with The Support Center for Nonprofit Management to present a networking breakfast for nonprofit leaders held at the PSEG headquarters in Newark. Over 100 nonprofit professionals participated in the program, entitled: Leadership Engagement in the Nonprofit Sector: New Thinking in Challenging Times.
Jennifer Coyne welcomed the crowd of nonprofit leaders on behalf of PSEG. Don Crocker, CEO of the Support Center, introduced David Grant, President and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, who set the tone for the day in his keynote address as he spoke of the “…indomitable nonprofit spirit that helps our sector look at these challenging times as an opportunity.”
Mr. Grant went on to moderate a panel discussion on the new thinking in the nonprofit sector. Participants were: Lawrence P. Goldman, President and CEO of NJ Performing Arts Center; Heather Calverase, Executive Director of Teach for America – Newark; Keith Green, President & CEO, United Way of Essex and West Hudson; and Robin Dougherty, Executive Director, Greater Newark Conservancy. Grant pointed out that the panelists, representing the arts, the environment, education and collaboration, represent four critical points in a sustainable society.
Ms. Calverase spoke of the changes sweeping the country, “There is a sea change going on in social awareness. Our country is moving in a good direction and people want to make an impact.”
When asked how citizens could get engaged in her good work at the Greater Newark Conservancy, Robin Dougherty said, “College students who do not have jobs call me for advice. I tell them to volunteer in the nonprofit sector. Half of our staff started with our organization as volunteers.”
This networking event was the kickoff for the 2009 PSEG Workshop Series, offering five capacity-building trainings for nonprofit professionals. These cutting edge one-day workshops are designed to help nonprofit professionals hone their skills and strengthen their organizations.
“The partnership with PSE&G enables us to reach a broad spectrum of organizations and subsidize small nonprofits that otherwise might not be able to afford this training for their professionals. We are proud to be part of this initiative, which is critical to building the next generation of nonprofit leaders,” said Calvin Thomas, Director of Training for the Support Center for Nonprofit Management in New Jersey. The Support Center works with nonprofit organizations and their leaders throughout the tri-state area to increase the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector so they can better serve their communities.
PSE&G’s Corporate Contributions program supports nonprofit proposals that address its three funding priorities: education, community and economic development, and the environment. “We currently fund programs for hundreds of nonprofits in New Jersey,” said John R. Smith, President – PSEG Foundation. “It is exciting to take the next step to raise the bar by funding trainings that help build the capacity of organizations responsible for such critical programming.”
Space is still available for the following workshops: “The Non-Financial Manager’s Guide to Financial Statements” on March 11th, “Writing Winning Proposals” on April 8th and “Building Bench Strength and Preparing for Emergency Transitions” on April 29th. Workshops are held at PSE&G’s Training and Development Center in Edison. In addition, “Building Supervisory Relations” will be held on May 22nd at PSEG headquarters in Newark. Visit the Support Center’s website at www.supportcenteronline.org for full details and to register.
About the Support Center for Nonprofit Management
The Support Center is dedicated to improving our society by increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the nonprofit sector. Our services and resources are designed to strengthen nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, so that they can better serve their communities and have greater outcomes. We work to help leaders develop practical knowledge and build productive relationships.
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