Note: This is the first part of a two-part series

Presenter: Beth Saunders: Founder & Chief Strategist, Beth Saunders Associates

Session Description: Come to a cocktail party style session where you’ll crowd source ideas to strengthen your volunteer program. After a brief introduction to an engagement framework, you’ll mingle and share tips and tricks. We’ll capture your ideas and current challenges through a facilitated group discussion that sets us up for building your unique volunteer engagement strategy. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• To have confidence in the strengths you may not know you have 
• Ideas for new volunteer opportunities created by broadening your definition of volunteerism 
• A new perspective on volunteer retention (it’s not always about doing more!) 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies

Beth Saunders is passionate about making missions happen. Throughout her consulting career, Beth has helped nonprofit leaders connect people and programs to mission and goals. With her MapMoveMeasure™ framework, nonprofits recruit and retain more volunteers, raise more dollars, and develop a more highly engaged Board.

 

Presenter: Kathy DesRoches, EdD 

Co-Presenter: Tara Payne, MBA

Session Description: This session is tailored for volunteers, students, staff, board members, and supporters, providing practical tools and insights to foster a resilient and sustainable organizational culture. In this interactive presentation, we will explore innovative approaches and practical strategies to prevent burnout and promote well-being within human services. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Understanding and Addressing Burnout 
  • Recognizing signs and symptoms of burnout 
  • Developing a culture that acknowledges and addresses mental health 
• Building Resilience at the Organizational Level 
  • Strategies for creating a supportive and empowering work environment 
  • Incorporating mental health and well-being into organizational values and policies 
• Work-Life Integration and Stress Management 
  • Balancing work and personal life for sustained energy and motivation 
  • Practical stress management techniques for individuals and teams 
  • Supporting the professional growth of a diverse workforce 

Topic(s): Personal/Professional Development, Mental Health & Wellness

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors, Other volunteers, Business owners/employees, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

Kathy DesRoches, EdD retired last fall from the University of New Hampshire online. She works as an adjunct at UNH and SNHU in the area of leadership for graduate and undergraduate students.  She currently consults with Avant consulting and training. She is the chair of the planning board in Epsom. She has spent many years as a volunteer in politics, homelessness, and animal rights. She was a founding member of NHVEGFEST and later president. She lives with her husband and dog, Pierre. In her spare time she likes to read, knit, weave, and sketch. 

Tara Payne, MBA serves as the VP of Enrollment Management & Marketing at the UNH College of Professional Studies. She joined the University System after almost two decades of growing the celebrated K-12 college access, private scholarship and loan programs at NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation. Tara is currently serving as vice chair of NH Women in Higher Education and is past-president of the Public Relations Society of America Yankee Chapter and current advisor for Parable Magazine, the publication of the Diocese of Manchester. She is a proud alumna of St. Anselm College.

Presenter: Gaby Sanchez, Community Partnerships Manager, City Year New Hampshire 

Co-Presenter: CJ LaCreta, Development Manager, City Year New Hampshire 

Session Description: Each of us shows up to our work with a different leadership style. The Leadership Compass frames those leadership styles based on the directions of the compass. Attendees of this session will be guided through the Leadership Compass classification process and discover what direction they lead with, where they could develop in leadership, and how their direction fits into the bigger picture of their team. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from those with different directional leadership styles and participate in reflective activities to hone in on their strengths. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Where they fall on the Leadership Compass (in what direction) 
• How they can leverage their specific leadership style into their work 
• Where they may be able to improve in leadership and learn directly from others who share different leadership directions from them 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Organizational Management & Culture, Personal/Professional Development, Leadership Development 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Business owners/employees, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

Gaby Sanchez is both a first-generation American and college graduate from Southern New Hampshire University holding a degree in Healthcare Management. Raised in New Hampshire for the entirety of her life, she remembers the ‘red jackets’ from her elementary school days at Henry Wilson Elementary. As the youngest of 3 siblings of diverse age gaps she learned through their experiences. Her passion for education has led her to use her Human Resources and Recruitment skills to serve the non-profit space by joining City Year, and she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the BIPOC community and advancing children’s education. 

CJ LaCreta has lived in New Hampshire most of his life. CJ was inspired by the courage of his students during his service year, and they emboldened him to pursue a career working at an administrative level to affect positive change within the education system. Following his year of service, CJ pursued and completed a Master of Public Policy degree at the Pepperdine School of Public Policy in Malibu, CA. He leverages this knowledge, as well as his experience in advocacy communications into the Development Manager role. He works to further establish City Year’s presence in the community and engage community leaders to support the City Year mission of equitable education for all.

Presenter: Sarah Andrews, Consultant, Andrews Coaching & Consulting 

Session Description: Unleash the hidden potential of your volunteer base! This interactive workshop will guide you through the process of developing passionate volunteers into powerful ambassadors for your nonprofit. Using a real-world case study, we’ll explore strategies to identify potential ambassadors within your current volunteer base and equip them with the tools and training they need to become effective fundraisers and advocates. Learn how to cultivate a culture of ambassadorship, inspire volunteers to share their passion and personal experiences, and empower them to expand your organization’s reach and impact. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Identifying Ambassador Potential: Learn how to recognize the qualities and characteristics that indicate a volunteer’s potential to become an effective ambassador 
• Cultivating a Culture of Ambassadorship: Discover how to foster an environment that encourages and supports volunteers in their ambassador roles 
• Training and Empowerment: Gain practical insights into providing volunteers with the training, resources, and ongoing support they need to succeed as ambassadors 
• Storytelling and Communication: Understand the power of storytelling and effective communication in empowering volunteers to share their passion to steward supporters and inspire others to join your cause 
• Fundraising and Outreach Strategies: Explore specific strategies and tactics that volunteer ambassadors can use to help with fundraising, supporter outreach, and community engagement 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Fundraising, Community & Partnership, Personal/Professional Development 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers 

Sarah Andrews has 20+ years of nonprofit senior management and development experience in human services and higher education. In addition to her extensive fundraising experience, her work focuses on building profitable partnerships, organizational capacity building, annual and capital campaigns, engagement and stewardship programs, strategic growth planning, sponsorship and promotions, grant writing, and major giving programs. Sarah has successfully worked with many nonprofit organizations in growing and strengthening their board and committee structures. 

In 2017, Sarah opened Andrews Coaching & Consulting and has helped countless clients successfully grow their nonprofit organizations. 

Presenter: Julie Lago, LICSW, Owner/Lead Consultant, Connections All Ways, PLLC 

Co-Presenter: Louis Esposito, Executive Director, ABLE NH 

Session Description: This session will provide participants with the opportunity to explore their personal motivations for their work or volunteerism. They will discover strategies to model their “why” through their actions, setting the expectation for the change they want to see in their community. Participants will engage in interactive learning, including dynamic discussions and hands-on activities, designed to reinforce the skills and concepts introduced during the session, ensuring they can apply what they’ve learned moving forward. Real-world examples will illustrate how shifting the mindset to a strengths based, person-centered approach can lead to lasting change and greater impact. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Identify strategies to engage others by modeling person-centered, team-supported approaches to work, interactions, and care 
• Understand how to identify individual and team-based expectations for outcomes, supporting improvement in continuity of care/service delivery, improvement in team cohesion, and prioritizing a positive work-culture 
• Be able to recognize basic skills to decrease redundancy and improve efficiency, leading to improved continuity of care 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Corporate Volunteerism, Organizational Management & Culture, Community & Partnership, Personal/Professional Development, Leadership Development, Mental Health & Wellness 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors, Other volunteers, Business owners/employees, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

Julie Lago, LICSW is Owner/Lead Consultant at Connections All Ways, PLLC, home of the Bookends Therapy™ model. A lifelong disability advocate, Julie has worked in various roles for 25 years in the disability field, as well as for the past 13 years in mental health clinical leadership and program development, and has been Adjunct Faculty in the UNH Social Work Department since 2020. Her commitment has been to enhance continuity of care for those with disabilities and/or brain injuries and mental health needs. Julie’s driving force as an advocate is being a family member and loved one, fostering her passion for ensuring equal access to mental health services for all, and supporting client-centered, team-supported care. 

Louis Esposito is the Executive Director of ABLE NH, as well as having lived experience as a parent of a child navigating neurological differences. He has been serving people with disabilities professionally for over a decade in the fields of special education, supported employment, and community integration. Louis holds degrees in History and Education from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at SNHU, with his dissertation focusing on “Identity Positioning through the High School Transition Process for Students with Autism Enrolled in Higher Education.” His research emphasizes the critical role of inclusive educational practices in supporting the identity development of students with autism and aims to influence policy and practice to promote more personalized and supportive transition planning for students with disabilities. 

Please Note: This is the second of a two-part series

Presenter: Beth Saunders: Founder & Chief Strategist, Beth Saunders Associates 

Note: This is the second part of a two-part series 

Session Description: This session can stand alone yet also builds off what we crowd source in ‘Mapping Meaningful Engagement: Crowdsourcing Volunteer Strategies’. We’ll start with an in-depth review of the engagement pyramid, a strategic framework for strengthening your volunteer program. Using this framework and leveraging ideas crowdsourced in the previous session, attendees will work in small groups to build a pyramid relevant to their own organizations. Everyone will leave having designed more volunteer pathways with more volunteer opportunities of varying commitment. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• A strategy that enables you to delegate authority with confidence 
• The ability to be data-informed without losing the personal touch 
• How to connect mindset and goals to volunteer activities for increased engagement 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies 

Beth Saunders is passionate about making missions happen. Throughout her consulting career, Beth has helped nonprofit leaders connect people and programs to mission and goals. With her MapMoveMeasure(™) framework, nonprofits recruit and retain more volunteers, raise more dollars, and develop a more highly engaged Board.

 

Presenter: Katie Collins, Director of Development, Capitol Center for the Arts 

Session Description: Competition for grant funding can be steep, and the process can be confusing and intimidating, especially for beginners. This workshop is geared to the grant writing novice and will provide solid, practical tips for the entire grants process from inquiry to final report. Participants will leave with a base of knowledge to set them on the path to grant writing success! 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• How to craft a compelling case for support using active, clear language and measurable outcomes 
• How to differentiate between project-based and operating grants both from a narrative and budgetary perspective 
• How to confidently make a personal contact with a grant-making institution 

Topic(s): Fundraising 

Suggested Audience: Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors 

Katie Collins has been a part of NH’s nonprofit community since 1990. She is currently in her 20th Season as the Director of Development for the Capitol Center for the Arts. Her prior positions include serving as the Executive Director of the NH Writers’ Project and the Director of Development for NH Humanities. Among her accomplishments are the 2019 opening of the Bank of NH Stage following a $6.9 million capital campaign and keeping a performing arts center alive during the pandemic shutdown. Katie enjoys teaching and offers workshops on grant writing, donor stewardship and public speaking for NH’s nonprofit community. Trained in theater, Katie also works as an actor with community and regional theaters throughout NH. Katie lives in Manchester with her wife Kelly and four troublesome cats where they enjoy frequent visits from their talented 25-year-old daughter Liza. She tries very hard not to take herself too seriously. 

Presenter: Keryn Kriegl, Project & Relationship Manager, NH Center for Nonprofits 

Session Description: Being part of a nonprofit board offers a meaningful way to give back to your community while building valuable networking and leadership skills. This interactive session will guide you through the essentials of nonprofit board service, helping you understand what it takes to be a successful and impactful board member. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• The key roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board members 
• The critical questions to ask when evaluating a board opportunity 
• Strategies for finding board positions and becoming an effective board leader 

Topic(s): Personal/Professional Development, Leadership Development 

Suggested Audience: Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors, Other volunteers, Business owners/employees, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers 

Keryn Kriegl is a seasoned nonprofit leader and facilitator with over 30 years of experience helping organizations achieve greater impact. As a passionate advocate for nonprofit excellence, Keryn has trained hundreds of professionals and board volunteers. Keryn joined the NH Center for Nonprofits in 2021 as Project & Relationship Manger. 

Presenter: Stephanie Kirylych, Co-Founder, Growing Presence Consulting 

Co-Presenter: Lisa Enright, Co-Founder, Growing Presence Consulting 

Session Description: This session will be co-led by Dr. Lisa Enright and Stephanie Kirylych, Co-founders of Growing Presence Consulting. In the midst of daily routines filled with too many emails, tight meeting schedules, and the expectation to be able to juggle multiple responsibilities, it’s no surprise that we may find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, scattered and disconnected. This empowering workshop invites you to pause, breathe, and rediscover the calm inside yourself amidst the chaos. Through guided mindfulness practices, reflective journaling, and honest conversation, you’ll explore strategies to center yourself in moments of overwhelm and lead with clarity, resilience, and authenticity. Together, we’ll delve into techniques, equipping you with tools to thrive in high-pressure environments while staying grounded and purposeful. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Strategies for self-care and self-compassion 
• Introduction to mindful moments 
• Techniques to use during stressful moments 

Topic(s): Mental Health & Wellness 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors, Other volunteers, Business owners/employees, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

Stephanie Kirylych has 21 years of higher education leadership, advising, and coaching experience. Stephanie is a doctoral student at Plymouth State University and completed the health coach program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She is a teacher-in-training with the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA) and a Certified Appreciative Advisor. Stephanie is also a certified EQ-i 2.0®/EQ 360® coach. Stephanie has presented at professional conferences including NACADA (Region 1 and National), and New Hampshire Women in Higher Education on topics ranging from academic advising, appreciative advising, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and mindful leadership. 

Dr. Lisa Enright has over 25 years of higher education leadership, teaching, and student engagement experience. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Learning from Rivier University and has a Master of Arts degree from State University of New York Albany. Lisa is the Assistant Dean of Student Success at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester. Lisa is a certified EQ-i 2.0®/EQ 360® coach and is a teacher-in-training with the Mindfulness Institute of Emerging Adults (MEIA). Lisa has presented at professional regional and state conferences including NACADA, New Hampshire Women in Higher Education, and NASPA on topics ranging from grit, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, compassionate leadership, mindfulness, and gratitude. 

Presenter: Carley Crain, Community Outreach & Engagement Director, Connections Peer Support 

Session Description: Social Media doesn’t have to be so intimidating for nonprofits! Learn how to create, strategize, and maximize your social platforms with this workshop from Connections Peer Support’s Community Outreach & Engagement Director, Carley Crain. Carley runs all of the social media for Connections Peer Support– including Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook. In this session you will be provided with resources, content ideas, and education on different platforms so you can grow your organization’s mission digitally! 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Different resources that can be utilized for nonprofits 
• How to create different types of content for all of their social platforms (photos, TikTok, videos, etc.) 
• How to maximize their digital footprint as a nonprofit organization with limited resources 

Topic(s): Marketing & Technology, Community & Partnership, Mental Health & Wellness 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors, Business owners/employees 

Carley Crain is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and the Community Outreach/Engagement Director at Connections Peer Support. She also has a BA in Journalism and Sociology from Springfield College. Additionally, Carley is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University. Carley is a young adult that has extensive experience working with numerous nonprofit organizations, such as The New Hampshire Youth Movement and The Reproductive Freedom Fund of New Hampshire. 

Presenter: Heather Turner, SCORE Certified Small Business Mentor and Associate District Director, SCORE 

Session Description: Volunteers are the lifeblood of most non-profit organizations. Recruitment and Retention are some of the most time consuming and hardest to manage tasks. We will give you some actionable tips to help your organization recruit and retain volunteers. In this workshop we will cover the 10% rule, Volunteer Expectations, Volunteer Training Expectations, Volunteer Retention, Volunteer Burnout, Communicating with Volunteers, Volunteer Recognition. Volunteer Personas for identifying potential volunteers, S.W.O.T. Analysis of Volunteers and Issues, Engaging Volunteers in Decision-Making and the ASK Principle (Ask questions, Seek to understand, Know how to listen) and more. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Recognize that volunteers are critical to the success of non-profit organizations, making effective recruitment and retention essential 
• Practical strategies to tackle the complexities of managing volunteer recruitment and retention. 
  • The 10% Rule for managing volunteers 
  • Setting and meeting volunteer expectations, including training 
• Preventing and addressing volunteer burnout 
• Effective communication and recognition strategies 
• Developing Volunteer Personas to identify and attract the right individuals 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors 

Heather Turner is a Granite Region Certified SCORE mentor. She spent twenty years cooking professionally and in 2003 started her own business (with the assistance of a SCORE mentor). She currently teaches social media and marketing for small businesses and mentors and co-mentors in the chapter for marketing and social media for startup businesses and for existing businesses who need some help and guidance in the digital age. She also specializes in working with the hospitality industry for operations, both starting a food business as well as in business. 

Operating a volunteer program is no small feat. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, perseverance, managerial skill, long-term vision, and a willingness to engage in continuous learning and improvement to keep the program operating successfully year after year.

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Manager of the Year Award was created by former Governor John Sununu to honor volunteer administrators and salute their excellence in the leadership and management of volunteers in New Hampshire.

The awardee will be announced during lunch!

Presenter: Cady Hickman, Marketing Specialist, Rumford Stone 

Session Description: Utilizing tools from improvisational theater, participants will review the concepts of active listening, learn key public speaking skills, and leave with the knowledge of how to use these skills for good. This workshop is great for people who feel they “aren’t good” at public speaking, get nervous presenting, or feel auditory processing and conversation aren’t their strongest skills. Workshop will be interactive and feature group games in a low stakes space – we welcome nerves, mistakes, and learning. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• What active listening is, why is it important, and some games and activities to strengthen their skills 
• Concepts of an elevator pitch, how to create one, and how to deliver it 
• Strategies to strengthen confidence in public speaking or communication opportunities 

Topic(s): Personal/Professional Development 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer Managers, Directors of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors, Other volunteers, Business owners/employees, AmeriCorps members or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

Cady Hickman is an accomplished marketing specialist with a strong background in the performing arts. As the marketing specialist at Rumford Stone and co-founder of Queen City Improv, she has a proven track record of crafting successful campaigns and elevating brand visibility. Cady has a B.A. in Theater Education, and has a background in theater, improv, vocal performance in more. She was recognized in the Union Leader’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2021, and is a proud Concord Rotarian.

Presenter: Seana Collins, person in recovery, Independent Consultant to Goodwill Northern New England 

Session Description: This session will provide insight into the mind of an addict using information about the science of addiction and personal experience. We will also briefly explore the stigma of substance use disorder and co-occurring challenges as barriers to a person’s re-integration as responsible and productive members of society. The socio-economic cost of addiction will be considered along with the effect on family and friends, commonly referred to as ‘Affected Others.’ Finally, we will discuss the importance of education and resource availability within our communities to support our growth and collective healing. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Some of the supportive evidence that addiction is a medical disorder which can cause behavioral changes and is not simply a moral failing 
• How to access resources for both individuals suffering directly from substance use disorder, co-occurring challenges and supports for Affected Others 
• Why supporting recovery is economically advantageous 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Organizational Management & Culture, Community & Partnership, Civic Engagement, Mental Health & Wellness 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Other volunteers, Business owners/employees, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

Seana Collins has a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement award for her years of dedicated service within the Goodwill AmeriCorps VISTA program. Her personal experience with addiction, both in Detroit, Michigan, and Central Maine, has provided a unique perspective on the Importance of Understanding Recovery. She hopes to impress and awaken others to the communal responsibility to take action to break the cycle of suffering. 

Presenter: Carol Phillips, Leadership Specialist, Health Design 

Session Description: Join us to explore the principles of positive leadership and its crucial role in fostering a culture of impactful volunteerism within organizations and the community. Attendees will discover how supportive leadership practices can inspire employees to engage in meaningful community initiatives that resonate with both their values and the needs within the community. This session will demonstrate the transformative power of positive leadership in enhancing both volunteer participation and community support. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• Key components of positive leadership to create winning teams 
• Valuable connections between servant leadership and inspiring employee volunteerism 
• How to apply learned concepts to their own organization and quantify results 

Topic(s): Corporate Volunteerism, Organizational Management & Culture, Community & Partnership, Personal/Professional Development, Leadership Development 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Business owners/employees 

Carol Phillips is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and corporate culture expert. Her latest book, Coach Carol’s Do-It-Yourself Health Coaching Guidebook, helps individuals embrace their personal wellness. Carol has worked with hundreds of employers and thousands of employees to help them create the best places to work! Contact her today at www.HealthDesignLeadership.com. 

Presenter: Anna Hullinger, Government Relations Advisor, Civil Air Patrol 

Session Description: Through an interactive discussion and activity, participants will build on communication skills and getting the “Right Stuff” from those within an organization. Leaders can often struggle not only engaging with staff or volunteers but understanding the potential that someone brings to the table. We all have strengths, and how we find those strengths and use them can bring balance and retention to an organization. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• How to refine and build their 1:1 communication skills with volunteers 
• To engage with volunteers and prospective members on strengths they bring to your organization 
• How they look at their organization’s needs and building the conversation worth having with their volunteers 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Organizational Management & Culture 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors 

Anna Hullinger is currently a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol as a Government Relations Advisor and has been with the program for 24 years. Anna also serves as the Director of Emergency Management for the New Hampshire Hospital and volunteers regularly in her community. 

Presenter: Kirsten Farrell, Associate Director, The Chandler Center, SNHU 

Session Description: Creating engaging social media content doesn’t require expensive equipment or professional skills. This session will share practical tips for capturing vibrant, eye-catching photos using your phone or existing camera equipment. Learn how to improve lighting, framing, and editing to enhance your images. We’ll also cover strategies for intentional photography at volunteer events to highlight your organization’s mission and impact. By examining real social media accounts, you’ll gain insights on how to make your content stand out. Finally, discover best practices for creating a cohesive Instagram presence that connects with your audience and attracts new volunteers. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• How to capture compelling photos with minimal equipment using simple phone photography techniques 
• How to strategically document volunteer events to enhance storytelling and highlight impact 
• Ideas on creating a visually engaging Instagram feed to expand their volunteer base and strengthen community connections 

Topic(s): Marketing & Technology 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies 

Kirsten Farrell combines over a decade of experience in marketing and social media management with a strong background in community engagement. She currently oversees the marketing team and social media accounts for The Chandler Center at Southern NH University, where she uses her expertise to connect students and community partners through engaging content. In addition to her professional experience, she enjoys photography both professionally and as a hobby. Her passion for storytelling through visual and vibrant content enhances her marketing strategies, helping her build meaningful connections and amplify impactful volunteer work. 

Presenter: Jini Rae Sparkman, Impact Director, City Year New Hampshire 

Session Description: Are you Captain Marvel? Miles Morales? Aquaman? Is your team the Avengers? The Justice League? Or the Guardians of the Galaxy? Explore your own individual super powers and kryptonite as a leader while also understanding how to assemble a team of differentiated strengths to create community centered change. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• A better understanding of their own strengths and areas in which they need to seek others for support 
• How strengths and an awareness of weaknesses influence the ways that teams work together 
• How to think creatively about the possibilities of their own teams 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Organizational Management/Culture, Community & Partnership, Personal/Professional Development, Leadership Development 

Suggested Audience: Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Other volunteers, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

Jini Rae Sparkman currently serves as the Impact Director for City Year New Hampshire. She is an educator and consultant committed to imagining and working towards the possibilities of a liberated future. As a consultant, she has worked with non-profit organizations, recruitment and strategic consulting firms, executive leadership teams, independent and public schools, and collegiate athletics. Jini Rae holds a B.A. and an M.Ed, both from Plymouth State University, and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center. She is a Texas native who found her home in the mountains of New Hampshire with her wife, Courtney, and their French bulldog, Oggie. When she isn’t engrossed in a book, she is likely cheering on women’s sports or feeding the people she cares about. 

Presenter: Maura McGowan, Program Director, NH Teen Institute 

Session Description: How can we create a safe space for our staff, clients, volunteers, and other stakeholders to be themselves? While large gestures, decorations, and statements can be important, what are some of those smaller steps that can be woven through from day to day, in structured programming and services, as well as during more informal interaction points? Through activities and discussion, participants will explore ways to put our organizations forward as safe spaces for individuals of any and all identities in which to feel respected and comfortable being their full selves. Participants will learn activities and actions we can do both as professionals and with our stakeholders that help them connect with each other and feel that they are able to embody the unique combination of all of their identities. This workshop is appropriate for participants with various levels of experience of having put these ideals into action. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• How to identify the breadth of cultural identities that make up the groups we work with in an ever evolving understanding of cultural identity 
• Some of the activities that can be utilized to quickly and safely create culturally responsive spaces 
• Language to engage participants or stakeholders in discussions involving cultures and intersecting identities without telling them how to think or feel 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer Managers 

Maura McGowan, CPS, is the Program Director of the NH Teen Institute, a non-profit agency whose mission is to empower youth through personal leadership development and community engagement. Maura has worked in the field of prevention since 2002 and became involved with the NH Teen Institute in 2008 when she began volunteering for programs and working on a curriculum updating and development board. In 2017, Maura became Program Director in charge of youth programming and volunteer engagement in addition to being a facilitator for professional development trainings offered by the NH Teen Institute. She is a graduate of the New England ATTC Leadership Development Program and has served as a mentor in the New England PTTC Prevention Mentorship Program during its first two cohorts. In 2021, Maura was appointed as an advisor to the NH Governor’s Youth Advisory Council, and is on the advisory committee for the NH Prevention Community of Practice.

Presenter: Niki Navarro, Impact Manager, City Year New Hampshire 

Co-Presenter: Nikki Dudley, Impact Manager, City Year New Hampshire 

Session Description: In this session we will seek to move out of our comfort zone and into our challenge zone, by identifying our personal challenges (a.k.a. our Dragon) and by recognizing that our challenges can provide insights that will be invaluable on future journeys. Participants will recognize an aspect of themselves that limits their ability to be a powerful leader and identify strategies they can use to succeed in overcoming said limit. Additionally, participants will think about a major trial they have encountered in their journey (service/work) and learn how to take those trials and turn them into opportunities to learn and grow. Through this session, participants should leave feeling like they have the skills, strategies, and support to become better leaders. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• To make meaning of obstacles in service as opportunities to become better leaders through reflection and small group dialogue 
• What their “dragon” is to slay. Participants will turn inward to identify areas of growth as a means to exercise leadership and self-assurance through group dialogue, art and reflection. 
• 2 takeaways that will help them become more confident leaders. Participants will name an obstacle that has occurred in service/work as well as name something within them that holds them back from being the leader they want to be. Through reflection, drawing and dialogue, participants will explore how to turn setbacks into opportunities. 

Topic(s): Personal/Professional Development, Leadership Development 

Suggested Audience: Other Volunteers, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers 

Niki Navarro is a New Hampshire native who served with City Year New Hampshire FY19 and FY20, then completed an additional AmeriCorps VISTA year in FY21. She went on to teach in Boston for a few years and has recently moved back to her home state and is working as an Impact manager at City Year New Hampshire. Through her different educational roles, Niki is inspired and impassioned about education for liberation, student mental health, and urban education. 

Nikki Dudley grew up in Dover, New Hampshire and attended the University of New Hampshire, earning a degree in psychology and educational studies. After graduating from college, she served as a corps member at City Year New Hampshire in Henry Wilson Elementary School. She went on to complete a second year of service with City Year Washington D.C. on the civic engagement team and served as an Impact Manager. She is excited to be back in her home state to support the great work happening in the Manchester community. 

Presenter: Sarah Gould, Training and Program Manager, Connor’s Climb Foundation 

Session Description: This session will equip volunteers to gain an understanding of youth suicide prevention basics. Participants will learn to identify risk factors, warning signs and precipitating events in youth and how to have conversations with youth around this topic. We will also discuss ways to mitigate risk by bolstering protective factors. Participants will leave the session with practical strategies they can implement the next day. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• To able to list at least 5 risk factors that increase a youth’s risk of suicide 
• To be prepared to identify warning signs of mental health distress or suicidal ideation in the youth in their lives 
• How to bolster protective factors in youth 

Topic(s): Community & Partnership, Personal/Professional Development, Mental Health & Wellness 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Other volunteers, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

Sarah Gould is a passionate advocate for children and families. She has experience in the public school and non-profit world. She currently works with schools across the state empowering students and staff to work toward zero youth suicides. 

Presenter: James McKim, PMP, ITIL, Founder/Managing Partner, Organizational Ignition LLC 

Session Description: Polarized. It seems our society has become more polarized than ever. Disrespectful rhetoric – intentional and unintentional – now fills the media, our institutions, and our workplaces. So, how do we interact with civility in this emotionally fraught environment? How do we interact with one another in a way that allows us to be productive while respecting the opinions of those with whom we may not agree? 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• How to describe what civility and respect are 
• How to describe why civility and respect are so important 
• Steps to promote civility and respect in the workplace 

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Organizational Management & Culture, Leadership Development 

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leadership of nonprofits/public agencies, Other employees of nonprofits/public agencies, Members of a nonprofit Board of Directors, Other volunteers, Business owners/employees, AmeriCorps members and/or AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, AmeriCorps program staff 

James T. McKim is a sought-after consultant, facilitator, speaker, and author of the bestselling book “The Diversity Factor: Igniting Superior Organizational Performance”. 

In addition to being named one of New Hampshire’s Top 200 Business Leaders, Mr. McKim has been recognized by industry watchers such as Atd, Brandon Hall, Bersin Associates, Axelos, and PMI for his dedication to creating win-win situations between organizations and their employees 

He is known internationally for his current focus on organizational and individual performance. 

Presenter: Jack Potvin, Founder, Project Happy 

Session Description: NH’s average age of a volunteer is said to be 60+. This is unsustainable, and our volunteer force is aging out. Project Happy is NH’s student volunteering hub, and we’ll share what we’ve learned from running our program of connecting youth volunteers to amazing nonprofits. 

By the end of this session, participants will have learned: 

• The differences between Gen Z volunteers and others
• Tangible examples of Gen Z volunteer empowerment
• How to leverage group events, sports teams, and similar gatherings

Topic(s): Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Community & Partnership

Suggested Audience: Volunteer managers, Leaders of nonprofits/public agencies

Jack Potvin is inspired most when helping solve complex world problems and doing meaningful work. By 50, he has a firm goal to donate 1 million dollars of his money to charities that he is passionate about. Above all, he lives to maximize his positive impact by building an optimistic future for humanity.

Previously, Jack has led the Product Team at an innovative VC-backed AI startup. He also proudly founded a unique nonprofit (501c3) EdTech startup, inspiring youth to get involved within their local communities at scale.