2026 Nonprofit Development Series Schedule
Designed for nonprofit leaders and current board members.
Must register to attend. All sessions are in person in Racine County. Location and other logistics will be provided after registration.
Thursday, February 12 | 9–11 a.m.
Nonprofit Storytelling with Dignity, Purpose, and Responsibility
Heather Collier, Marketing and Communications Director, United Way of Racine County
Nonprofit storytelling carries responsibility as well as opportunity. This session invites nonprofit representatives to examine how stories are selected and shared, and how ethical storytelling supports transparency, trust, and long-term community impact. Participants are encouraged to bring real impact stories for hands-on practice and will leave with practical tools and refined approaches they can immediately apply to their communications.
Thursday, February 26 | 9–11 a.m.
Best Practices in Board Governance
Marcus White, President, The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread
How do I get this board to help me? How do I build the board our organization really needs? What can I bring to a board as a member?
This session explores these common (and often unspoken) questions through a discussion of foundational principles and best practices in board governance. Participants will gain practical perspectives, reflect on their own board experiences, and leave with ideas they can apply to strengthen board effectiveness.
Thursday, March 12 | 9–11 a.m.
Recruit, Engage, and Retain Board Members
Dr. Kimberly Payne, Founder and Co-Owner, Payne Consulting
If you’re a board chair, executive director, or board member looking for proven strategies to recruit, engage, and retain strong board members, this session is for you. Through interactive activities, self-assessment, and small- and large-group discussions, participants will explore practical approaches and leave with clear goals and an actionable plan to strengthen their board.
Thursday, March 26 | 9–11 a.m.
Bylaws: The Least Exciting Document You Actually Need to Understand
Jessica Safransky Schacht, Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Racine County
Bylaws may not be exciting, but they are essential. This session breaks down what bylaws are, how they work, and why they matter. Participants will gain a plain-language understanding of key bylaw components and learn how to use them as a practical tool for effective governance and decision-making. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their current bylaws and any questions they have for hands-on discussion.
