Spark Talks

RYSE Center in Richmond, CA, was born from people of color (YPOC) organizing to shift conditions of structural violence, distress, and dehumanization. We do this by centering the lived experiences of YPOC. We lead with love and righteous rage to cultivate healing and justice. We take risks as an essential part of transformation and justice. In this talk, RYSE will share key aspects of our approach and impact, including how we link liberation to land stewardship, power-building and power-sharing. Come hear and feel how we are are working to build loving relationships to build loving power to build loving systems! Presented by RYSE

One in eight Americans struggle with hunger daily, while 30-40% of food produced ends up in a landfill. Food Recovery Network, the largest student-movement fighting food waste and feeding people in the U.S., works to make food recovery the norm, not the exception. They’re scaling their model for businesses with their Food Recovery Verified Program, which recognizes businesses and conferences that donate surplus food to nonprofits in their community – with more than 150 verified businesses to date.

The 2020 Presidential election process is underway. Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund are engaging the candidates. Don’t miss their Spark Talk to learn how you can do the same on your issues. Presented by Americans for the Arts

Immersive media has groundbreaking potential for change makers, generating  empathetic experiences that can lead to changed minds and commitment to action. In this Spark Talk, learn how Games for Change is building an XR for Change movement, building bridges between creative media artists, nonprofits and funders, and about 38 Minutes, a co-production with Princeton University and other partners, with support from the MacArthur Foundation, designed to move the needle on public awareness of nuclear risk. Presented by Games for Change

Nonprofit is a tax status — not a business model. We will discuss how adopting a social enterprise can help nonprofits create sustainability and increased impact. By the way, so can corporations! Presented by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

As agents of change in the world, you must learn to keep the fire of your heart ablaze. This is the fire that inspires you to do work of meaning and purpose. As a dedicated changemaker in our world, your personal contemplative work becomes imperative so that you can use everything you experience – with those you serve, with your co-workers and in the world – as fuel for that ongoing fire. This is the fire of transformation, for here you can lay down your conflicts, challenges and woes, and connect to your authentic heart. Once you reach that realm of unchanging depth, the qualities of love, compassion and gratitude are revealed. These innate heart qualities light the way to your passion and purpose. Presented by Kashi Atlanta

Chicago’s distinctive history of private sector civic engagement is a national model for civic leadership. But increasingly complex regional challenges and opportunities go beyond a single institutions or cause and require a more inclusive and collaborative leadership approach. Learn how an aspirational framework for an inclusive civic leadership culture to create more equitable outcomes and tackle our regions most pressing social challenges. Presented by Civic Consulting Alliance

How can nonprofit leaders get better results given the many challenges they face? Real leadership isn’t just about who’s sitting in the captain’s seat—it’s about getting everyone to work together so the boat gets to where it needs to go. Research shows that effective leadership generates three things: direction, alignment, and commitment. Without these three things, your organization or community initiatives could be dead in the water. So who keeps the ship moving? Here’s a hint: It’s not just the captain, it’s the whole crew. Presented by Center for Creative Leadership

In 1994 college graduation rates for black and latinx populations were 12% and 13 % respectively. Today, 33% of Black and 23% of Latinx populations hold a 2 or 4 year degree. There have been tremendous gains in the world of education reform over the last 25 years but something isn’t translating beyond college. There are less than 5 Black CEOs of fortune 500 companies, just 4 Latinx U.S Senators and the median net worth of white households is still 13x that of Black households and 10x that of Latinx households.

Being 18 can be grueling. Imagine being that age and having no support system, no stable place to sleep but the same wants and dreams of any 18 year old. You watch the opportunity gap get greater but the spark is still inside you. Where do you go? Ignite believes all young people deserve the opportunity to live into their potential and not held back by their circumstances. Utilizing an innovative housing model – we provide the support young people desire. With the audacious hope that Ignite is the last program they need but the family they will always keep. Presented by Ignite