Spotlight Stage

The accelerating pace of technological innovation is contributing to significant changes in the nature of work and a growing gap between the demand for qualified workers and talent ready to fill in-demand roles. But this future of work is not something to be feared; rather, it represents an opportunity to reshape the workforce ecosystem for the better. In this session, we will share findings from our recent report, Supporting worker success in the age of automation, about how public, private, and social sector players can support workers, specifically those without four-year degrees, adapt to the changing nature of work. Sponsored by Monitor Institute by Deloitte

When considering a Build versus Buy decision, it’s a dilemma that non-profit professionals face when it comes to their technical roadmap: to build a custom software solution or buy commercial off-the-shelf platforms. Pros and cons are weighed as you try to find an economical software solution that will help your non-profit administration and fundraising goals. Learn to understand the clear benefits and advantages of each approach.

Our work as changemakers is important, but nurturing our own well-being is just as, if not more, important. Self-care is the active participation in maintaining good mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. There is no right or wrong way to engage in it nor does it have to be complicated or involved. You can simply take a moment to recharge and keep moving forward in your day. This short restorative session will give you space to reconnect and check in with yourself through guided breathing and mindfulness exercises. You will feel refreshed and ready to continue your experience at Upswell Chicago because a healthier, more centered you means a healthier, more vibrant community around you.

The changing needs of constituents, priorities of funders, difficulty finding staff, the sheer volume of other nonprofits…there’s a lot of forces influencing nonprofit organizations. It is easy to understand how leadership may feel overwhelmed. Solutions abound – collaboration, merger, collective impact, but before jumping to conclusions, let’s include more voices and truly understand, “What does our community need us to do?” We’ll discuss a structured framework designed to include more voices, understand competition, breakdown beneficiary needs and engage in a holistic look at your organization’s role in the broader community. Presented by Spectrum Nonprofit Services

Highlights of second annual survey on donor trust, misconceptions and behavioral intentions toward giving. Survey also addresses donor expectations about disaster relief appeals. Presented by BBB Wise Giving Alliance

Grantmaking no longer consists of simply writing a check and walking away. New grant makers want to make sure they are being good community partners by making donations that will truly have an impact. Measuring the potential impact of a donation can be a tricky path to forge. This session will offer foundations a clear path towards being a good philanthropic steward while making impact oriented grants. You will leave inspired and ready to launch an impact oriented giving program. Presented by Blackbaud, Inc

Are societal expectations of leaders shifting? Do leaders evolve in their thinking, and will their followers accept their changes? How does a leader’s past behavior reflect on them as a leader today? What are the moral and ethical dimensions that shape these changes? This talk will engage attendees in the real dilemmas of leading and the judgments we as members of society have about the moral and ethical influences that impact how we judge their behaviors. Presented by University College at the University of Denver

BoardEffect provides you with a suite of tools designed specifically to enhance board work. Combined with a few smart practices, BoardEffect can help increase board engagement, and streamline board meetings so your board can focus on your mission. Join us for this fun, brief overview on tips for having the best board meetings ever.

Hear from Millennial Action Project (MAP) Founder and nationally-recognized political commentator, Steven Olikara, on his journey from music to democracy entrepreneurship, creating a unique model of cross-partisan action with young lawmakers. Founded in the wake of 2013 government shutdown, MAP has grown into the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization of young lawmakers, spanning across 29 states and Congress. Presented by Millennial Action Project