Workshops

Come find inspiration and practical wisdom at a live recording of the popular Science of Happiness podcast, produced by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center! In each episode, a guest tries a research-based practice to build happiness, resilience, kindness, or connection–then discusses their experience and learns about the science behind it. At Upswell, our episode will focus on building positive dialogue and understanding between groups, an important skill for any community leader or changemaker. Join host Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith to explore the science and practice of bridging differences–the conversation is sure to be engaging, moving, and filled with practical insights. Presented by Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley

State charitable solicitation registration compliance is essential to protecting your organization’s ability to fundraise. For charitable organizations or consultants who collaborate with them, this session will explore regulations governing state charitable solicitation and  traps that may trip up even the most compliant. Tracy Boak, a Partner at Perlman & Perlman, a law firm dedicated to nonprofit law, will share her experiences in representing organizations before state charity regulators, discuss how to recognize and avoid the traps, and how to respond if regulators come asking for more. Hosted by Perlman & Perlman

Story Squad and 606Art, two YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago youth safety and violence prevention programs delivered through a trauma-informed lens, use digital media and creative art to help youth process trauma experienced in their lives.The curriculum-based Story Squad helps youth ages 12-18 develop self-reflection and critical thinking skills through audio production and storytelling, enabling them to talk about and better process their experiences in the greater context of their social and cultural environments. 606Art offers youth who have experienced trauma an opportunity to express themselves by creating art, developing transferable life skills through viewing and analyzing artwork, building creative art skills, and employing art therapy principles. Building upon best practices in youth programming, 606Art incorporates restorative justice practices and strengthens the ability of youth to create art to better express themselves about things not easily verbalized. Story Squad presenters will share the unique stories they’ve created as part of the program, which draws upon media literacy principles, restorative justice, and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote positive development. 606Art youth artists will showcase the art pieces they’ve created through the program. Featuring: Damarion Smith, Story Squad Youth Participant Kalvin McClendon, Story Squad Youth Participant Jelani Davis, 606Art Youth Participant Breary Jackson, 606Art Youth Participant Presented by YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

How can the social impact sector level the playing field and address unintended research bias? Learn how from a robust publication released by Chicago Beyond called “Why Am I Always Being Researched?” The guidebook is intended to help shift the power dynamic between community organizations, researchers, and funders and how they uncover knowledge together. This equity-based approach to research offers one approach to restore communities as authors and owners of evidence and data that can truly impact societal change. Presented by Chicago Beyond More about this workshop: Using Equitable Research to Help Chicago Youth Thrive

Almost everything we do in changework is predicated on the ability to talk about what we believe and why it matters. And how we talk about democracy has become as charged as the complex issues at the heart of it. This is the basis of a new project aimed at understanding what our language means to everyday Americans. Join Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) for an immersive discussion about this project and what the findings mean for your work. Presented by Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) More about this workshop: Understanding the Language of Democracy