CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - March 24, 2010) - North Park University announced today that registration is now available for its 11th Annual Axelson Center Symposium for Nonprofit Professionals and Volunteers. The event, which will take place Thursday, May 13, at North Park University, includes more than 30 speakers and will provide free nonprofit "speed consulting" services throughout the day. A pre-conference institute on Wednesday, May 12, will offer participants an intensive workshop ideal for nonprofit leaders who work with governing boards, including management team and board members.
"This solutions-focused educational and networking event is designed to give nonprofit leaders the tools they need to deal with the difficult economy and the incredible changes that the nonprofit sector is experiencing," said Pier C. Rogers, Ph.D., director of the Axelson Center. "This conference is all about turning problems into opportunities. It will help organizations and leaders prepare to embrace a new day."
The theme for this year's symposium is "Creating Extraordinary Solutions in Extraordinary Times." The symposium's opening plenary speaker is Janet Lapp, Ph.D., author of the best-selling book, "Plant Your Feet in Mid-Air" and creator and host of the CBS series Keep Well. The closing keynote address, "Convergence: How Five Key Trends Will Reshape the Social Sector," features Heather Gowdy, senior associate of La Piana Consulting. Gowdy will present new research about the trends which will affect how nonprofits and foundations will work in the future.
A variety of panel discussions and workshops will address practices that enable nonprofit organizations to work smarter and accomplish more. The "speed consulting" sponsored by the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits, will provide attendees with the opportunity to get immediate counsel on pressing questions related to organizational development, fundraising, marketing, and more.
Amy Dickinson, author of the Chicago Tribune's "Ask Amy" column, will present the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence along with a $5,000 unrestricted grant to two Chicago nonprofit organizations that embody exemplary management practices. The award is sponsored by ShoreBank. Dickinson will also present one organization with the Excellent Emerging Nonprofit Organization Award. This new award targets smaller, emerging organizations and includes more than $50,000 in pro bono capacity-building services and a $1,000 grant.
Continuing education points are available for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) status. For the early bird rate of $150, participants must register by Monday, April 5. After this date, registration will be $225. For more information and to register, please visit www.northpark.edu/axelson/symposium or call (773) 244-5799.
About the Axelson Center
North Park University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, established in 1999, seeks to enhance the performance and effectiveness of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector through education, service and resources. The Axelson Center's vision is to help build vibrant communities in Chicago and beyond through strengthening nonprofit leadership. For more information, visit www.northpark.edu/axelson.
About North Park University
Located in Chicago, North Park University is a Christian comprehensive university that serves nearly 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students from around the country and the world. Within a diverse, close-knit, urban community, North Park offers a values-based education to students through more than 30 undergraduate majors and an adult degree-completion program, as well as graduate and continuing education in business, nonprofit management, nursing, education, music, and theology. By integrating faith with learning--as it has done since its founding in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church--North Park University continues to focus on the important task of preparing students for lives of significance and service. More information is available at www.northpark.edu.
Contact Information:
Media Contacts:
Steve Carr, for North Park University, (312) 780-7211, scarr@dresnerco.com
Joshua Taustein, for North Park University, (312) 780-7219, jtaustein@dresnerco.com