When: Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 9:30 AM from Sept 16th through Oct 21st.
Where:  The Albuqueruqe Community Foundation, 3301 Menaul NE, Albuquerque.
The Learning Circle is limited to 15 people.  Please apply ASAP, no applications accepted after Monday, Sept 13th. 

For an application please visit our Events page on our website.  ynpn.org/centralnewmexico/

The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network is embarking on a new professional development opportunity based on the success of YNPN Denver's Learning Circles.  Each Spring and Fall YNPN - Central New Mexico plans to offer one or two different learning circles.  Learning Circles are 6 week series, limited to a small group of participants, to build peer networks and expand on a particular nonprofit professional development theme.  Our first Learning Circle theme is Nonprofit 101 and will be facilitated by half a dozen YNPN Board members.

Nonprofit 101 is aimed at young people in their twenties and thirties who work in the nonprofit sector or who are considering nonprofit employment.  Young professionals in the nonprofit sector can struggle with a variety of issues.  The intent of this Learning Circle is to learn more about nonprofit organizations, what each of us struggle with, how we create networks to support one another, how we gain access, how we access and increase our own skills/tools and own them, and ultimately how we take care of ourselves so that our passion for our work burns bright.  While there will be information presented in each session, we expect the Circles to be a shared learning experience with everyone contributing

The six sessions for Nonprofit 101
1 - Scope of social profit sector
2 - Communication skills
3 - Creating and implementing procedures
4 - Navigating the political environment of social profits
5 - Creating a paper trail/building your position
6 - Creating boundaries/Self care

 Overview of the Nonprofit Sector (facilitated by Celestina and Margaret)*
This session takes a look at the foundation of the nonprofit sector and ideas for the future.
Learning objectives:

·         Understand just how extensive the nonprofit sector is and learn some impressive stats.

·         Discuss some of the challenges and possibilities facing the nonprofit sector as a whole. 

·         Access resources available to you for professional development in the nonprofit sector and general awareness of the sector.

 Communication Skills (facilitated by Robert and Katie)*
Creative skills and strategies for communication with everyone from clients to donors.  Learn how to recognize different personality types and how to adjust your approach based on these types.
Learning objectives:

·         Share your ideas- How to communicate your suggestions, ideas, and opinions with clients, co-workers, and board members.  Your might be young or new to your non-profit.  Learn how to present your creative ideas persuasively and successfully.

·         Communicate your Mission – How to efficiently, effectively, and creatively share your agency’s mission and work with collaborating agencies, donors, funders, the media and the person next to you in the elevator!

Creating and Implementing Procedures (facilitated by Wendy and Alissa)*
Examine the secrets to creating procedure manuals that people will actually use!
Learning objectives:

·         Define your specific audience and recognize their needs;

·         Understand how best to select topics and order them logically;

·         Learn where to begin and practice getting a manual started;

·         Create an update plan for your procedures.

 Navigating the Political Environment (facilitated by Katie and Ian)*
Learn strategies for navigating the political landscapes of organizations in our community. The discussion will be framed around generational differences and how to enter a political environment that is different from your previous experiences.
Learning objectives:

·         Learn strategies for success in internal politics – Board Members, Supervisors, Colleagues

·         Gain a better understanding of external politics – Constituent relations, participation outside your organization, being mindful in the community

Building Your Position (facilitated by Valerie and Robert)*
All the time in the world?  Learn strategies to build your position through time management and the art of self-supervision and self-discipline.
Learning objectives:

·         Learn strategies for successful time management

·         Understand unique challenges to self-supervision and how to overcome them.

·         Learn 5 keys to self-discipline:  Acceptance, Willpower, Hard Work, Industry and Persistence.

 Creating Boundaries/Self Care (facilitated by Alissa and Wendy)*
Save yourself while you’re saving the world.
Learning objectives:

·         Understand the unique challenges of working in the nonprofit sector;

·         Create clear boundaries and learn how to negotiate for them with your boss or board president;

·         Define and manage your priorities to prevent burnout.

*See YNPN website Board page for information about facilitators www.ynpn.org/centralnewmexico