MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Northern Center is hosting a two-day conference supporting the non-profit sector and how they are coming together to maximize their potential.
With money tight everywhere, many nonprofits are finding it increasingly difficult to find financial support through donations. The UP Nonprofit Conference brings together charitable organizations and nonprofits to collaborate on ways to continue their mission while navigating today’s economic landscape. The conference is presented by Grow and Lead Community and Youth Development, whose CEO, Amy Quinn, explains why collaborative gatherings like this are so helpful.
“The nonprofit sector really shoulders the burden of human, cultural, and social aspects of the community, and so to have a strong nonprofit sector really means to have thriving communities,” said Quinn.
Quinn says fostering collaboration and showing support for each other is the theme of the conference.
“It’s important for nonprofits to be able to take a day to network, to realize, hey, I’m not alone in this, and oh, this is how you do that. Okay, I can learn from this,” said Quinn.
Because those in the nonprofit sector often suffer from burnout due to long hours and staffing challenges. The keynote speaker, Lane Clark says nonprofit jobs come with a unique kind of stress.
“In that case, it can feel extremely stressful to have the fear of letting anyone down or of not meeting the standard because you care so deeply about your work,” said Clark.
CEO of Up Kids, Sarah Codere says it’s all about community. The way
“The way nonprofits work is we’re here to build a community and make the community healthier and make the community better. And so how do we work together to do that,” said Codere.
The conference will wrap up Friday afternoon.