2025 Communications Cohort

This two-part webinar series supports small, largely rural organizations to continue to build an effective and equitable conservation movement, even in the face of attacks on public lands and DEI work. Our facilitators, Aparna and Cianna, are from the Avarna Group. The Avarna Group works to empower nonprofit, private, and public sector institutions driven by people-centered values to transform their ecosystems toward justice, fairness, and belonging. They complete this mission through strategic planning, facilitation, assessments, coaching, learning experiences, curriculum development, toolkits, and resources. Webinar 1 - Having Difficult Conversations Across Values Divides In this first webinar of a 2-part series, the Avarna Group will provide information to FGN members on some frameworks and practices for engaging in difficult conversations with partners and community members whose life experiences and values may differ from yours or your organization’s. The content will focus on how to build bridges and find common ground while still maintaining your values and the organization’s values. Presented by: The Avarna Group. Resources CLF_Webinar_Difficult_Conversations.pdf

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands, join us for this interactive call designed to empower FGN members with strategies for planning successful events. This is a terrific opportunity to both celebrate our National Conservation Lands and increase your organization's impact and growth. We will discuss ideas and strategies to create impactful and memorable events that celebrate your legacy while securing vital resources for your mission.   In addition to the February 18th group call, there will be three optional calls with Mackenzie for more personalized support. These optional calls are a time to receive customized planning help, check in on planning progress and ask specific questions for your organization. The calls are scheduled to be: 2/25/25 at 2:00 pm PST; 3/7/25 at 1:00 pm PST; 3/12/25 at 3:00 pm PST. Bio: Mackenzie Banta, Impact Creator Mackenzie is a philanthropic and leadership advisor with the personal ethos that “giving is an act of love” and each of us can make an impact with our money and time. As an executive coach providing consulting and training, she works with people, communities, and nonprofits across the U.S. and abroad to overcome challenges, innovate systems, and fulfill their critical missions. For over 20 years she has helped numerous NGOs raise money and create cultures of fundraising and sustainability. Recorded February 18, 2025, during the February FGN Call.  Resources: Webinar 2/25 2:00 pm PST   Zoom info: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82040970913 Meeting ID: 820 4097 0913 Passcode: 623411   3/7/25 1:00 pm PST Zoom info: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88697009075 Meeting ID: 886 9700 9075 Passcode: 427526   3/12 3:00 pm PST Zoom info: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88079757100 Meeting ID: 880 7975 7100 Passcode: 173185  

Learn how to use the arts to build community and advance your campaigns. Artist and educator Kim Garrison-Means (Friends of Avi Kwa Ame National Monument) discusses the power of the arts for sharing land advocacy information, engaging more deeply with diverse local communities and stakeholders, and addressing relevant issues with our local, state, and national representatives. Find out how art can amplify your organization’s messages and make a greater impact toward reaching your goals. Recorded December 3, 2024, during the December FGN Call.  Resources: Webinar Arts and Advocacy Handout Creativity and Community Slide Deck

The BLM's Public Lands Rule (PLR) went into effect June 10, 2024. The PLR aims to ensure the protection and long-term health of public lands by emphasizing conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable land use practices. This landmark decision, if implemented correctly, will balance conservation with other uses like grazing, energy development, and recreation to protect ecosystems while allowing responsible development. Our PLR Workshop provides insight to the Public Lands Rule and how public lands advocates can work with their local BLM field offices to further conservation initiatives like resource management plans (RMPs) and areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs). Our presenters Danielle Murray and myrah rafi'ah beverly (Pew Charitable Trusts) provide valuable insight on the Public Lands Rule and what that means for the future of conservation under the BLM. Danielle delivers an expert-level explanation of the PLR and myrah closes our workshop by exploring ACEC designations and how to submit nominations for new ACEC protections. Our conversation is part of a larger mobilization of environmental organizations. If you have additional questions or need help with strategy, don't hesitate to get in touch with Shi-Lynn Campbell or a representative from CLF for assistance. Resources: Webinar BLM Public Lands Rule Presentation 2024 PEW BLM Rule ACEC Presentation PLR Implementation Toolkit State Specific Slide Decks: CA BLM Rule Powerpoint NV BLM Rule Powerpoint NM BLM PLR Presentation

Want to learn more about the off-road community? Join CLF for a presentation and roundtable discussion. Ashley Lee, board president of the Amargosa Conservancy, and Amy Granat, managing director of the California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), will guide participants through understanding the off-road community, building multi-organizational partnerships, and identifying collaboration and joint stewardship opportunities. Neil Hamada, Outdoor Recreation Planner, OHV / Travel & Transportation Management Lead - BLM California, and Brandon Alvarez, California Program Manager for Tread Lightly, will join the panel as our expert guests. This webinar was recorded on September 10, 2024. Presented by: Ashley Lee, Amargosa Conservancy, and Amy Granat, CORVA. Guests: Brandon Alvarez, Tread Lightly, and Neil Hamada, BLM. Watch Webinar Resources: OHV Webinar Supplemental Information

View Presentation Slides Presenter: TREC Kristi Chester-Vance, Co-Executive Director Would you like to build supervision skills that allows both you and your staff to thrive? In this webinar, we’ll explore a five-step process for supervision that sets you up for success. We’ll unpack how to create a foundation of clear expectations and mutual accountability, and reduce assumptions and uncertainty. These foundational skills will not only empower both you and your staff but also create a more inclusive and engaging workplace. Additional Resources: Tapping into the Power of a Presidential Election, TREC Webinar Webinar Series to view, Nonprofit VOTE The Nonprofit Voter Engagement Playbook, Independent Sector Voter Registration Guide, Rock The Vote Guide Volunteer Management, TREC Webinar Partner with Us Program, Nonprofit VOTE Voices For Power, StateVoices.org  

Watch the webinar here Passcode (3!@8JizK) Click here for presentation slides Presenter: CLF Staff Elyane Stefanick, California Program Director Jamie Wienk, Associate HR and Administrative Director Julie Thibodeau, Senior Finance and Operations Director The foundation of any organization and its ability to achieve true organizational effectiveness starts with human capital. The operational, financial, and human resources function of an organization is critical to supporting human capital. As we come out of this historic pandemic and wade through all of the injustices and inequities in our world, it’s critical we focus on a human-centered approach to our work that embeds equity and justice. Come learn the importance of identifying your organization’s values, approaches to embedding equity and justice into your work, and how best you can support your staff. Additional Resources: Simon Sinek- Start with Why

Watch the webinar here Passcode (3!@8JizK) Click here for presentation slides Presenter: Katie Davis, 5 Branches Consulting Governance Policies may not be the first thing leaders want to think about when managing their organizations but having solid governance policies and practices in place makes for smoother operations.  During this 90-minute webinar Katie Davis of 5 Branches Consulting will “cook up” a basic recipe for good governance.  We’ll then dive deeper, reviewing the following five standard policies that the IRS highlights on Form 990.  Even smaller nonprofits that file the 990-N will benefit from more focused attention to compliance. Additional Resources: Whistleblower Policy Template Conflict of Interest Policy Template Gift Acceptance Policy Template/Samples Document Retention Policy Template  Form 990 Process Policy Template Form 990 overview course and resources from the IRS for those of you really into it and/or for your Board Treasurer  What Policies Should Our Org Have (article) Council of Nonprofits Conflict of Interest Policy Council of Nonprofits Gift Acceptance Policy Resources

Click here for presentation slides Presenter: Hailey Hawkins, Sailing Hawks Consulting Join Hailey Hawkins as we explore a new toolkit designed to examine the level of resilience within an organization’s internal culture. In this webinar, we will explore this tool, how to utilize it within your own organization, and provide recommendations on how to increase resilience in order to promote organizational health and effectiveness and increase staff productivity, satisfaction, and retention. Additional Resources: The Resiliency Audit Toolkit Hailey Hawking Consulting Services