Third Thursday Society
The Third Thursday Society is a monthly networking and educational opportunity for nonprofit staff and board members sponsored by the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance and the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships at Virginia Tech. The 2012 Third Thursday Society program is made possible with generous support from JSW Financial.
Sessions are held on the third Thursday of the month at Lucie Monroe's Coffee Company at 1600 Roanoke Street in Christiansburg, just off exit 2 from the 460 bypass. Networking begins at 7:30am with the program at 8am. Sessions are free and open to the public.
The Third Thursday Advisory Board plans each monthly session to include a short '5 Minutes with a Nonprofit' segment allowing participants to get to know a little more about an area organization, followed by a presentation on various aspects of nonprofit management.
The 2012 Series is sponsored by JSW Financial
Upcoming Sessions
February 16, 2012: Putting the Fun Back in Fundraising, Part 1
Hear how non-profit fundraising looks from the eyes of a board member. Jeffrey Marks is the President and General Manager of WDBJ7 TV, the dominant television, web and mobile information and entertainment service in Southwest Virginia. He will share his experiences serving on numerous non-profit boards in the region and the importance of aligning yourself with your board as you design your fundraising plans. Also, from his experience in the television business, he'll discuss the importance of establishing credibility when trying to gather resources for your organization. Register online here.
March 15th-Energize Your Board, Energize Your Organization: Gary Kirk, Director of the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships at Virginia Tech, and Jessica Wirgau, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley will provide insights on energizing your nonprofit board to meet your organization's goals.
April 19th-Donor Relations 101: A Manageable Approach to Donor Recognition: Details to follow.
To RSVP for an upcoming session, click the provided link, call 381-8999 or email cfnrv@cfnrv.org.
Previous Sessions
January 19, 2012 - New Year's Speed Dating!
Back by popular demand! Get to know your fellow nonprofit leaders in this fast and fun environment. Share your organization's story and learn about what other groups are doing to support the New River Valley.
December 15, 2011 - Introducing Volunteer NRV
Representatives from the United Way of Montgomery, Radford and Floyd will speak about Volunteer NRV, a collaborative group launching a new web-based volunteer recruitment and management system. The presentation will include a demonstration of the new system, a question and answer period, and the opportunity to provide feedback on the new system. Our 5 Minutes with a Nonprofit session will focus on Leading Lights, a program honoring outstanding volunteers in the NRV.
November 17, 2011 - Social Media for Nonprofits
How can nonprofits successfully use social media to raise funds, promote programs and enhance their missions? Steve Matuszak, a Virginia Tech instructor in communications, shared his thoughts on the benefits and challenges of using social media in organizations. The CFNRV is planning an extended workshop on this topic in the next year. David Moore spoke during our 5 Minutes with a Nonprofit session on Smart Beginnings NRV, an initiative dedicated to improviding early childhood education and development.
October 20, 2011 - Candidates Forum on Nonprofits in the Commonwealth
Nonprofits play a critical role in our communities and function as important partners for government agencies. Candidate for Virginia State Senate John Edwards, and candidates for the House of Delegates Don Langrehr and Gregory Habeeb shared their views on the role of nonprofits in their vision of the Commonwealth and on issues important to our sector.
Candidates from left to right: John Edwards, Gregory Habeeb and Don Langrehr
September 15, 2011 - The NRV Livability Initiative Wants to Hear from You!
The NRV Livability Initiative is a three-year planning process to help citizens build a collective vision for our community's future. Carol Davis, Outreach Facilitator for the initiative, will provide an overview of the project and ways to get involved. She'll also facilitate discussion with nonprofit leaders on what makes the NRV a great place to live, work and play now and in the future.
Doug Smartt offers tips for effective fundraising at April's session
August 18, 2011 - What Makes an Effective Annual Report?
Organizations routinely produce an annual report detailing the year's activities, but what makes an annual report particularly effective? Participants reviewed sample reports and engaged in facilitated discussion considering questions such as:
- What is the purpose of my annual report? Is it a fundraising tool, an informational tool, both or neither?
- Who is the audience for my annual report and what are the key messages I'm aiming to share with them?
- What format best tells my story while remaining cost effective?
Download notes from this discussion here. Thanks to our 5 Minutes with a Nonprofit speaker, Linda Spivey of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library.
July 21, 2011 - Meet the New NRV Bureau Chief
Todd Jackson, recently named NRV Bureau Chief for the Roanoke Times and reporter Mary Hardbarger shared insights on effectively working with the paper to cover nonprofit activities in our region. Laureen Blakemore of Downtown Blacksburg Inc. was featured as the 5 Minutes with a Nonprofit speaker focusing on the effective use of social media to promote your programs.
June 16, 2011 - Speed Dating is Back!
Jessica Stuart of Good Samaritan Hospice presented information about her organization in the '5 Minutes with a Nonprofit'. Participants then engaged in nonprofit 'speed-dating' a chance to quickly meet and talk with one another about their organizations and learn more about community needs overall.
May 19, 2011 - Volunteer Management, Mary Forti
Jerry Niles shared his experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer with NRV CARES in the '5 Minutes with a Nonprofit' segment. Mary Forti with the Women's Resource Center gave an interactive presentation on effective volunteer management.
April 21, 2011 - "So, we have to raise funds for my non-profit & I'd rather go visit my dentist - Some helpful hints for raising money for your organization. - Doug Smartt
Samantha Quesenberry shared the story of Harding Avenue Elementary's 'What's On Stage?' program in the 5 Minutes with a Nonprofit' segment. Doug Smartt, Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer for StellarOne Wealth Management and a member of the Community Foundation's Council of Former Directors share helpful tips on telling your story to donors and raising money.