Written by Brian McGrain, Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer of CEDAM

As the Associate Director of a nonprofit community development organization in Michigan, its not often that I get access to training directly relevant to what I do on a day-to-day basis. Aside from the Building Michigan Communities Conference (BMCC) held in Lansing every Spring, there’s not a lot of opportunity to participate in small group learning sessions that will help me successfully manage my duties to grow and enhance my organization.  

That’s why I’m especially excited about the upcoming Destination: Vibrant Communities conference hosted by CEDAM and CDAD in Detroit in November! Many talented, dedicated nonprofit professionals and advisers will be providing their time to help us hone our skills in diverse areas including fund, organization and real estate development.

Here are the top three reasons why I am excited for this upcoming day of professional development.

1. New Strategies for Fund Development

Richard Martin of Lutheran Social Services will walk us through some strategies for fund development deployed by top-level fundraisers. Richard is a recent recipient of the Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is a national leader in the fund development world with more than 20 years of experience and is well-connected in SE Michigan. He has taught and mentored thousands of fundraisers in techniques of professional fundraising.

2. Jennie Grau’s Super Session on Community Engagement

Jennie Grau of Grau Interpersonal Communications will be returning as a favorited trainer. She has more than 20 years of experience in consulting work and in leadership development. She has conducted speaking, listening and conflict management workshops for corporate, nonprofit and educational clients. For this training, she will work with attendees to develop their engagement skills to bring the most benefit to the communities they serve in a longer, super session.

3. Keynote Speaker Amanda Edmonds

Finally, our keynote will be provided by Amanda Edmonds. Amanda is not only the founder of Growing Hope, a community group focused on improving residents’ lives through gardening and health food access, but she is also the recently-elected Mayor of Ypsilanti. She will share her experiences with starting, sustaining and growing a nonprofit as well as providing frank insights regarding challenges faced and lessons learned.

These are just three of the many talented speakers to be featured at Destination: Vibrant Communities this year. As we intentionally keep the size of the conference small so to facilitate greater one-on-one time between speakers and participants, you’ll want to sign up right away as to not miss out on these great sessions! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Register for the day of professional development before October 9 to receive the early bird rate. Register here.