Cedar Valley Nonprofit Association
Cedar Valley Connections

Issue 87
August 25, 2014
Dear Nonprofit Supporter,
 
Welcome to Cedar Valley Connections, a newsletter to connect the leaders of the nonprofit sector. 


Celebration of Community...


 

What:   CFNEIA'S Celebration of Community Event

When:  November 7, 2014

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, Cedar Falls

Time:   5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

 

Join us in thanking those who are creating vibrant communities where all people can thrive.

 

CFNEIA'S Celebration of Communties event is exactly what the name implies.  It is a public celebration of the communities in northeast Iowa and a way to thank all of those who are involved in the errorts to make them better; nonprofits, fund holders, donors, businesses, volunteers and many more.

 

Come join us in celebrating the incredible things happening today and the amazing future potenetila creating even more vibrant communities - together! 

 

RSVP TODAY - Formal Invitation to follow.

Keeping Our Members Informed...


 

Public Comment Requested on Proposals for Volunteer Background Checks- Share your comments online by August 26 or in-person on August 27.

 

On January 22, 2014, Governor Terry E. Branstad announced that the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS) and the Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) would help lead a stakeholder group tasked with developing ways to streamline and improve the background check process for volunteers in organizations and schools serving vulnerable populations throughout Iowa.   

 

The first is a guide to "Safer Practices for Screening & Selecting Volunteers to Serve Vulnerable Persons in Iowa." This guidance would help volunteer organizations who are interested in adopting safer practices in their programs that serve vulnerable populations.  The second proposal consists of recommendations for a "Volunteer Background Check Clearinghouse." These recommendations would be forwarded to staff of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, Iowa Department of Public Safety, and others along with a request for these agencies to proceed with developing a clearinghouse model. The stakeholders will into consideration the public comments that are received when developing their final proposals, which are scheduled to be released in late September or October.

Both proposals can be reviewed by clicking on the links above and the stakeholders invite the public to provide their comments via any of the following formats:

 

1. Online via a public survey, to be completed no later than Aug. 26

2.  In person at the next stakeholder meeting on Aug. 27 at 1:00 pm in the ICVS offices*- see draft meeting agenda for details on the meeting time and location

3.  Via webinar at the next stakeholder meeting on Aug. 27-at 1:00 pm - pre-register for the webinar


 
 

- AND -

 

 

Calling All Storymakers! Learn. Create. Win!

Nonprofits overcome obstacles every single day. The most effective way toinspire donations, volunteering, and support is to share those stories of triumph. Our Storymakers challenge hopes to empower you with the tools and training to tell your stories, get noticed, and make an impact.

Storymakers starts with free webinars and events to help you create, polish, and share your inspiring stories. It culminates in a challenge:
Aug. 26 - Sept. 26 submit your digital story. A two-minute video,
a short-form Vine or Instagram video, or a five-picture Flickr slideshow could land you up to $5,000. 

 

Click Here to get started and goof luck!
Diversity and Inclusion Summit ...

  

  

What:  Cedar Valley Executive Diversity and Inclusion Summit
When:  Friday, September 26th, 2014
Where: Allen College, Waterloo, Iowa
Time:  Breakfast and registration starts at 7:30 a.m.

This initiative is designed to strengthen the Cedar Valley economic region by promoting diversity, full inclusion, and cultural competencies in business.  The long-term impact of this summit will help make embracing diversity a hallmark of the Cedar Valley.

Keynote:
Armers Moncure- Unconscious Bias (read more)

Featured Speaker: Deanna Kosaraju- How to Create and Sustain a High Performing Team Through Diversification

Click Here to learn more and to register for this event.

**4.50 (HR (General)) re certification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.
Nominations Please ...

  

  

Nominations are OPEN!!  Special thanks to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, as presenting sponsor, will be awarding each winner in each of the five categories a $250 award for the nonprofit of their choice?

Join us and celebrate someone (individual or group) who has given so much of their time, talents, and treasures to make our communities such great places to live!  Who would you like to recognize for their Gift of the Heart in these categories:  Philanthropy, Legacy, Governance, Innovation, or Youth? 

CLICK HERE for complete descriptions. CLICK HERE to nominate someone online.  Nominations are being accepted through September 8th!

Also, mark your calendars for the awards luncheon to be held November 13th, 2014. Details to follow.
Need Public Relations Help?

  

  

A student-run public relations firm at the University of Northern Iowa, Legacy PR, is looking for clients in need of a variety of public relations activities in exchange for professional experiences. 


 

Services include survey research and focus groups, the creation of publicity materials, radio and television advertising, collateral pieces, special events planning and implementation, fundraising activities, campaign development and execution. 


 

Legacy PR is staffed by public relations majors in the Communication Studies Department. If interested please contact Patricia Zubrod at [email protected]319-529-0283; or Dr. Jeff Brand at [email protected]319-273-7200. 

United Way's Campaign Kick-Off ....

  

  

What:   Rally in the Valley - Campaign Kick-off
When:  Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Where: 5 Sullivan's Convention Center 
Time:   11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost:    $20 per person or $150 for a table of 8

Join campaign chairs Bob Justis and Nancy Newhoff as Cedar Valley United Way kicks off its 2014 campaign.  Superhero attire is optional. 

Balloons will be available for $10 in the balloon pop. You could win one of the many great prizes including a diamond heart necklace from Riddle's Jewelry, gift cards to area restaurants and stores, tickets to area sporting and theatre events, a 13-week subscription to the Courier and much more! Watch www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org for a complete list of sponsors and prizes.

Register online at www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org or by calling 319-235-6211.
It's Volunteer Fair time!

  

  

It's Volunteer Fair time! The VCCV is busy preparing details for the annual Volunteer Fairs at the University of Northern Iowa and Hawkeye Community College. 

 

This year UNI's event will be held on Wednesday, September 10 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the outdoor courtyard space of Maucker Union.

 

This year Hawkeye Community College's event will be held on Wednesday, October 1 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Brock Student Center.  

 

The Volunteer Fair is a wonderful opportunity for your organization to connect with students, matching your specific volunteer needs to students' skills and personal interests. Agencies may recruit students for one-time or semester-long volunteer opportunities, internships or employment. This is a great chance for you to take advantage of valuable one-on-one contact with students, faculty and staff.

 

Please call (319)272-2087 or email an[email protected] for information on how to register.  The deadline is August 27, 2014.
4th Annual Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers...

  

What:   Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers Halloween Bike Ride and Run
When:  Saturday, October 11, 2014
Where: Gateway Park - Cedar Falls, Iowa  
Time:   10:00 a.m.
Cost:    Pre-Registration through October 3: $20 for ages 13 and older; $15 for ages 12 and under. Registration fee October 4-11: $25 for ages 13 and older; $20 for ages 12 and under;  Ages 2 and under free

Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers is for runners, walkers, and riders of all levels. Riders choose between the 17 mile Halloween Ride, or the 9 mile Halloweenie Ride. Bike riders will trick-or-treat while runners/walkers get powdered along the Cedar Valley trail system, then join fellow participants for food, fun, and music at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls.

For more information on this fun event and on how to register, please click here.
School Is Back In Session...

Please slow down and keep an eye out for the little ones.  

WE DON'T WANT YOU TO MISS A THING!


Have you renewed and joined yet?  Don't miss out on our upcoming programs and networking opportunities!


RENEW/JOIN TODAY!

 In our first two years we have: (continually being updated)
  • 70 member organizations
  • 7 investors
  • 1 corporate sponsor
  • 450 program registrations
  • 43 hours of programming
  • 87 e-newsletters
  • Grant Gurus workshops
  • 64 jobs advertised
  • 20+ organizations connected with 50 UNI students 
  • added additional educational training workshops to our members
  • won the "Gift of the Heart Innovation" award in 2013

Check out the other benefits of membership HERE If you are interested in joining CVNA, you can access our application form online HERE
.

If you have any questions, please email CVNA Coordinator at 
Share your good news with the CVNA and be featured in future e-newsletters.   Have you implemented an innovative idea?  Are you hiring?  Have you created or updated your website?  Are you hosting an event?   Let the CVNA spread the word. 

To submit an item for the next newsletter, click on the
submit news page.  Please note that only member organizations who have submitted membership applications may post items.  The newsletter is published every two weeks.

 

 

 


CVNA Meeting Dates
CVNA is pleased to announce the topics of our upcoming education events for the year ahead: 2014
  • September 25th - Grant Gurus
  • October 2nd - Advocacy
  • December 4th - Legislative Forum

More information about times and location will follow.  Please check our web-site for additional information.

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