Professional Learning for Nonprofit Leaders
Professional learning provides nonprofit leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to communicate challenges, create solutions, and lead with confidence.
At DevoCenter we encourage deep reflection and conversations on love, learning, and community-building. We focus on preparing leaders to set and achieve goals, process feedback, and reflect on their progress. This process helps entrepreneurs gain the experience and perspective needed to build meaningful organizations that are aligned to their values and programmatic vision.
Read MoreProfessional Learning for Nonprofit Leaders
Professional learning provides nonprofit leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to communicate challenges, create solutions, and lead with confidence.
At DevoCenter we encourage deep reflection and conversations on love, learning, and community-building. We focus on preparing leaders to set and achieve goals, process feedback, and reflect on their progress. This process helps entrepreneurs gain the experience and perspective needed to build meaningful organizations that are aligned to their values and programmatic vision.
Read MoreA Tradition of Love & Service
Growing up I was surrounded by women. I lived with my mom, and while my dad was a big part of my life, I lived in the home with my mom, and my grandmother and my aunties. I grew up with them and a whole tribe of women and who really shaped and informed who I am.
I had a nurturing space with women who are, even today, very intentional about love and service. I grew up in the projects, and the way we lived, we were encouraged to give to our neighbors and get involved. My mom was always volunteering and joining different groups to improve our community, and I always say how dope it was (and it still is) watching her make everyone feel like family.
Serving women through DevoCenter is genuinely an extension of my upbringing - and a real joy for me. I'm grateful that I get the opportunity to do work that I love with people that I care about deeply. We are taking action to improve conditions for our children, and putting some good energy and love out into the world. I'm glad to be able to share stories about women who make our world a better place.
Read MoreEmbracing the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, we reflect on the profound impact of Dr. King's legacy on our mission and work. This day resonates deeply with our commitment to service-learning and community service. We proudly embrace the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King's philosophy of love and service in our communities is a cornerstone of our commitment. Our dedication to service-learning offers a practical and profound way to honor Dr. King's vision. It's not just about volunteering, it's learning about our world, and ourselves, and the value of working together. It’s about taking action that aligns to the vision we have for our communities and contributing to the social good.
King's 'Beloved Community' is not just a dream but a call to action, urging us to actively work towards creating a just, compassionate, and equitable world. His vision emphasizes a global community where conflicts are resolved peacefully, and resources are shared equitably.
Read MoreGiving Tuesday Tech Mini-Grants
This Giving Tuesday, DevoCenter Digital is proud to support educational nonprofits through its Tech Mini-Grants. We are recognizing and rewarding Changemakers who utilize technology to achieve their missions. This year we are awarding two (2) $300 grants to nonprofits who are using social media to tell their stories and reach their communities with messages that matter. The funding is meant to help with tech expenses like web hosting or design applications, but leaders are free to put the resources wherever they are most needed.
Technology informs the way we communicate, learn, and grow in the world around us. For nonprofits technology offers tools to create awareness, connect with their audiences and supporters, and open up avenues for advocacy and outreach.
Read MoreBoard of Directors - Thank You!
This season we are grateful for DevoCenter's Board of Directors. These women continue to provide the support and leadership needed for our organization to move confidently into our next season of growth.
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future, we deeply appreciate their invaluable contributions. We're enthusiastic about the work of improving conditions for women leading educational nonprofits and for the young people they serve.
Together we are building better nonprofits. If that's important to you too, we hope you will join us in supporting women at work in our neighborhoods.
Read MoreThe Women We Serve | Strengthening Communities and Shaping Our Future
The heart of our community is the extraordinary women we serve. Nonprofit leaders with a common goal of improving our neighborhoods and helping young people grow, learn and show love. These women are compassionate and dedicated to delivering programs that educate and nurture tomorrow's changemakers.
Here we are highlighting the impact and innovation of the nonprofits that makeup the DevoCenter community. We are proud of their continued efforts and grateful for the opportunity to support their work. As we celebrate their achievements, we also recognize the strength of the collective, the power of a network that comes together to uplift and propel each other forward.
Continue reading to learn about and support our communities educational programming. If you're interested in joining us we have a free meetup in December and we're now accepting applications for next year's mastermind group.
Read MoreCelebrating National Nonprofit Day: Leading with Love, Creativity and Best Practices
On National Nonprofit Day we reflect on the contributions of nonprofit leaders who dedicate their time, passion, and skills to shaping a brighter future. These leaders are driven by a shared commitment to community service, advocacy, and positive change. They are not just individuals in leadership roles; they are the heart and soul of organizations that work tirelessly to make a difference.
Let's recognize and appreciate the efforts of nonprofit leaders who continue to shape the world that we live in. If you'd like to support women who are enthusiastic, connected to their causes, and dedicated to learning, consider giving to DevoCenter for Service-Learning. Your financial support helps provide resources, education, and opportunities that empower leaders and prepare them for success.
Read MoreCommunity Changemakers
DevoCenter Changemakers are enthusiastic, connected their causes, and dedicated to learning that uplifts and prepares young people for success. These dedicated leaders care about love, learning and leadership in our neighborhoods, and they are challenging us to think differently about the ways that we live, work and serve our communities.
These ladies are inspiring their teams and making a significant impact in their neighborhoods. Their dedication and passion for creating positive change is evident in their work. They are not just leaders but also role models who are excited about making a real difference in the lives of young people.
Read MoreSpring Newsletter | Women In Nonprofit Leadership
Happy Spring everyone! So many fun things are happening at DevoCenter.
I’m grateful for new partnerships and relationships that contribute to my personal and professional development, and I’m happy with our progress towards delivering programs that support and empower nonprofit entrepreneurs. - Charlene
Meetup for Women in Nonprofits | Nonprofit Storytelling - Learn how to communicate your organization's vision, mission, and programs with excellent bios, budgets, and logic models. Share Your Vison, Mission and Program: How do you describe your organizations vision and the work that you do? Learn how excellent bios, budgets, and logic models prepare you for successful fundraising. Register Here
Read MoreZoom Women in Nonprofits Meetup Recap
On March 9th, 2023 we hosted a virtual meet and greet to connect inspiring women from different backgrounds who are making a difference in their communities.
We came together to share our experience in nonprofit leadership and to discuss the transformative impact of affirming one another and celebrating our wins. We also spent some time exploring the benefits of a nonprofit mastermind and started the conversation about what professional services leaders need most.
Our Next Meetup
We’ll be hosting meetups quarterly with the next free event happening in June. meetup.devocenterdigital.org
Read MoreCoates Inc. is dedicated to educational equity for under-served communities so that all students can attain college and career success. Their mission is to deliver programs that provide students with equal educational opportunities, college and career resources, and solid connections to the community. The nonprofit provides early college and career planning for high school students, and organizes college tours, college and career fairs, and volunteer opportunities to provide valuable exposure and learning experiences to youth.
“Working with Charlene at DevoCenter has been great. We’ve been meeting monthly to discuss organizational development and prepare for funding opportunities. She’s helped us articulate our vision and describe our programs with clarity. And, she’s worked with me to develop budgets that are clear and descriptive.”
— Catisha Toney - Executive Director, Coates Inc. College and Career Strategies
Read MoreNo Stones Movement empowers teens and young adults by helping them expand their mind, enhance their spirits, strengthen their bodies and embrace their culture so that they can demonstrate the best versions of themselves and be an asset to their communities. They provide holistic learning including high school level academics, after school enrichment programs, and postsecondary volunteer and career experience opportunities.
“Over the next few months we will work together to prepare a proposal package to be shared with funders. We’re looking forward to having budgets to help guide decision making, and program proposals that are consistent with our vision and purpose.”
— Aynda Jackson - Director, No Stones Movement
Read MoreYouth Talk United is dedicated to encouraging and equipping young people to manage their emotions, express themselves in positive ways, and take the lead in caring for our community. Their goal is to improve quality of life outcomes for Alabama youth by offering workshops, mentorship, and service projects that emphasize the value of sports and community. Our programs are designed to instill essential life skills, foster leadership qualities, and promote emotional well-being.
“DevoCenter is truly amazing! From the first initial meeting with Charlene I knew I was in the right place. Her warmth, and excitement to make an impact made it so easy to talk with her. She`s very knowledgeable of the nonprofit sector, and takes time to help you understand what is needed to be a successful nonprofit. As an organization we`re so excited to see the continuous growth.”
— Erika Perry - Executive Director, Youth Talk United
Read MoreThe Cloud Institute prepares school systems and their communities to educate for a sustainable future through meaningful content and learner-centered instruction. Their work with schools revolves around professional learning, curriculum, instruction, and assessment aspects of Education for Sustainability (EfS). They also provide the strategic planning and leadership development support required for lasting school change.
“DevoCenter supports our mission by providing guidance in the areas of finance and brand presentation for the organization. In the next year we will renew our contract for technical assistance, and we’ll plan to work together to develop service-learning curricula that educates for sustainability for post-secondary school students and adult learners”
— Jaimie P. Cloud - Executive Director, The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education
Read MoreMarcy Houses Scholarship Fund exists to encourage and motivate post-secondary students from the Marcy Houses in Brooklyn, NY, and strategize with them to complete a course of study. Their vision is higher education, economic achievement and social well-being for all Marcy Houses students. In service of this vision, they provide financial support and mentorship to college or trade school students who live in the Marcy Houses.
“Charlene at DevoCenter immersed herself in our work and helped us formalize a logic model which captures the essence of what we are doing and what we believe is possible to achieve. She listened to our plans and ideas and used that information to revamp our mentorship program.” — Valerie Johnson - Board Chair, Marcy Scholarship Fund
Read MoreLittle Sun People believes that every child is a treasure who brings something special to the world, and that it's their job to honor, nourish, and inform their gifts They offer a robust curriculum, fun and challenging extra-curricular activities, and a safe, child-centered environment with lots of love and care. The school aims to help children grow in mind and body. They supply a healthful variety of nourishing meals, African dance for physical activity, outdoor recreational experiences, and special events throughout the year where children, parents and school staff can celebrate together.
DevoCenter consulted with and provided board leadership support to LSP to inform change management policies and practices.
Read MoreBrooklyn Capital Collective (BCC) is a partnership of ideas whose aim is to inspire and prepare families to build, preserve and transfer generational wealth. Their mission is to address the wealth gap in America by providing financial literacy programs and support to communities of color. They curate relevant content, host educational events and partner with others to serve adults and young people in Brooklyn, New York and online communities nationwide.
DevoCenter developed a pitch deck, budgets, proposal template and leadership plan of action that resulted in raising money for a new program over a 12-week project period.
Read MoreSupport Summer Service-Learning for Inner-City Youth
With funder support we’re working with nonprofit leaders ready to design and deliver meaningful summer youth programs. Participating organizations will each receive development support and a stipend of $5,000 to help their groups implement service-learning programs and assess impact on learner and community.
Through this program young people will: 1) experience improved social-emotional wellness, 2) gain an appreciation for civic engagement, and acquire new knowledge and skills.
Working with our curriculum partners we will prepare service-learning presentations, protocols, lesson plans, reflection exercises and assessments tools, and make them available for free download at DevoCenterDigital.org.
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