Beacons on the Frontline

Nonprofit Networking Social

Photo by Paul Keleher

Yesterday, I attended my first Atlanta Braves baseball game, courtesy of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits and the Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals (ANP) group. The networking that took place before the game provided ample opportunity to meet and mingle with outstanding professionals in the field.

I met Jamie Grant and Ryan Brown from the Atlanta Spirit. They work with community organizations to provide opportunities to attend Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers games. The Atlanta Spirit also provides financial and in-kind support to groups. I look forward to helping them spread the word about their initiatives.

Attending networking events is a way to meet potential speakers who can share their expertise in board development, business planning, strategic planning, evaluation, fund raising, volunteer recruitment and retention or in any other area that will help nonprofits to thrive.

Chataun Denis, Grants Manager for Grant Source is in the process of creating a workbook for nonprofits who receive their 501c3. I’d love to host a meet the author event! I also met Consultant Beth Fenger of Community Impact Solution. We sat next to each other at the game and even appeared on the big screen together.

It was refreshing to see my peers from the High Potential Diverse Leaders Program, Julia Menesfield, Grants Coordinator for East Athens Development Corporation, Inc., Matthew Nelson, Senior Director Technology Ventures for Points of Light & Hands on Network and Jamar Jeffers, Membership Director for the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. I was secretly anticipating marching in the nonprofit parade. Although Jamar nixed this activity, I still had a good time!

Victoria Kingsland who coordinated the High Potential Diverse Leaders Program, is now the Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta. I’m thrilled that she has taken her career to another level.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Joyce Bachman, Tanisha and Willis Thompson, Ya’Sheika Brisco and Adrian Wright. Adrian, if you’re reading this, I’ll be looking for you to stop by the Foundation CenterJ.

Jamar Jeffers knows how make events extra special. He invited various nonprofits to exhibit at the game. Although I didn’t walk around to visit the booths, I did stop by The Atlanta Opera booth, with friends Malissa Cooper and Cicely Garrett. Emmalee Iden and colleague were at the booth promoting upcoming Atlanta Opera events, including the young professionals group that sounds interesting.

I’d like to thank the staff of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Karen Beaver, Miranda Prineas, Nancy Longacre, Joe Folan, and the others present for sponsoring this event. I’d also like to acknowledge ANP board members Stuart Bachman, (we missed you, get well soon!), Shana Lightfoot, Paul Towne, and Harriet Kuhr for making this such a fun outing.

Next time you want to hang out with other nonprofit professionals, join us at the next ANP social!