Colleagues:

As a seasoned professional in this business, you can go to any conference on any topic anywhere in the world. My goal is to provide a new type of gathering that explores the intersections of ideas. This gathering is for people who want to go deeper and invest more of themselves in order to create new approaches, new openings for thinking about philanthropy and the role of social sector organizations in the future.

Gary Hubbell Consulting, LLC
Presents
(by invitation only)

Conversation 2009

Making new sense of our commitment to lasting change

through philanthropy

Description:
Philanthropy is a catalyst for change. It is fueled by a genuine concern for community and the impulse to act. Recent stories abound of unprecedented gifts. But philanthropy needs change catalysts within organizations to release its power to create better communities. Can an institution’s vision go beyond its own needs and imagine lasting change for the community, the region, the world?

Too often, leaders can be stuck in operationally-driven environments that value ever greater levels of measurement, management and accountability. More and better management is not the solution. The solution is transformative thinking and collaboration to re-frame philanthropy as a lever for lasting community change, pursued in a way that fuels the mutual well-being of philanthropists, organizations, and entire communities of people.

You will be part of an exclusive small group of organizational leaders from around the country in a learning exchange to examine the forces of change that influence the future of institutional philanthropy and its power to create better communities. This participatory think tank will focus on issues like:

New models of change that are good for organizations and the public

New opportunities to fund community good

New ways of demonstrating impact

New ways of connecting with the publics we serve

The content of Conversation 2009 will be co-designed by participants. You will:

• Reflect and write on the challenges and opportunities you and your organization see for implementing meaningful change to better fulfill your mission.
• Engage in articulating a contextual model that examines the confluence of trends that is forcing a reexamination of how non-profits fund positive change.
• Participate in and shape knowledge sessions that bring forth thoughtful models that will help transform your perspective and organization.
• Collaborate and engage with other participants to shift your thinking and open new ways of making a difference.

Issue Selection – In advance, each participant will be asked to identify four issues they’d like to explore with the group. Each of the identified issues should be of sufficient interest to you that you feel you have valuable perspective to bring to the issue, yet desire new perspectives and conclusions. Each registered participant agrees to submit their four suggested issues to Gary Hubbell Consulting by: September 30, 2008. After reviewing all submissions, we will select four topics as our focus for Conversation 2009.

Essay Contribution – Each participant will be asked to write and submit an essay which frames and addresses one of the four selected topics. From the collective contributions, participants will have insight on four thoughtful topics, each with three essays exploring different aspects of the issue.

Advance reading – We will assemble and distribute the collection of essays two months prior to Conversation 2009, thereby providing participants opportunity for reflection and further inquiry.

Publishing – We will take the initial essays by participant authors, amplify them through our Conversation and subsequently publish them in some form through our publishing company, On The Cusp Publishing, LLC. In this way, participants achieve the satisfaction of contributing original thinking to the body of literature in the field as well as the gratification of seeing their work in print.

Registration Deadline: September 30, 2008


Dates: Begin Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (at 4:00 p.m.); conclude Friday, May 1 (at noon)

Where: Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, Scottsdale, AZ. Located in the 730-acre Kierland Community, which is tucked among the McDowell Mountains and Sonoran Desert surrounding sunny Scottsdale, the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa offers a colorful history and culture. Golf and desert-inspired spa services offer reflective time. Guest rooms with private balconies radiate with the warm colors, vibrant textures, and natural materials typical of Southwest style.

Cost:

Participation: $350; payable by check to Gary Hubbell Consulting, LLC

Rooms: $299/night + tax (Special rate secured for Conversation 2009 participants. Special rate can be obtained by making your reservation through the following link: Room Reservations 

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TO REGISTER:

Please register by downloading the attached form  and send with registration fee to: