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Showing posts with label Museum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Museum. Show all posts
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Mayoral Candidates Event and Nonprofit News
Monday, September 30, 2013
Development Manager
ROBERSON MUSEUM AND SCIENCE CENTER
POSITION TITLE: Development Manager
SUPERVISOR: Executive Director
BASIC ROLE: The Development Manager for Roberson Museum and Science Center is a full-time professional, responsible for the management and direction of a comprehensive fund-raising program that grows the overall donor base and enhances the stature of the Museum in the community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:
- Provide day-to-day oversight for the entire annual giving program. Develop an annual, written plan for the program which includes segmentation, timing, messages and goals. Monitor progress towards those targets. Provide a rigorous, systematic review and analysis of all fund-raising activities to find ways to do things more effectively and efficiently. Develop specific strategies to increase donor retention, upgrades and acquisition.
- Develop and manage the annual giving budget based on programmatic goals and objectives as reviewed and approved annually.
- Work with Roberson’s Board of Trustees to schedule visits with a pool of annual giving prospects. Utilize Board expertise to develop an integrated strategy for the personal solicitations of annual giving donors at the leadership-giving level.
- Develop ways to recognize donors and to share the impact of annual giving.
- Prepare and implement a Roberson capital campaign
- Ensure the smooth transition of prospects along the donor pipeline. Facilitate the qualification of prospects for the major gift program and make recommendations for prospect assignment.
- Oversee the Donor Perfect database.
- Work closely with the Marketing Manager (oversees Business and Corporate Sponsorships and Special Events) to develop and implement consistent messaging. Assist in the creation or editing of donor relations materials.
- Other duties assigned as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors degree required
- Three to five years experience in development, preferably including annual fund programs
- Excellent oral and written skills
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends
- Experience in soliciting gifts
- Familiarity with fund-raising trends at local and national levels
- Prior experience in working with a cultural institution a plus
EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION: tmcdonald@roberson.org
Monday, July 1, 2013
Job Opening: Museum Curator in Vestal, NY
The Town of Vestal, NY seeks to fill a vacant part time position of Museum Curator (15
hrs/wk). Responsible for overseeing collection care, exhibits & educational programs for
schools, community groups & the general public. Work is performed under the general
supervision of the Museum Director.
Send resumes by July 19, 2013 to Human Resources, Town of Vestal, 605 Vestal Parkway West,
Vestal, NY 13850. The Town of Vestal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
hrs/wk). Responsible for overseeing collection care, exhibits & educational programs for
schools, community groups & the general public. Work is performed under the general
supervision of the Museum Director.
Send resumes by July 19, 2013 to Human Resources, Town of Vestal, 605 Vestal Parkway West,
Vestal, NY 13850. The Town of Vestal is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Grants for Museum Advancement
Grants for Museum Advancement
Sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts,
administered by Museumwise: The Museum Association of New York
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) has provided $78,605 for the FY 2013 Grants for Museum Advancement program. These funds will be portioned between January and June and July and December in accordance with previous year's application percentages. We anticipate awarding approximately 8 Get Ready; 14 Get Set; and 40 Go! grants in 2013.
For more Info. Click Here
Sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts,
administered by Museumwise: The Museum Association of New York
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) has provided $78,605 for the FY 2013 Grants for Museum Advancement program. These funds will be portioned between January and June and July and December in accordance with previous year's application percentages. We anticipate awarding approximately 8 Get Ready; 14 Get Set; and 40 Go! grants in 2013.
For more Info. Click Here
Monday, February 6, 2012
Broome County leaders plan meeting with Binghamton Zoo officials
Pressconnects reported that decision comes after 'heated' annual meeting.
Broome County leaders plan to meet Friday with the head of the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park to discuss ongoing issues at the facility.
Legislature Chairman Jerry Marinich and county Executive Debbie Preston are expected to get together with interim zoo Executive Director Dave Conklin, and possibly board Chairwoman Sharon Witte, to get an update on the regional attraction, the search for an executive director, fundraising and the possibility of increased oversight.
"At this point here, I think the zoo is in a desperate need for an executive director," Marinich said. "I certainly believe, myself, the zoo is an important part of the fabric of Broome County."
This development comes after a Wednesday Press & Sun-Bulletin report about a perceived communication breakdown between the board and some zoo employees. Tuesday's annual meeting of the Southern Tier Zoological Society became heated and emotional as staffers and others raised concerns about the zoo's current leadership. Employees said they want consistency, transparency and financial stability, among other things.
The two sides need to work together, Preston said. It's a facility that annually has about 60,000 to 70,000 people come through.
"I totally want to see the zoo succeed," she said. "After reading the paper, I guess I'm concerned right now with the current direction."
Broome County also has a vested interest in the zoo since it contributes a hefty amount of funding toward it. The county's 2012 budget contains $286,454 for the zoo; the zoo's total budget for 2012 is $913,161. In 2011, the zoo received $295,313 from the county toward its $1 million budget.
Because a substantial amount of money is allocated for the zoo, which leaders say enhances the area's quality of life, an audit of the facility's finances is not off the table, Marinich said.
"If this warrants it, I will ask for it," he said.
Conklin said he welcomes the opportunity to sit down with county leaders and talk about the issues at hand.
"They need to have me sit down with them and explain what's going on and why that disruption happened (Tuesday), and I think they deserve the answers," he said. "Honestly, I'd like an opportunity to put them at ease."
There is a disconnect between the staff and the board, and both sides need to work together to bridge the gap, Conklin said.
"There isn't a person involved in this entire thing who doesn't have the zoo's best interest at heart," he said.
Zoo Education Curator Patricia Searles, who essentially served as a spokeswoman for some staffers during Tuesday's meeting, said zoo officials and county leaders setting up a meeting is a step in the right direction.
"This is pretty much what we mainly wanted to do -- get it out there and get the lines of communication open," she said. "If the community loves our zoo as much as we do, they're going to have to help us ..."
Better communication could start with the ongoing search for a permanent executive director. It has been narrowed to five candidates, and a decision could come by March.
"Hopefully the board will be able to find a director that the staff feels comfortable with as well," said Conklin, who is no longer interested in the permanent position.
When it comes to directors, there's been significant turnover at the zoo over the past decade.
On Aug. 16, Sheila Green, who served as executive director for less than two years, left the facility. Board members cited a "personnel issue," but Green said during a phone interview Wednesday she was let go.
"Basically, it was that I was not the face of the zoo and I was not a good fit," she said.
When the decision was made, Green said she didn't inquire further.
"It was kind of like the writing was on the wall and there was no reason to continue asking," she said.
Green said she worked hard to bridge the gap between the staff and the board.
"When I was there, I was very honest and upfront with the staff that it was a group effort to keep the zoo going and that's what we were striving for," she said. "A zoo is a very unique institution in how it works. You're dealing with living beings. It's a business yes, but it's also a service for a community."
Green was the zoo's fourth executive director since Steven Contento retired in 2002 after 17 years. Laura Jane Stewart was fired nine months into the job in 2003, and her successor, Jarod Miller, served for a year before resigning. Mike Janis took over in January 2006 and helped the zoo regain its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which it had lost in 2005 due to turmoil over previous leadership and finances. Janis left in January 2010, with the board again citing a personnel matter. Janis, in a previous interview with this newspaper, also said he was let go.
Moving forward, Marinich said it's important the zoo has solid leadership, not only on the business and animal sides, but the relationship side as well.
"It's important they all work together with one common goal," Marinich said. "And I'm hoping with a new executive director, they can pull all that together."
Broome County leaders plan to meet Friday with the head of the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park to discuss ongoing issues at the facility.
Legislature Chairman Jerry Marinich and county Executive Debbie Preston are expected to get together with interim zoo Executive Director Dave Conklin, and possibly board Chairwoman Sharon Witte, to get an update on the regional attraction, the search for an executive director, fundraising and the possibility of increased oversight.
"At this point here, I think the zoo is in a desperate need for an executive director," Marinich said. "I certainly believe, myself, the zoo is an important part of the fabric of Broome County."
This development comes after a Wednesday Press & Sun-Bulletin report about a perceived communication breakdown between the board and some zoo employees. Tuesday's annual meeting of the Southern Tier Zoological Society became heated and emotional as staffers and others raised concerns about the zoo's current leadership. Employees said they want consistency, transparency and financial stability, among other things.
The two sides need to work together, Preston said. It's a facility that annually has about 60,000 to 70,000 people come through.
"I totally want to see the zoo succeed," she said. "After reading the paper, I guess I'm concerned right now with the current direction."
Broome County also has a vested interest in the zoo since it contributes a hefty amount of funding toward it. The county's 2012 budget contains $286,454 for the zoo; the zoo's total budget for 2012 is $913,161. In 2011, the zoo received $295,313 from the county toward its $1 million budget.
Because a substantial amount of money is allocated for the zoo, which leaders say enhances the area's quality of life, an audit of the facility's finances is not off the table, Marinich said.
"If this warrants it, I will ask for it," he said.
Conklin said he welcomes the opportunity to sit down with county leaders and talk about the issues at hand.
"They need to have me sit down with them and explain what's going on and why that disruption happened (Tuesday), and I think they deserve the answers," he said. "Honestly, I'd like an opportunity to put them at ease."
There is a disconnect between the staff and the board, and both sides need to work together to bridge the gap, Conklin said.
"There isn't a person involved in this entire thing who doesn't have the zoo's best interest at heart," he said.
Zoo Education Curator Patricia Searles, who essentially served as a spokeswoman for some staffers during Tuesday's meeting, said zoo officials and county leaders setting up a meeting is a step in the right direction.
"This is pretty much what we mainly wanted to do -- get it out there and get the lines of communication open," she said. "If the community loves our zoo as much as we do, they're going to have to help us ..."
Better communication could start with the ongoing search for a permanent executive director. It has been narrowed to five candidates, and a decision could come by March.
"Hopefully the board will be able to find a director that the staff feels comfortable with as well," said Conklin, who is no longer interested in the permanent position.
When it comes to directors, there's been significant turnover at the zoo over the past decade.
On Aug. 16, Sheila Green, who served as executive director for less than two years, left the facility. Board members cited a "personnel issue," but Green said during a phone interview Wednesday she was let go.
"Basically, it was that I was not the face of the zoo and I was not a good fit," she said.
When the decision was made, Green said she didn't inquire further.
"It was kind of like the writing was on the wall and there was no reason to continue asking," she said.
Green said she worked hard to bridge the gap between the staff and the board.
"When I was there, I was very honest and upfront with the staff that it was a group effort to keep the zoo going and that's what we were striving for," she said. "A zoo is a very unique institution in how it works. You're dealing with living beings. It's a business yes, but it's also a service for a community."
Green was the zoo's fourth executive director since Steven Contento retired in 2002 after 17 years. Laura Jane Stewart was fired nine months into the job in 2003, and her successor, Jarod Miller, served for a year before resigning. Mike Janis took over in January 2006 and helped the zoo regain its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which it had lost in 2005 due to turmoil over previous leadership and finances. Janis left in January 2010, with the board again citing a personnel matter. Janis, in a previous interview with this newspaper, also said he was let go.
Moving forward, Marinich said it's important the zoo has solid leadership, not only on the business and animal sides, but the relationship side as well.
"It's important they all work together with one common goal," Marinich said. "And I'm hoping with a new executive director, they can pull all that together."
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Southern Tier Tweet-Up
https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=200929503263546
More Info Work in social media in the Southern Tier or just love it? This is the networking event for you. Get together with everyone you Facebook or tweet back-and-forth with every day.
Join us at the Roberson Museum and Science Center for food, drinks, fun, networking and new friends! Be sure to invite your Facebook and Twitter friends! Let's use the hashtag #BingMeet on Twitter to get the word out.
Price of admission is bringing your favorite food dish or drink to share. Please, no cases of beer or the likes. Let's keep it classy, kids. Sodas and juices count.
Also, check out our tweetvite: http://tweetvite.com/event/bingmeet (Thanks, @amywoo!)
Roberson Museum and Science Center
Facebook and Twitter friends - mark your calendars.
Roberson is hosting the Southern Tier Tweet-Up on Friday, May 6! Great chance to meet your "virtual friends" and network with other local social media users.
Southern Tier Tweet-Up Location: Roberson Museum and Science Center
Time: 6:00PM Friday, May 6th
More Info Work in social media in the Southern Tier or just love it? This is the networking event for you. Get together with everyone you Facebook or tweet back-and-forth with every day.
Join us at the Roberson Museum and Science Center for food, drinks, fun, networking and new friends! Be sure to invite your Facebook and Twitter friends! Let's use the hashtag #BingMeet on Twitter to get the word out.
Price of admission is bringing your favorite food dish or drink to share. Please, no cases of beer or the likes. Let's keep it classy, kids. Sodas and juices count.
Also, check out our tweetvite: http://tweetvite.com/event/bingmeet (Thanks, @amywoo!)
Roberson Museum and Science Center
Facebook and Twitter friends - mark your calendars.
Roberson is hosting the Southern Tier Tweet-Up on Friday, May 6! Great chance to meet your "virtual friends" and network with other local social media users.
Southern Tier Tweet-Up Location: Roberson Museum and Science Center
Time: 6:00PM Friday, May 6th
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Roberson Museum and Science Center expanding its exhibits, attracting new visitors
The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin featured a recent article on the Roberson Museum and recent efforts there:
The Roberson has an unrivaled collection, inspired exhibits and a long pedigree as a museum.
Still, Roberson Museum and Science Center leaders say all that means nothing without one crucial element: visitors.
"The greatest measure of success is through-the-door traffic," said Terry McDonald, Roberson's executive director. "It's a measure of whether we're doing what we need to do for the community."
The museum staff and its board must be doing something right. Countering years of stagnating attendance and decreased funding, museum attendance is up 23 percent from last year
This year, 6,069 patrons have visited the 30 Front St. landmark, compared to 4,919 last year, said Jason Fiume, the museum's marking manager.
The 2010 attendance number doesn't include the more than 4,000 people who came to the museum's newly resurrected two-day arts and crafts festival in September, Fiume said.
Nor does it include the number of students who pass through the museum on group visits. That number is also up, museum officials said. During the 2009-2010 school year, 7,753 students visited. The previous school year, 7,730 students came.
Numbers are also up for school outreach initiatives, from 9,775 in 2008-2009 to 12,450 in 2009-2010.
"This is a significant increase from the previous year," Fiume said.
But there's more work to be done.
Tradition, innovation
Museum leaders must essentially serve two masters: tradition and innovation.
Friday, the museum's venerable Home for the Holidays exhibit formally opens. As it has for decades, the exhibit features holiday trees decorated in the traditions of other countries, along with trees decorated by local nonprofits and other organizations.
The Roberson mansion part of the museum is lushly decorated for Christmas -- and visited every year through Jan. 2 -- in what has become a Binghamton tradition for local families. The museum's planetarium will offer its decades-old shows featuring the Christmas star on equipment dating from the 1960s.
Updating the planetarium is one of three initiatives planned for next year.
Read more here.
The Roberson has an unrivaled collection, inspired exhibits and a long pedigree as a museum.
Still, Roberson Museum and Science Center leaders say all that means nothing without one crucial element: visitors.
"The greatest measure of success is through-the-door traffic," said Terry McDonald, Roberson's executive director. "It's a measure of whether we're doing what we need to do for the community."
The museum staff and its board must be doing something right. Countering years of stagnating attendance and decreased funding, museum attendance is up 23 percent from last year
This year, 6,069 patrons have visited the 30 Front St. landmark, compared to 4,919 last year, said Jason Fiume, the museum's marking manager.
The 2010 attendance number doesn't include the more than 4,000 people who came to the museum's newly resurrected two-day arts and crafts festival in September, Fiume said.
Nor does it include the number of students who pass through the museum on group visits. That number is also up, museum officials said. During the 2009-2010 school year, 7,753 students visited. The previous school year, 7,730 students came.
Numbers are also up for school outreach initiatives, from 9,775 in 2008-2009 to 12,450 in 2009-2010.
"This is a significant increase from the previous year," Fiume said.
But there's more work to be done.
Tradition, innovation
Museum leaders must essentially serve two masters: tradition and innovation.
Friday, the museum's venerable Home for the Holidays exhibit formally opens. As it has for decades, the exhibit features holiday trees decorated in the traditions of other countries, along with trees decorated by local nonprofits and other organizations.
The Roberson mansion part of the museum is lushly decorated for Christmas -- and visited every year through Jan. 2 -- in what has become a Binghamton tradition for local families. The museum's planetarium will offer its decades-old shows featuring the Christmas star on equipment dating from the 1960s.
Updating the planetarium is one of three initiatives planned for next year.
Read more here.
Monday, September 6, 2010
October 5 at Roberson Museum: To Preserve and Protect: Security Solutions for New York’s Historical Records
To Preserve and Protect: Security Solutions for New York’s Historical
Records
Theft of historical documents plagues records repositories. With
careful planning, awareness of warning signs and proactive security
solutions, organizations can reduce the window of opportunity for
historical record theft. Archival security expert Mimi Bowling will
provide an interactive curriculum during this full-day workshop on
archival security, preparing participants to take immediate action to
strengthen their local security programs. Participants will receive a
certificate upon completion. There is no cost.
Topics include:
risk awareness
insider theft
facility design and security technology
security of information systems
working with vendors and contractors
research room management and design
developing institutional security policies
procedures and post-theft response
additional topics as requested by participants.
Workshop Schedule
Rochester Region
September 13, 2010 (Monday)
Ontario County Safety Training Center
Canandaigua, Ontario, NY
Western NY Region
September 14, 2010 (Tuesday)
Erie 1 BOCES
West Seneca, Erie, NY
Central NY Region
October 4, 2010 (Monday)
Utica Public Library
Utica, Oneida, NY
South Central NY Region
October 5, 2010 (Tuesday)
Roberson Museum and Science Center
Binghamton, Broome, NY
Hudson Valley Region
March 7, 2011 (Monday)
Historic Huguenot Street
New Paltz, Ulster, NY
Capital Region
April 11, 2011 (Monday)
Crandall Public Library
Glens Falls, Warren, NY
Northern NY Region
April 18, 2011 (Monday)
Town of Massena
Massena, St. Lawrence, NY
Metro NYC Region and Long Island Region
Spring 2011
TBA
To register, please email Bturner@mail.nysed.gov or call
518-473-0130. Early registration is encouraged and appreciated; only
25 seats available.
This program is sponsored by the New York State Historical Records
Advisory Board, the New York State Archives, and the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Records
Theft of historical documents plagues records repositories. With
careful planning, awareness of warning signs and proactive security
solutions, organizations can reduce the window of opportunity for
historical record theft. Archival security expert Mimi Bowling will
provide an interactive curriculum during this full-day workshop on
archival security, preparing participants to take immediate action to
strengthen their local security programs. Participants will receive a
certificate upon completion. There is no cost.
Topics include:
risk awareness
insider theft
facility design and security technology
security of information systems
working with vendors and contractors
research room management and design
developing institutional security policies
procedures and post-theft response
additional topics as requested by participants.
Workshop Schedule
Rochester Region
September 13, 2010 (Monday)
Ontario County Safety Training Center
Canandaigua, Ontario, NY
Western NY Region
September 14, 2010 (Tuesday)
Erie 1 BOCES
West Seneca, Erie, NY
Central NY Region
October 4, 2010 (Monday)
Utica Public Library
Utica, Oneida, NY
South Central NY Region
October 5, 2010 (Tuesday)
Roberson Museum and Science Center
Binghamton, Broome, NY
Hudson Valley Region
March 7, 2011 (Monday)
Historic Huguenot Street
New Paltz, Ulster, NY
Capital Region
April 11, 2011 (Monday)
Crandall Public Library
Glens Falls, Warren, NY
Northern NY Region
April 18, 2011 (Monday)
Town of Massena
Massena, St. Lawrence, NY
Metro NYC Region and Long Island Region
Spring 2011
TBA
To register, please email Bturner@mail.nysed.gov or call
518-473-0130. Early registration is encouraged and appreciated; only
25 seats available.
This program is sponsored by the New York State Historical Records
Advisory Board, the New York State Archives, and the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Security and Risk Management Training for Museums
Theft of historical documents plagues records repositories. With careful planning, awareness of warning signs and proactive security solutions, organizations can reduce the window of opportunity for historical record theft. Archival security expert Mimi Bowling will provide an interactive curriculum on archival security, preparing participants to take immediate action to strengthen their local security programs. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion. There is no cost.
Topics include risk awareness; insider theft; facility design and security technology; security of information systems; working with vendors and contractors; research room management and design; developing institutional security policies; procedures and post-theft response; additional topics as requested by participants.
Representatives of NY¹s historical records community, including archives, governments, libraries, museums, historical societies, schools and non-profits will be given first priority. Additional seats are available for security personnel and law enforcement representatives working with these organizations. Out-of-state representatives and others interested in the
topic are also encouraged to register.
September 13, 2010 (Monday)
Ontario County Safety Training Center
Canandaigua, Ontario, NY
September 14, 2010 (Tuesday)
Erie 1 BOCES
West Seneca, Erie, NY
October 4, 2010 (Monday)
Utica Public Library
Utica, Oneida, NY
October 5, 2010 (Tuesday)
Roberson Museum and Science Center
Binghamton, Broome, NY
March 7, 2011 (Monday)
Historic Huguenot Street
New Paltz, Ulster, NY
April 11, 2011 (Monday)
Crandall Public Library
Glens Falls, Warren, NY
April 18, 2011 (Monday)
Town of Massena
Massena, St. Lawrence, NY
Metro NYC Region and
Long Island Region
Spring 2011
TBA
To register, please email Bturner@mail.nysed.gov or call 518-473-0130. Early registration is encouraged and appreciated; only 25 seats available.
Workshop have been made possible by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the New York State Historical Records Advisory Board, and the New York State Archives.
Brittany Turner
Project Assistant
"Lessons from a Theft: Bringing Security Tools and Knowledge to New York's
Historical Records Community"
NYS Archives
CEC, Room 9D58
Albany, NY 12230
(PH) 518-473-0130\
(FX) 518-486-1647
Topics include risk awareness; insider theft; facility design and security technology; security of information systems; working with vendors and contractors; research room management and design; developing institutional security policies; procedures and post-theft response; additional topics as requested by participants.
Representatives of NY¹s historical records community, including archives, governments, libraries, museums, historical societies, schools and non-profits will be given first priority. Additional seats are available for security personnel and law enforcement representatives working with these organizations. Out-of-state representatives and others interested in the
topic are also encouraged to register.
September 13, 2010 (Monday)
Ontario County Safety Training Center
Canandaigua, Ontario, NY
September 14, 2010 (Tuesday)
Erie 1 BOCES
West Seneca, Erie, NY
October 4, 2010 (Monday)
Utica Public Library
Utica, Oneida, NY
October 5, 2010 (Tuesday)
Roberson Museum and Science Center
Binghamton, Broome, NY
March 7, 2011 (Monday)
Historic Huguenot Street
New Paltz, Ulster, NY
April 11, 2011 (Monday)
Crandall Public Library
Glens Falls, Warren, NY
April 18, 2011 (Monday)
Town of Massena
Massena, St. Lawrence, NY
Metro NYC Region and
Long Island Region
Spring 2011
TBA
To register, please email Bturner@mail.nysed.gov or call 518-473-0130. Early registration is encouraged and appreciated; only 25 seats available.
Workshop have been made possible by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the New York State Historical Records Advisory Board, and the New York State Archives.
Brittany Turner
Project Assistant
"Lessons from a Theft: Bringing Security Tools and Knowledge to New York's
Historical Records Community"
NYS Archives
CEC, Room 9D58
Albany, NY 12230
(PH) 518-473-0130\
(FX) 518-486-1647
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Forum Recap featuring NYS Comptroller and Panel on Strategic Alliances & Partnerships
The blog, Done by People, by Joe Brown, Principal and Founder of Slope Resources, LLC, offered the following recap of the "A Conversation with NYS Comptroller Thomas P. Di Napoli and Panel Discussion on Strategic Alliances & Partnerships."
On Monday, I had the opportunity to attend a highly informative and engaging forum which brought together government and nonprofit representatives to discuss the topic of strategic alliances and partnerships among nonprofit organizations. While the discussion focused on New York State’s nonprofit sector, the challenges, considerations, and ideas discussed are applicable to organizations nationwide. In the absence of a video or audio recording of the session, I wanted to share this detailed recap and my impressions of the session.
The event was sponsored by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) and held at the headquarters of New York State United Teachers (very nice digs, by the way) in Latham, New York, a few miles northeast of Albany.
Karen Bilowith, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, presided over the session. The approximately 75 attendees included representatives of various nonprofits, including arts, cultural, health, and human services organizations, as well as a number of funders and consultants (including yours truly). Following Ms. Bilowith’s welcoming comments, New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez provided brief opening remarks. Ms. Cortés-Vázquez assured the attendees that “most in government” recognize the importance of the nonprofit sector and rules and regulations pertaining to the sector should not be so onerous as to provide disincentives for staff, board members, and volunteers to participate.
I’m from the government, and…
Ms. Cortés-Vázquez then introduced the session’s keynote speaker, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The Office of the State Comptroller has responsibility for the review, approval, and payment of the state’s contracts with nonprofit organizations. Mr. DiNapoli noted the importance of the nonprofit sector to the state and its economy, citing 2006 statistics that the state’s approximately 24,000 nonprofits reported revenue of $133 billion and employed nearly 1.2 million people, or 17% of the state’s workforce. He quantified the state’s contractual bonds with the sector as consisting of nearly 31,000 active contracts totaling $14.6 billion, as of June 2009. Read more here.
The balance of the session was devoted to presentations and discussion by a panel consisting of:
■Doug Sauer, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) since 1980. NYCON’s membership represents approximately 1,600 charitable nonprofit organizations across New York State.
■Cristine Cioffi, who is a partner in the law firm of Cioffi • Slezak • Wildgrube P.C., but spoke primarily in her role as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Ellis Medicine, an organization which resulted from the recent merger of three nonprofit hospitals in Schenectady County.
■David W. Palmquist, who as Manager of the New York State Museum’s Chartering Program, oversees the chartering of museums, historical societies, and similar cultural organizations with educational purposes across the state.
The panelists responded to questions posed by Ms. Bilowith, as well as several questions from audience members.
Doug Sauer
While all three of the panelists presented interesting perspectives on the potential of various collaborative models for nonprofit organizations, I was particularly impressed by Mr. Sauer’s insight and candor on a number of fronts. Early in his presentation, he discussed the recent proliferation of nonprofits, describing the creation of thousands of new organizations each year, many of which are not active, and the resultant saturated environment. (I was reminded of a recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which noted that the number of nonprofit organizations nationwide has increased by 90% to 1.2 million since 1996). Read more here.
On Monday, I had the opportunity to attend a highly informative and engaging forum which brought together government and nonprofit representatives to discuss the topic of strategic alliances and partnerships among nonprofit organizations. While the discussion focused on New York State’s nonprofit sector, the challenges, considerations, and ideas discussed are applicable to organizations nationwide. In the absence of a video or audio recording of the session, I wanted to share this detailed recap and my impressions of the session.
The event was sponsored by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) and held at the headquarters of New York State United Teachers (very nice digs, by the way) in Latham, New York, a few miles northeast of Albany.
Karen Bilowith, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, presided over the session. The approximately 75 attendees included representatives of various nonprofits, including arts, cultural, health, and human services organizations, as well as a number of funders and consultants (including yours truly). Following Ms. Bilowith’s welcoming comments, New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez provided brief opening remarks. Ms. Cortés-Vázquez assured the attendees that “most in government” recognize the importance of the nonprofit sector and rules and regulations pertaining to the sector should not be so onerous as to provide disincentives for staff, board members, and volunteers to participate.
I’m from the government, and…
Ms. Cortés-Vázquez then introduced the session’s keynote speaker, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The Office of the State Comptroller has responsibility for the review, approval, and payment of the state’s contracts with nonprofit organizations. Mr. DiNapoli noted the importance of the nonprofit sector to the state and its economy, citing 2006 statistics that the state’s approximately 24,000 nonprofits reported revenue of $133 billion and employed nearly 1.2 million people, or 17% of the state’s workforce. He quantified the state’s contractual bonds with the sector as consisting of nearly 31,000 active contracts totaling $14.6 billion, as of June 2009. Read more here.
The balance of the session was devoted to presentations and discussion by a panel consisting of:
■Doug Sauer, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) since 1980. NYCON’s membership represents approximately 1,600 charitable nonprofit organizations across New York State.
■Cristine Cioffi, who is a partner in the law firm of Cioffi • Slezak • Wildgrube P.C., but spoke primarily in her role as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Ellis Medicine, an organization which resulted from the recent merger of three nonprofit hospitals in Schenectady County.
■David W. Palmquist, who as Manager of the New York State Museum’s Chartering Program, oversees the chartering of museums, historical societies, and similar cultural organizations with educational purposes across the state.
The panelists responded to questions posed by Ms. Bilowith, as well as several questions from audience members.
Doug Sauer
While all three of the panelists presented interesting perspectives on the potential of various collaborative models for nonprofit organizations, I was particularly impressed by Mr. Sauer’s insight and candor on a number of fronts. Early in his presentation, he discussed the recent proliferation of nonprofits, describing the creation of thousands of new organizations each year, many of which are not active, and the resultant saturated environment. (I was reminded of a recent article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which noted that the number of nonprofit organizations nationwide has increased by 90% to 1.2 million since 1996). Read more here.
Friday, February 19, 2010
NYS Parks and Historic Sites Proposed to Close: Broome and Tioga Impacted
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a recommended list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties.
Governor David A. Paterson issued the following statement:
"New York faces an historic fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It has demanded many difficult but necessary decisions to help ensure the fiscal integrity of our State. The unfortunate reality of closing an $8.2 billion deficit is that there is less money available for many worthy services and programs. In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of State spending, including parks and historic sites, could be exempt from reductions. We cannot mortgage our State's financial future through further gimmicks or avoidance behavior. Spending cuts, however difficult, are needed in order to put New York on the road to fiscal recovery. Going forward through the budget process, I look forward to a productive dialogue with the Legislature on parks and historic sites, as well as other issues."
OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash issued the following statement:
"The 2010-11 Executive Budget included reductions to every area of State spending. As such, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has today put forward proposed closures and service reductions to meet its agency savings target. These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our State's extraordinary fiscal difficulties."
###
A fact sheet on the proposed closures and service reductions is included below:
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its proposed 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties. As part of a comprehensive plan to close an $8.2 billion deficit, the 2010-11 Executive Budget included necessary cost reductions to each executive State agency, as well as cuts to education, health care, social services, and every other area of State spending.
OPRHP's plan includes the closure of 41 parks and 14 historic sites, and service reductions at 23 parks and 1 historic site.
The plan also assumes $4 million in park and historic site fee increases that will be identified at a later date, and the use of $5 million in funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to finance OPRHP operations. These two actions were part of the 21-day amendments to the Executive Budget and are intended to reduce the number of parks and historic sites subject to closures and service reductions.
Specific recommended closures and service reductions are detailed here.
Governor David A. Paterson issued the following statement:
"New York faces an historic fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It has demanded many difficult but necessary decisions to help ensure the fiscal integrity of our State. The unfortunate reality of closing an $8.2 billion deficit is that there is less money available for many worthy services and programs. In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of State spending, including parks and historic sites, could be exempt from reductions. We cannot mortgage our State's financial future through further gimmicks or avoidance behavior. Spending cuts, however difficult, are needed in order to put New York on the road to fiscal recovery. Going forward through the budget process, I look forward to a productive dialogue with the Legislature on parks and historic sites, as well as other issues."
OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash issued the following statement:
"The 2010-11 Executive Budget included reductions to every area of State spending. As such, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has today put forward proposed closures and service reductions to meet its agency savings target. These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our State's extraordinary fiscal difficulties."
###
A fact sheet on the proposed closures and service reductions is included below:
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its proposed 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties. As part of a comprehensive plan to close an $8.2 billion deficit, the 2010-11 Executive Budget included necessary cost reductions to each executive State agency, as well as cuts to education, health care, social services, and every other area of State spending.
OPRHP's plan includes the closure of 41 parks and 14 historic sites, and service reductions at 23 parks and 1 historic site.
The plan also assumes $4 million in park and historic site fee increases that will be identified at a later date, and the use of $5 million in funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to finance OPRHP operations. These two actions were part of the 21-day amendments to the Executive Budget and are intended to reduce the number of parks and historic sites subject to closures and service reductions.
Specific recommended closures and service reductions are detailed here.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Local history and culture preserved at Roberson Museum
News Channel 10 reported that it's been an especially tough year for non-profit organizations and it's no different for the folks at the Roberson Museum. Rob Wu shows what had everyone in the holiday spirit and why many believe the museum to be a local jewel:
What do France, Lithuania and China have in common? Their cultures and how they celebrate the holidays are all featured at the Roberson Museum.
"As you enter the museum, you see the international forest, the displays of different ethnicities that our community themselves have come together to represent," said Terry McDonald, Executive Director of the Roberson Museum.
It's all part of the mission, which started more than a half-century ago. The Robersons donated their mansion to be used for educational purposes. Now, hundreds of exhibits and art galleries are sprawled throughout the mansion's 26 rooms, designed to preserve the area's history and promote diversity. It's something readily apparent for people who poured into the museum for its annual holiday event.
"I think it's important for the people who live in this area to see some of the history, to see people like the Robersons and other families who lived here and the splendor that is Binghamton," said Connecticut resident Sean Folan.
Museum officials say it has always represented the community in everything that it does, but with a down economy and less money to go around, the future isn't as certain as it once was.
"We're fine in the short-run, but as any non-profit, it's always nip and tuck. It's very, very difficult," McDonald said.
But what is certain, losing the museum which has preserved the area's culture would be a blow to the community. Read more and watch the video here.
What do France, Lithuania and China have in common? Their cultures and how they celebrate the holidays are all featured at the Roberson Museum.
"As you enter the museum, you see the international forest, the displays of different ethnicities that our community themselves have come together to represent," said Terry McDonald, Executive Director of the Roberson Museum.
It's all part of the mission, which started more than a half-century ago. The Robersons donated their mansion to be used for educational purposes. Now, hundreds of exhibits and art galleries are sprawled throughout the mansion's 26 rooms, designed to preserve the area's history and promote diversity. It's something readily apparent for people who poured into the museum for its annual holiday event.
"I think it's important for the people who live in this area to see some of the history, to see people like the Robersons and other families who lived here and the splendor that is Binghamton," said Connecticut resident Sean Folan.
Museum officials say it has always represented the community in everything that it does, but with a down economy and less money to go around, the future isn't as certain as it once was.
"We're fine in the short-run, but as any non-profit, it's always nip and tuck. It's very, very difficult," McDonald said.
But what is certain, losing the museum which has preserved the area's culture would be a blow to the community. Read more and watch the video here.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Resources for Shooting Emergencies, Security Needs
In light of the June 10 incident at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., when security guard Stephen Johns was shot and killed, American Association of Museums (AAM) is distributing Active Shooter materials prepared by the Department of Homeland Security. The materials provide guidance—in booklet, pocket card and poster forms—for the immediate actions to take in the event of an active shooter in your museum.
The Museum Association Security Committee (MASC) also shares its Recommendations for Preparing Museums for Active Shooter Situations, which were adapted from the Department of Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Guidelines. In order to prepare for an active shooter incident, MASC recommends that museums conduct a risk assessment, update their emergency evacuation plan following the risk assessment, train all employees and volunteers in the updated emergency evacuation plan, and conduct unscheduled realistic evacuation drills on a regular basis.
In addition, the Museum, Library, and Cultural Properties Council of ASIS International and the Museum Association Security Committee of AAM jointly developed Suggested Practices for Museum Security. Revised in 2006, the document addresses fire protection, burglar alarms, key control, access control, security staffing and training, security officer qualifications and pre-employment screening for museum employees.
The Museum Association Security Committee (MASC) also shares its Recommendations for Preparing Museums for Active Shooter Situations, which were adapted from the Department of Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Guidelines. In order to prepare for an active shooter incident, MASC recommends that museums conduct a risk assessment, update their emergency evacuation plan following the risk assessment, train all employees and volunteers in the updated emergency evacuation plan, and conduct unscheduled realistic evacuation drills on a regular basis.
In addition, the Museum, Library, and Cultural Properties Council of ASIS International and the Museum Association Security Committee of AAM jointly developed Suggested Practices for Museum Security. Revised in 2006, the document addresses fire protection, burglar alarms, key control, access control, security staffing and training, security officer qualifications and pre-employment screening for museum employees.
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