(from the April 2009 Newsletter)
Trevor Neilson, President of the Global Philanthropy Group will serve as the keynote speak of our Annual Partners Meeting on May 14. Trevor is the advisor to some of the world's leading philanthropists and celebrities, including Bill Gates, Brad Pitt, Shakira and President Bill Clinton. He will join us for remarks and conversation on the topic, "Turning Passion Into Promise: What Bono, Gates, Angelina and Everyone Can Do to Change the World." Trevor brings a wealth of experience leveraging valuable assets to change the lives of people in need and shift the paradigms of giving around the world.
The Annual Partners Meeting offers Partners and guests the chance to socialize and network as well as get updates or more information on our community investments. We will also reveal the latest community investment of our Capacity Building Fund, introduce our newest Board members and present the President's Award to a Partner who made an outstanding contribution in the previous year. Partners and guests will also enjoy the beautifully refurbished surroundings and art shows of the Olympic Mills Commerce Center.
For more information on this and other upcoming events, see our website events page here.
Showing posts with label Annual Meeting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annual Meeting. Show all posts
Help Make a Real Difference for Someone in Poverty-- Become a Navigator for PovertyBridge
(from the January 2009 Newsletter)
At SVPP's 2007 Annual Meeting, Dr. Donna Beegle spoke movingly about the experience of being in generational poverty and the mentors who helped her carve a career and path to economic security. She urged each of us at the time to become a mentor to someone experiencing the desperation of poverty. Now you can!
Donna and PovertyBridge are sponsoring their signature "Opportunity Conference" in Portland, March 7, 2009 with 200 individuals in poverty. People with more economic security (likely you!) can serve in a mentor role--a "Navigator"--assisting people in moving out of poverty by connecting them with resources to build a network of support. Navigators agree to exchange contact information with at least one person and communicate with them weekly for a six-month period. To become a Navigator, Opportunity Conference volunteer or find additional information, see PovertyBridge Navigator or www.povertybridge.org.
At SVPP's 2007 Annual Meeting, Dr. Donna Beegle spoke movingly about the experience of being in generational poverty and the mentors who helped her carve a career and path to economic security. She urged each of us at the time to become a mentor to someone experiencing the desperation of poverty. Now you can!Donna and PovertyBridge are sponsoring their signature "Opportunity Conference" in Portland, March 7, 2009 with 200 individuals in poverty. People with more economic security (likely you!) can serve in a mentor role--a "Navigator"--assisting people in moving out of poverty by connecting them with resources to build a network of support. Navigators agree to exchange contact information with at least one person and communicate with them weekly for a six-month period. To become a Navigator, Opportunity Conference volunteer or find additional information, see PovertyBridge Navigator or www.povertybridge.org.
Annual Partners Meeting: Photo Essay
(From the May 2008 Newsletter)
- Howard Shapiro and Ray Mathis enjoy a moment.
- Annual Meeting speaker, Paul Brainerd
- Partner Heather Beusse listens intently in the audience.
- Partners Valerie Ilsley, Ed Mueller, Dina Alexander enjoy each other's company.
- Mark Holloway shares the positive impact of SVPP investments.
- Kirt Nilsson learns about The Shadow Project from Board member Ken Moore.
A Message from Mark
(From the April 2008 Newsletter)
Spring is an exciting time in Oregon as flowers bloom, temperatures warm and an election nears. It’s an exciting time at SVPP, too, as we prepare for our Annual Partners’ Meeting, select our next community investments and elect a new Board of Directors. But some things do stay constant--our Partners continue to do great work in the community with great Investee organizations. You’ll learn about two below. And we continue to knit together our Partners around Portland and around the world to learn from one another and make change in our communities.
-Mark Holloway, Executive Director
Spring is an exciting time in Oregon as flowers bloom, temperatures warm and an election nears. It’s an exciting time at SVPP, too, as we prepare for our Annual Partners’ Meeting, select our next community investments and elect a new Board of Directors. But some things do stay constant--our Partners continue to do great work in the community with great Investee organizations. You’ll learn about two below. And we continue to knit together our Partners around Portland and around the world to learn from one another and make change in our communities.
-Mark Holloway, Executive Director
SVPP Welcomes Paul & Debbi Brainerd for Annual Meeting
(From the April 2008 Newsletter)
Environmental Philanthropists and Tech Entrepreneur to Speak on May 15
The father of desktop publishing and founders of a
the keynote speakers at SVPP’s Annual Partners’ Meeting on May 15, 2008. As the creator of Aldus PageMaker in 1985, Paul Brainerd coined the term 255-acre environmental learning center will serve as “desktop publishing.” He has since helped found the Social Venture Partners movement and a variety of environmental advocacy and nonprofit efforts. Paul and his wife Debbi created IslandWood on Bainbridge Island near Seattle to educate and inspire school-aged children for lifelong environmental and community stewardship.
SVPP will host an armchair conversation with the Brainerds focused on the topic “Trend Spotting in Your Life, Your Giving and Your World” to glean wisdom learned from their many entrepreneurial turns. The latest came when Paul announced that The Brainerd Foundation would Paul spend its entire endowment in the next 10 to 12 years.
The Annual Partners’ Meeting offers SVPP Partners the
opportunity to network and learn from other Partners, our nonprofit Investees and community leaders like Paul and Debbi Brainerd. The event will be held May 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the new University of Oregon White Stag Block. Please contact Diane Selden for more information or to R.S.V.P.
The Brainerds will also be the guests of honor at a breakfast for area foundation staff and trustees on May 16. Contact Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington for more information.
Environmental Philanthropists and Tech Entrepreneur to Speak on May 15
The father of desktop publishing and founders of a
the keynote speakers at SVPP’s Annual Partners’ Meeting on May 15, 2008. As the creator of Aldus PageMaker in 1985, Paul Brainerd coined the term 255-acre environmental learning center will serve as “desktop publishing.” He has since helped found the Social Venture Partners movement and a variety of environmental advocacy and nonprofit efforts. Paul and his wife Debbi created IslandWood on Bainbridge Island near Seattle to educate and inspire school-aged children for lifelong environmental and community stewardship.SVPP will host an armchair conversation with the Brainerds focused on the topic “Trend Spotting in Your Life, Your Giving and Your World” to glean wisdom learned from their many entrepreneurial turns. The latest came when Paul announced that The Brainerd Foundation would Paul spend its entire endowment in the next 10 to 12 years.
The Annual Partners’ Meeting offers SVPP Partners the
opportunity to network and learn from other Partners, our nonprofit Investees and community leaders like Paul and Debbi Brainerd. The event will be held May 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the new University of Oregon White Stag Block. Please contact Diane Selden for more information or to R.S.V.P.The Brainerds will also be the guests of honor at a breakfast for area foundation staff and trustees on May 16. Contact Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington for more information.
From Our Executive Director - Mark Holloway
(From the June 2007 Newsletter)
As you will read below, SVPP recently held a great annual meeting -- lots of Partners and guests, an enlightening and inspiring speaker and great energy for strengthening SVPP and our investments -- but this is just the tip of the iceberg for what is to come. With more Partners, great Investees, numerous volunteer engagement opportunities and new education and community building activities, SVP Portland is going to be better and stronger. I look forward to sharing our plans as the summer progresses, but I want first to announce two very exciting developments:
SVPP AmeriCorps VISTA position - Because of our work to fight poverty in the community -- especially among children, youth and families -- the Corporation for National Service has approved SVPP for an AmeriCorps VISTA member. Please contact me immediately if you know of a dynamic and motivated individual to help us build our partnership and community impact. VISTA Corps members receive a monthly stipend (currently $840), health insurance, relocation expenses, a $4,700 education award (at the completion of their service year), among other benefits. More information can be found about our Partner and Program Manager position at SVP Portland.
SVPP moving to Center for Philanthropy - SVPP will be moving on July 1st to the new Center for Philanthropy at 221 NW 2nd Avenue, Portland. The Center was recently established by the Northwest Health Foundation to create a dynamic and cooperative community of small grantmakers. We leave our beautiful Sellwood location (hosted by Partner Eli Morgan) with a heavy heart, but look forward to the collaboration and learning opportunities of working among fellow funders. If anyone knows of high-quality office furniture that could be donated or sold at a low cost to us, please let me know.
-- Mark Holloway
As you will read below, SVPP recently held a great annual meeting -- lots of Partners and guests, an enlightening and inspiring speaker and great energy for strengthening SVPP and our investments -- but this is just the tip of the iceberg for what is to come. With more Partners, great Investees, numerous volunteer engagement opportunities and new education and community building activities, SVP Portland is going to be better and stronger. I look forward to sharing our plans as the summer progresses, but I want first to announce two very exciting developments:
SVPP AmeriCorps VISTA position - Because of our work to fight poverty in the community -- especially among children, youth and families -- the Corporation for National Service has approved SVPP for an AmeriCorps VISTA member. Please contact me immediately if you know of a dynamic and motivated individual to help us build our partnership and community impact. VISTA Corps members receive a monthly stipend (currently $840), health insurance, relocation expenses, a $4,700 education award (at the completion of their service year), among other benefits. More information can be found about our Partner and Program Manager position at SVP Portland.
SVPP moving to Center for Philanthropy - SVPP will be moving on July 1st to the new Center for Philanthropy at 221 NW 2nd Avenue, Portland. The Center was recently established by the Northwest Health Foundation to create a dynamic and cooperative community of small grantmakers. We leave our beautiful Sellwood location (hosted by Partner Eli Morgan) with a heavy heart, but look forward to the collaboration and learning opportunities of working among fellow funders. If anyone knows of high-quality office furniture that could be donated or sold at a low cost to us, please let me know.
-- Mark Holloway
SVPP News
(From the June 2007 Newsletter)
Dr. Donna Beegle Speaks to SVPP at Annual Partners' Meeting
On May 17, 2007, Partners, Investees and guests attended SVPP's Annual Partners' Meeting held at the World Forestry Center. The meeting provided great opportunities to reengage with Partners, meet new faces and interact directly with all our Investees.
The guest speaker, Donna M. Beegle, EdD, spoke about the dynamics of living in poverty, having lived in this powerless situation for 28 years herself. She also sensitized everyone to the lack of knowledge by most of us on this subject, pointing out that our society and schools don't teach the history or dynamics of poverty. Her personal accounts of growing up in generations of poverty, homelessness and illiteracy provided a riveting topic that captivated the large audience and motivated all of us to be more aware and active in fighting the causes of poverty.
SVPP Hosts Jim Lambright, Chairman of Export-Import Bank
Together with Wells Fargo Private Banking, SVPP hosted a reception on May 9th for Mr. Jim Lambright, President and Chairman of the Board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Mr. Lambright, a personal friend of Partner Rance Gregory, provided strong insight into the role that the Export-Import Bank plays in providing insurance and financial guarantees to support U.S. export transactions that would not otherwise occur without credit support.
Investment Team Narrows Options for 2007 Grant
After months of diligence and hard work, the 2007 Investment Team has selected five finalists out of the 55 Letters of Inquiry received from organizations for our 2007 investment cycle. All of these provide excellent opportunities for SVPP to participate in worthwhile causes in the Portland area and generate volunteering opportunities for SVPP Partners. In May, a survey was sent to SVPP Partners to share information and solicit feedback on these finalists. The selection announcement will be made later this month.
Dr. Donna Beegle Speaks to SVPP at Annual Partners' Meeting
On May 17, 2007, Partners, Investees and guests attended SVPP's Annual Partners' Meeting held at the World Forestry Center. The meeting provided great opportunities to reengage with Partners, meet new faces and interact directly with all our Investees.
The guest speaker, Donna M. Beegle, EdD, spoke about the dynamics of living in poverty, having lived in this powerless situation for 28 years herself. She also sensitized everyone to the lack of knowledge by most of us on this subject, pointing out that our society and schools don't teach the history or dynamics of poverty. Her personal accounts of growing up in generations of poverty, homelessness and illiteracy provided a riveting topic that captivated the large audience and motivated all of us to be more aware and active in fighting the causes of poverty.
SVPP Hosts Jim Lambright, Chairman of Export-Import Bank
Together with Wells Fargo Private Banking, SVPP hosted a reception on May 9th for Mr. Jim Lambright, President and Chairman of the Board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Mr. Lambright, a personal friend of Partner Rance Gregory, provided strong insight into the role that the Export-Import Bank plays in providing insurance and financial guarantees to support U.S. export transactions that would not otherwise occur without credit support.
Investment Team Narrows Options for 2007 Grant
After months of diligence and hard work, the 2007 Investment Team has selected five finalists out of the 55 Letters of Inquiry received from organizations for our 2007 investment cycle. All of these provide excellent opportunities for SVPP to participate in worthwhile causes in the Portland area and generate volunteering opportunities for SVPP Partners. In May, a survey was sent to SVPP Partners to share information and solicit feedback on these finalists. The selection announcement will be made later this month.
SVPP Holds Annual Meeting
(From the July 2006 Newsletter)
Nearly 80 partners, investees, and friends enjoyed SVPP's Annual Meeting on May 24 at the Japanese Garden Pavilion. The setting was beautiful and the rain subsided long enough for our partners to enjoy the spectacular views. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Kohler, President of OHSU, opened the session and challenged us to consider "The Safety Net for Children". We welcomed our two new board members Joel Kaplan and Drew Smith and thanked our outgoing board members, Joe Barthmaier and Megan Leftwich who were founding partners.
A major highlight of the event was the informative displays from retiring, current and future investees which included Morrison Child and Family Services, The Boys and Girls Club, The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, Metropolitan Family Service, CASH Oregon, the Parental Engagement Program, and two newly announced projects for 2006: the Child Care Improvement Program and the Forest Grove Latino Community Network.
Three of our investees "graduated" at this event. Morrison, the Free Clinic and Metropolitan Family Service. All received recognition for their services to the community.
Partner Les Soltesz received the President's Award from Chairman, Jeffrey Grubb. This award is given for outstanding service to the organization. Les serves on the Board of Directors, chairs the Marketing and Communications Committee, publishes the newsletter, has been instrumental in helping build the soon-to-be-launched website, and volunteers with one of our investees, PEP.
Nearly 80 partners, investees, and friends enjoyed SVPP's Annual Meeting on May 24 at the Japanese Garden Pavilion. The setting was beautiful and the rain subsided long enough for our partners to enjoy the spectacular views. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Kohler, President of OHSU, opened the session and challenged us to consider "The Safety Net for Children". We welcomed our two new board members Joel Kaplan and Drew Smith and thanked our outgoing board members, Joe Barthmaier and Megan Leftwich who were founding partners.
A major highlight of the event was the informative displays from retiring, current and future investees which included Morrison Child and Family Services, The Boys and Girls Club, The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, Metropolitan Family Service, CASH Oregon, the Parental Engagement Program, and two newly announced projects for 2006: the Child Care Improvement Program and the Forest Grove Latino Community Network.
Three of our investees "graduated" at this event. Morrison, the Free Clinic and Metropolitan Family Service. All received recognition for their services to the community.
Partner Les Soltesz received the President's Award from Chairman, Jeffrey Grubb. This award is given for outstanding service to the organization. Les serves on the Board of Directors, chairs the Marketing and Communications Committee, publishes the newsletter, has been instrumental in helping build the soon-to-be-launched website, and volunteers with one of our investees, PEP.
SVPP News
(From the December 2005 Newsletter)
Governor Kitzhaber Talks to SVPP About the Nation's Health Care System
"Resolving the crisis in our health care system requires the courage to move beyond simply defending programs and antiquated structures to a critical examination of the outdated operating system which both shapes and constrains the way in which we finance and deliver health care in America today". These were a few of the points former Governor John Kitzhaber made to SVPP partners and guests at the quarterly partner meeting held at Oregon Food Bank on November 16, 2005. Governor Kitzhaber is a national leader engaged in a wide variety of health care issues including long-term care, resource allocation and uncompensated care.
"Rising medical costs eat into corporate margins, reduce the capacity of firms to grow and compromise competitiveness in the global economy. They slow the rate of job growth, suppress wage increases for existing workers and foster labor disputes and lost productivity". Governor Kitzhaber said there is no larger problem facing our country today than the U.S. health care system and its dependence on forty year old demographics.
The speech was stimulating and thought-provoking, and generated a number of insightful questions from the audience.
Dean of PSU College of Urban and Public Affairs Speaks to SVPP
As part of SVPP's continuing education and work with community leaders, Dr. Lawrence Wallack spoke to partners and guests at the September 15, 2005 Partner Meeting. From 1999 to 2004 he was Professor and Director, School of Community Health, at PSU. He is also Emeritus Professor of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley . Dr. Wallack has many awards to his credit and is the author of numerous books and articles on the Media and Public Health.
His topic for this talk was "Going Upstream". He described the state of health in our country and compared it to others and outlined the gap between the haves and have-nots and the impact on our society. "Social inequality is not only bad for health, it is bad for the education system, bad for civic participation, bad for democracy, bad for the very things that we need to be a successful society". Greed, Amatai Etzioni the sociologist has said, "may be good for the economy, but it is bad for the society".
Dr. Wallack used stories to illustrate how we must make progress and laid out four points to fundamentally get ahead of problems and tap a deeper spiritual connection -- how to develop an "upstream vision". The talk was very well received and a lively question and answer session followed.
Social Venture Partners Portland gets Tax Exempt Status
Since SVPP's beginning in 2001, the Oregon Community Foundation has been SVPP's fiduciary agent receiving contributions and donations on behalf of SVPP as a Donor Advised Fund. This worked very well and SVPP is grateful for OCF's support over the years. With the organization's growth came the need for greater financial independence and flexibility than community foundations can normally accomodate. In March of 2005, with the help of board member David Smith and partner Joel Kaplan, a partner with Foster, Pepper, Tooze, SVPP filed the appropriate documents with the Department of Treasury. The approval came in early November and SVPP has officially received 501(c)(3) status. New procedures for receiving donations will be completed by the end of the year. Until then, any grants and donations to SVPP during this quarter need to go through OCF as usual. The new policies and procedures will be communicated in the beginning of the year.
The SVP Network Meets in Phoenix for Annual Meeting
Every year SVPI organizes a conference that allows all the SVP affiliates (there are 23 in North America) to get together for three days to discuss a wide variety of topics of common interest. This year the conference was held in Phoenix, AZ, from October 27th through October 29th and five representatives from SVPP were in attendance. Among the many topics covered were the organization's direction, recruiting, on-line tools for membership tracking and internal communications, and recognition of significant projects from the SVP network. The program also included two excellent keynote speakers with extensive direct philanthropic experience: Bill Gates Sr., head of The Gates Foundation and Jerry Hirsch, founder of SVP Arizona and The Lodestar Foundation. Both speakers delivered very effective summaries of their efforts which had a strong motivational effect on the participants to continue to pursue their philanthropic goals.
SVPP Survey Results
In September, SVPP conducted a brief survey to get partner feedback on their SVPP experience. Here is a brief summary of the results:
• Philanthropy is primary motivation for joining SVPP
• Volunteering opportunities are second most important reason
• People enjoy the partners and think networking is important
• E-mail communication is effective for newsletters, announcements, etc.
The survey also highlighted the need to make volunteering simpler. Many said volunteerism is as important as our investments. Many also said "you get out of an organization such as SVPP exactly what you put in".
Thanks to all the partners that participated in the recent survey.
Governor Kitzhaber Talks to SVPP About the Nation's Health Care System
"Resolving the crisis in our health care system requires the courage to move beyond simply defending programs and antiquated structures to a critical examination of the outdated operating system which both shapes and constrains the way in which we finance and deliver health care in America today". These were a few of the points former Governor John Kitzhaber made to SVPP partners and guests at the quarterly partner meeting held at Oregon Food Bank on November 16, 2005. Governor Kitzhaber is a national leader engaged in a wide variety of health care issues including long-term care, resource allocation and uncompensated care.
"Rising medical costs eat into corporate margins, reduce the capacity of firms to grow and compromise competitiveness in the global economy. They slow the rate of job growth, suppress wage increases for existing workers and foster labor disputes and lost productivity". Governor Kitzhaber said there is no larger problem facing our country today than the U.S. health care system and its dependence on forty year old demographics.
The speech was stimulating and thought-provoking, and generated a number of insightful questions from the audience.
Dean of PSU College of Urban and Public Affairs Speaks to SVPP
As part of SVPP's continuing education and work with community leaders, Dr. Lawrence Wallack spoke to partners and guests at the September 15, 2005 Partner Meeting. From 1999 to 2004 he was Professor and Director, School of Community Health, at PSU. He is also Emeritus Professor of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley . Dr. Wallack has many awards to his credit and is the author of numerous books and articles on the Media and Public Health.
His topic for this talk was "Going Upstream". He described the state of health in our country and compared it to others and outlined the gap between the haves and have-nots and the impact on our society. "Social inequality is not only bad for health, it is bad for the education system, bad for civic participation, bad for democracy, bad for the very things that we need to be a successful society". Greed, Amatai Etzioni the sociologist has said, "may be good for the economy, but it is bad for the society".
Dr. Wallack used stories to illustrate how we must make progress and laid out four points to fundamentally get ahead of problems and tap a deeper spiritual connection -- how to develop an "upstream vision". The talk was very well received and a lively question and answer session followed.
Social Venture Partners Portland gets Tax Exempt Status
Since SVPP's beginning in 2001, the Oregon Community Foundation has been SVPP's fiduciary agent receiving contributions and donations on behalf of SVPP as a Donor Advised Fund. This worked very well and SVPP is grateful for OCF's support over the years. With the organization's growth came the need for greater financial independence and flexibility than community foundations can normally accomodate. In March of 2005, with the help of board member David Smith and partner Joel Kaplan, a partner with Foster, Pepper, Tooze, SVPP filed the appropriate documents with the Department of Treasury. The approval came in early November and SVPP has officially received 501(c)(3) status. New procedures for receiving donations will be completed by the end of the year. Until then, any grants and donations to SVPP during this quarter need to go through OCF as usual. The new policies and procedures will be communicated in the beginning of the year.
The SVP Network Meets in Phoenix for Annual Meeting
Every year SVPI organizes a conference that allows all the SVP affiliates (there are 23 in North America) to get together for three days to discuss a wide variety of topics of common interest. This year the conference was held in Phoenix, AZ, from October 27th through October 29th and five representatives from SVPP were in attendance. Among the many topics covered were the organization's direction, recruiting, on-line tools for membership tracking and internal communications, and recognition of significant projects from the SVP network. The program also included two excellent keynote speakers with extensive direct philanthropic experience: Bill Gates Sr., head of The Gates Foundation and Jerry Hirsch, founder of SVP Arizona and The Lodestar Foundation. Both speakers delivered very effective summaries of their efforts which had a strong motivational effect on the participants to continue to pursue their philanthropic goals.
SVPP Survey Results
In September, SVPP conducted a brief survey to get partner feedback on their SVPP experience. Here is a brief summary of the results:
• Philanthropy is primary motivation for joining SVPP
• Volunteering opportunities are second most important reason
• People enjoy the partners and think networking is important
• E-mail communication is effective for newsletters, announcements, etc.
The survey also highlighted the need to make volunteering simpler. Many said volunteerism is as important as our investments. Many also said "you get out of an organization such as SVPP exactly what you put in".
Thanks to all the partners that participated in the recent survey.
From Our Executive Director - Jean Hart
(From the March 2005 Newsletter)
Partner participation over the past six months has been strong. All of our new members are engaged in a variety of interesting projects and we continue to deepen our understanding of children's needs in the four county area. Four of our partners participated in the Principal for a Day program organized yearly by the Portland Schools Foundation. It was very enlightening and a highly worthwhile experience. Interested partners are encouraged to participate next year.
At our March 9 quarterly meeting, we announced our newest project, the Venture Scholars, which will provide scholarships to students in two Portland high schools. Dr. Preston Pulliams, President of Portland Community College, was the keynote speaker for the meeting. Dr. Pulliams addressed the importance of career-focused educational programs and their role in the community's economic development. He stressed the importance of partnerships between PCC and organizations such as SVPP. Dr. Pulliams speech was both informative and entertaining.
The Investment Committee has been meeting since early October to identify the investment direction for 2005. The group has made excellent progress and has identified two areas for focus: greater parental engagement in elementary schools and increased collection of tax credits for qualifying families. Our expectation is that both of these programs will have a direct and positive impact on children.
Social Venture Partners has had strong national and local media coverage in the past six months. Several of our affiliates were recently highlighted in a two-page spread in the March 7, 2005 issue of Business Week. The topic was "giving circles" and SVP was used as a successful example. The Portland Business Journal, who broke the news on Venture Scholars, gave us good coverage in the Portland Metro area.
We continue to work closely with Social Venture Partners International to tap into best practices across the SVP network, develop tools to share knowledge, establish policies and procedures and expand the scope of the network. New affiliates are planned for Asia, Europe and Latin America over the next year.
We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Partner Meeting on May 26 at the Wieden + Kennedy facility. More information about that event will be published soon. Mark your calendar now and save the date.
Please stop by the SVPP office at any time to discuss whatever is on your mind. I welcome your inputs.
Partner participation over the past six months has been strong. All of our new members are engaged in a variety of interesting projects and we continue to deepen our understanding of children's needs in the four county area. Four of our partners participated in the Principal for a Day program organized yearly by the Portland Schools Foundation. It was very enlightening and a highly worthwhile experience. Interested partners are encouraged to participate next year.
At our March 9 quarterly meeting, we announced our newest project, the Venture Scholars, which will provide scholarships to students in two Portland high schools. Dr. Preston Pulliams, President of Portland Community College, was the keynote speaker for the meeting. Dr. Pulliams addressed the importance of career-focused educational programs and their role in the community's economic development. He stressed the importance of partnerships between PCC and organizations such as SVPP. Dr. Pulliams speech was both informative and entertaining.
The Investment Committee has been meeting since early October to identify the investment direction for 2005. The group has made excellent progress and has identified two areas for focus: greater parental engagement in elementary schools and increased collection of tax credits for qualifying families. Our expectation is that both of these programs will have a direct and positive impact on children.
Social Venture Partners has had strong national and local media coverage in the past six months. Several of our affiliates were recently highlighted in a two-page spread in the March 7, 2005 issue of Business Week. The topic was "giving circles" and SVP was used as a successful example. The Portland Business Journal, who broke the news on Venture Scholars, gave us good coverage in the Portland Metro area.
We continue to work closely with Social Venture Partners International to tap into best practices across the SVP network, develop tools to share knowledge, establish policies and procedures and expand the scope of the network. New affiliates are planned for Asia, Europe and Latin America over the next year.
We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Partner Meeting on May 26 at the Wieden + Kennedy facility. More information about that event will be published soon. Mark your calendar now and save the date.
Please stop by the SVPP office at any time to discuss whatever is on your mind. I welcome your inputs.
Annual Meeting Highlights
(From the June 2004 Newsletter)
On a lovely May evening SVP'ers, investee representatives, and guests met at the EcoTrust Building in Portland's Pearl District to look back at our accomplishments so far, and also to look ahead to new challenges and opportunities, at the SVPP Annual Meeting.
Partners thanked outgoing Board members Jim Johnson and Nick Stanley for their dedicated service, and welcomed new Board members George Alexander, Jean Hart and Dave Smith. The Partners also warmly thanked departing Interim Executive Director Miriam Feuerle. Team Co-Leader Leslie Trim presented the Plan developed by the Strategic Design Team over the past six months. The Plan beautifully lays out SVPP's philosophy and goals and offers ideas for continuing evolution and improvement in service both to our Partners and to our community; it will be the subject of an SVPP Town Hall on June 9th (please see the notice on the Calendar, top right).
Oregon Public Broadcasting President Maynard Orme gave the Annual Meeting keynote address. He described a national initiative called Life Options that he and Jay Bloom, President of Morrison Child and Family Services, seek to integrate into Portland area nonprofits. Its purpose is to tap the potential of the generation now aged 45 to 75 as volunteers and as "returnee" workers. This creative program is being developed locally with the help of SVP Partner Jean Hart.
On a lovely May evening SVP'ers, investee representatives, and guests met at the EcoTrust Building in Portland's Pearl District to look back at our accomplishments so far, and also to look ahead to new challenges and opportunities, at the SVPP Annual Meeting.
Partners thanked outgoing Board members Jim Johnson and Nick Stanley for their dedicated service, and welcomed new Board members George Alexander, Jean Hart and Dave Smith. The Partners also warmly thanked departing Interim Executive Director Miriam Feuerle. Team Co-Leader Leslie Trim presented the Plan developed by the Strategic Design Team over the past six months. The Plan beautifully lays out SVPP's philosophy and goals and offers ideas for continuing evolution and improvement in service both to our Partners and to our community; it will be the subject of an SVPP Town Hall on June 9th (please see the notice on the Calendar, top right).
Oregon Public Broadcasting President Maynard Orme gave the Annual Meeting keynote address. He described a national initiative called Life Options that he and Jay Bloom, President of Morrison Child and Family Services, seek to integrate into Portland area nonprofits. Its purpose is to tap the potential of the generation now aged 45 to 75 as volunteers and as "returnee" workers. This creative program is being developed locally with the help of SVP Partner Jean Hart.
Strategic by Design
(From the March 2004 Newsletter)
Since January a group of SVP Partners has met bi-weekly to address two tasks: first, analyze the challenges we face as SVPP moves from start-up to the next phase of our organization; and second, advise the SVPP Board on the strategic opportunities we have to increase our service to our Partners and our community.
As source material, the Strategic Design Team used data from our own Partner survey of last fall, information from SVP International on the network at large, and several articles on strategy and organizational dynamics. Sub-teams are now working on these four key areas: our identity and values; our financial model; our organizational structure; and our connectedness as Partners.
The team will report at the SVPP Annual Meeting in May, and finish its work by fall.
This is vital work for SVPP. With so much to do, we are still looking for eager participants in this project. Join us! The meetings are enjoyable, frequently philosophical discussions of what SVPP is today and how we hope to see it evolve.
If you would you like to help chart SVPP's future; if you would like to effect change while getting to know some of your bright and energetic SVP colleagues better; or if you would or simply like more information about the project, please contact either Megan Leftwich or Leslie Trim.
Since January a group of SVP Partners has met bi-weekly to address two tasks: first, analyze the challenges we face as SVPP moves from start-up to the next phase of our organization; and second, advise the SVPP Board on the strategic opportunities we have to increase our service to our Partners and our community.
As source material, the Strategic Design Team used data from our own Partner survey of last fall, information from SVP International on the network at large, and several articles on strategy and organizational dynamics. Sub-teams are now working on these four key areas: our identity and values; our financial model; our organizational structure; and our connectedness as Partners.
The team will report at the SVPP Annual Meeting in May, and finish its work by fall.
This is vital work for SVPP. With so much to do, we are still looking for eager participants in this project. Join us! The meetings are enjoyable, frequently philosophical discussions of what SVPP is today and how we hope to see it evolve.
If you would you like to help chart SVPP's future; if you would like to effect change while getting to know some of your bright and energetic SVP colleagues better; or if you would or simply like more information about the project, please contact either Megan Leftwich or Leslie Trim.
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