The Art of Saying No
This workshop is part of an ongoing series about navigating challenging conversations. Attendees are welcome whether or not they’ve joined any of the prior workshops, though they must meet the established criteria for this Network (see below). Sheri Gurock is returning to co-lead this workshop in partnership with Ronda Alexander.
Philanthropy works best when funders and nonprofit leaders are in trusting partnerships. These authentic relationships require intention and effort on both sides of the table, and can be challenging because of the power dynamics at play. The reality is, sometimes grantmakers need to say no. This workshop will focus on communicating these decisions with compassion and clarity, while upholding dignity and maintaining connection. We’ll also talk about why many people are afraid to say no, and how to build resiliency to that discomfort.
The Art of Saying No connects to the Network's established learning theme for the year: Building and Sustaining Transparent and Collaborative Relationships with Grantees.
To ensure participation and interactivity, this session will be capped at 35.
Ronda Alexander supports organizations and communities to partners to achieve meaningful, inclusive change. With a focus on centering historically marginalized communities, Alexander brings expertise in building the capacity of funding organizations to center the communities they serve with the goal of disrupting systemic privilege and elevating under-represented voices. She’s the founder and director of Global Reach Consulting, LLC and the Director of National Partnerships with Vital Village Network at Boston Medical Center.
Sheri Gurock is a trained facilitator, consultant, and coach with over 18 years of experience in management, business development, brand development, and change work. She is co-founder of Magic Beans and the Executive Director of The Beker Foundation, a Boston-area family foundation. Sheri is an active participant in the Social Justice Funders Network.
About the Network:
The Learning Network convenes mid to senior level program staff who share elements of a common program staff job description but work across issue areas and types of funding institutions. The purpose of the Learning Network is to create an ongoing, safe space for mid to senior level program staff to learn together, furthering their professional development alongside their peers.
To participate in the Learning Network you must meet the following two criteria:
- Have worked in a professional setting for at least 10 years.
- Currently situated in philanthropy at a foundation or grantmaking program as mid to senior level program staff