Learn how to make a difference in Sisters

Sisters residents have a unique opportunity to learn how to make a difference in Sisters Country. On Sunday, November 10, 4 to 6 p.m., at the Sisters Fire District community hall, “What Do You Do With an Idea?” is being sponsored by two local nonprofits, Citizens4Community (C4C) and Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC). Kellen Klein, C4C executive director, will facilitate the workshop which can be attended in person or livestreamed online. The event will also be recorded for later viewing.

Local individuals and groups often have good ideas for ways to build community or create great new opportunities but don’t have the necessary knowledge to bring their ideas to fruition. Hear from a variety of leaders with experience in establishing and/or running nonprofit and social-impact organizations. Speakers include Roundhouse Foundation Executive Director Erin Borla, City of Sisters Mayor Michael Preedin, and representatives from AFSC, Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS), Sisters Community Leadership Initiative (SCLI), Rotary Club of Sisters, Living Well With Dementia Sisters, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), and The Grant Lab.

Age Friendly Sisters Country is an organization that helps other groups get started. Their biggest success story to date is STARS, which became the first AFSC team, benefitting from AFSC’s nonprofit status and guidance in the early days of their becoming a functioning organization. STARS has become an independent non-profit which offers free rides to medical appointments for those unable to drive themselves. AFSC provided the opportunity for STARS to secure necessary volunteers, become firmly established on a sound financial base, work out any problem areas and streamline their operations, and recruit a board of directors.

The workshop is an opportunity for community members to learn how and where to volunteer or what it takes to establish, finance, and run an organization or individual effort.

Mike Deal, AFSC’s board president, explained, “We’ve heard from many people who have great ideas but aren’t sure how to implement them. Our workshop will walk them through the ins and outs of various pathways like volunteering, fiscal sponsorship, starting a nonprofit, and more.”

“This is really a ‘Nonprofits 101’ kind of event,” said Klein. “There are so many opportunities for residents of Sisters Country to put their time, treasure, and talents toward worthy local causes. But knowing where to dive in can be overwhelming. We aim to demystify the process — showing folks different levels of engagement based on their interest and capacity.”

The workshop will help answer questions like:

• Where do volunteer opportunities exist in Sisters Country?

• What does serving on a nonprofit board look like?

• What does it take to start a nonprofit?

• What is fiscal sponsorship, and how can it be an efficient way to launch a new community program?

• Where does one find funding for a new community program or initiative?

The event is free, but registration is requested for both in-person and online attendance and is accessible at bit.ly/wdydwai. The workshop is possible thanks to support from St. Charles Health System, AARP, and the City of Sisters. Transportation assistance, interpretation services, and childcare stipends are also available upon request; email [email protected] to inquire.