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Civic renewal and volunteerism as the spark webinar

Webinar

Civic Renewal and Volunteerism as the Spark

This session will highlight how nonprofits can view volunteer engagement as a strategic asset and why that mindset is key to rebuilding civic life across the country. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with actionable steps to strengthen their own communities.

When: Wed., June 25, 2025 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Platform: Zoom
Cost: Free
Moderator: Chris Volf
Panelists:
Rachel Hutchisson, CEO, Common Impact
Dr. Nathan Dietz, Research Director and Associate Research Professor, Do Good Institute
Beth Steinhorn, President, VQ Strategies

Phyllis Martin, Executive Director, Jewish Endowment Foundation of SC

Agenda:

  • Introduction (5-10 minutes) Brief welcome, introduction of panelists and moderator, and an overview of the event’s goals 

  • Panel Discussion (60 minutes): Moderated conversation with the panelists, focusing on the intersection of civic renewal and volunteerism. We’ll cover:

    • The need for civic renewal in today’s society

    • How volunteerism contributes to strengthening communities

    • Strategies for nonprofits to see volunteer engagement as a strategic asset

    • Funding civic renewal in a shifting landscape

    • Cross-sector collaboration (businesses, nonprofits, and government) to support civic renewal

    • Actionable steps individuals and communities can take to contribute to civic renewal

  • Audience Q&A (10-15 minutes): Open the floor for audience questions and discussion.

  • Special Invitation from Good Strategies for Participants

about our panelists

Rachel Hutchisson, CEO, Common Impact

Rachel Hutchisson is a seasoned social impact leader with deep experience at the intersection of corporate responsibility and nonprofit innovation. As CEO of Common Impact, she drives strategic partnerships between leading companies and nonprofits to create measurable change through skills-based volunteering. Previously, she led global social responsibility at Blackbaud and has served on numerous nonprofit boards, championing equity and community engagement.

 

Beth Steinhorn, President, VQ Strategies

Beth partners with organizations and their leadership to increase their impact through strategic and innovative engagement. As a thought leader, Beth regularly participates in the national dialogue about volunteerism and engagement and is co-editor of Transforming Disruption to Impact: Rethinking Volunteer Engagement for a Rapidly Changing World. She provides consulting and training to organizations across the US and Canada, including supporting dozens of organizations to become accredited Service Enterprises.

 

Phyllis Martin, Executive Director, Jewish Endowment Foundation of SC

Phyllis currently serves as executive director of the Jewish Endowment Foundation of SC and brings over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, leading organizations through strategic planning, redesign, and sustainable change. She has held executive roles as CEO, COO, and executive director, and she is known for her integrity, strategic thinking, and ability to lead complex community initiatives. A strong communicator and relationship builder, Phyllis has served on numerous boards and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University.

 

Dr. Nathan Dietz, Research Director, Do Good Institute

Nathan Dietz, Ph.D., is the research director at the Do Good Institute (DGI) and an associate research professor in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research with DGI focuses on social capital, volunteering, charitable contributions, civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. Dr. Dietz is the author or coauthor of all of DGI’s published research reports, and recently led externally funded research projects on strategic volunteer engagement and the social determinants of generosity.