Educational Webinar:

During the month of March, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) welcomed Phil Eich (pictured left), founder of Storyville Social, to demonstrate how storytelling strengthens relationships between people, connects us to our past and future and cultivates pride in one’s place. Eich discussed how to combine the art of storytelling with the art of marketing, creating authentic local storytelling that promotes small businesses and attracts and retains talent and investment. If you couldn’t join the live webinar, check out the recording!

Additional Resources:

In October 2020, Eich published an article, entitled “How to Start a Humans of New York Campaign in Your City,” via Proud Places. He describes in great detail how cities can do exactly as the article’s title indicates by implementing a simple framework: one picture, one person, one story, told every day.

“Although the process is simple, this kind of storytelling isn’t easy work. But if our places are worth it (they are), we should be willing to take up the commitment needed to tell the stories of the people who have risked, sacrificed, and overcome to create better places for us to live.” – Phil Eich

Inspirational Podcast:

As we focus on ways to transform lives and communities, Virginia DHCD was thrilled to welcome Raven Bates (pictured left) who serves as the administrator for VCDC’s Mission Elevation program, an extension of VCDC’s commitment to ensure communities are vibrant for all residents. Being a nonprofit professional, Bates brings a well-rounded and diverse perspective as a guest speaker, and listeners will hear more about VCDC’s mission-oriented work while Bates speaks to Andrea Dono of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) about the Mission Elevation program and tools that will help nonprofit organization’s thrive. Click here to check out the third podcast of the CCV Series!

Additional Resources:

Mission Elevation offers customized solutions to nonprofit organizations based on their current needs. Supported by experienced coaches, participants pick their end point and VCDC will support identified goals. Program participants can rely on a class of like-minded leaders and come out with the exact kind of change their organization needs for sustained mission impact. The program is designed to give participants a laser focus on their performance challenges while driving change for longevity and establishing accountability focused on measurable results. Click here to learn more about how the program works, important dates and tuition, and consider applying today!

The next round of the Mission Elevation program will begin in May 2021 and run until May 2022. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the Class of 2022 cohort has been formed.

Identity Workbook:

Download the Identity Workbook to reflect on the future you would like to see for your community, identify session ideas that rise to today’s needs and develop a path forward. You can also learn more about upcoming sessions!

Coming Up | April 2021 | Leadership & Networks

Educational Webinar | Speaker: John Sarvay | Apr. 14 | Register here

Inspirational Podcast | Speaker: Sarah Milston | Apr. 19 | Register here