The Growing Nonprofits Series is a collaborative effort led by the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Studies Network (NVSSN) at Luther College, in partnership with the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation.
The series is designed to enhance the professional development and capacity of nonprofit professionals through ongoing learning and community-driven research. Participants can take advantage of a variety of complimentary learning experiences aimed at equipping nonprofit professionals with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape.
Registration for the Winter 2026 Growing Nonprofits Series is now open!
Gentle Teaching with Michael Lavis
Thursday, January 15 (10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) at George Bothwell Library
This foundational session introduces the heart of Gentle Teaching, a philosophy grounded in unconditional compassion, dignity, and the inherent value of every person. You will explore the origins of this approach, the vision of its founder, the historical context that shaped its evolution, and the principles that continue to guide community-based organizations and human-service nonprofits around the world.
At the center of this session are the Four Pillars of Gentle Teaching:
- To feel safe
- To feel valued
- To become more loving
- To become more engaged
You will also learn how to apply the Four Tools — our hands, our eyes, our words, and our presence — to build meaningful, trust-based connections with the individuals and communities you serve.
Whether you work in frontline support, community outreach, program delivery, education, or nonprofit leadership, this session will invite you to rethink how care, support, and relationship-building can shape your organization’s mission. Gentle Teaching offers a mindset that enriches team culture, strengthens client engagement, and deepens your commitment to compassionate, human-centered practice.
It is not just a method. It is a mindset.
Michael Lavis is the founding CEO of Creative Options Regina (COR) — a for-impact, charitable organization that develops personalized support services for people experiencing disability in Regina, Saskatchewan. Under Michael’s leadership, COR has grown to become one of the province’s largest support providers in the mental health and disability services sector. Michael is passionately committed to nurturing a culture of gentleness within the workplace, with a focus on employee experience. Michael is a proud recipient of Canada’s Most Admired CEO Award (2021) – Broader Public Sector; COR has been recognized as one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures (2020-2025), Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2026), along with a number of other national and regional awards.
Social Media Data Management with Strategy Lab
Wednesday, January 28 (10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) via Zoom
Join Brandon Wu, Co-Founder of StratLab Marketing, for a hands-on session exploring how nonprofits can harness the data behind their website to deepen engagement and grow their reach. Through a live demonstration and accessible, practical tips, participants will learn how to interpret website analytics, understand audience behaviour, and use data-driven insights to connect with the right communities. This session emphasizes real-world tools and strategies that nonprofits can apply immediately to strengthen their digital presence and audience relationships.
Brandon started Stratlab with a clear mission: to make websites better. After noticing that businesses were paying too much for websites that were neither customizable nor scalable, he saw an opportunity to do things differently. Recognizing the growing competition on the front page of Google, Brandon shifted the focus beyond just building websites. His passion lies in helping businesses create content that not only drives traffic but also builds trust, converts leads, and sets them apart from competitors. From incorporating video and professional photography to highlighting the things that matter most—like community involvement—Brandon believes in crafting digital experiences that reflect what makes each client remarkable.
Mission Aligned HR Performance Indicators
Thursday, February 5 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) at George Bothwell Library
In this session, participants will explore how nonprofit organizations can strengthen their people systems by grounding HR practices in mission-aligned performance indicators. The workshop will introduce practical approaches for creating metrics that reflect organizational values, guide staff development, and support a healthy, engaged workforce. Through case examples and applied tools, participants will learn how to connect job roles, performance conversations, and evaluation frameworks directly to mission impact, ensuring that staff accountability, recognition, and growth strategies reinforce the organization’s purpose and culture. This session is ideal for nonprofit leaders, managers, and HR professionals seeking to build more intentional, values-driven performance systems.
Nancy Kazeil is a leadership development consultant and executive search specialist with over 20 years of experience in performance improvement, recruitment, and executive coaching. She has held senior roles in the Saskatchewan Public Service and later joined a global performance improvement firm, working with clients such as Viterra, Estevan Coal Mine, and multiple hospitals. For more than 17 years, Nancy has supported the University of Regina with executive search and leadership initiatives. Known for her engaging facilitation style, she equips leaders with practical tools to foster employee commitment, align strategy with daily work, and achieve measurable, sustainable results.
The AI Upgrade Every Nonprofit Needs
Wednesday, February 25 (10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) via Zoom
AI is not coming for your job, it is coming for your workload. This session cuts through the hype and shows nonprofit leaders what AI can actually do right now to save time, improve messaging, and level up fundraising results. We’ll unpack the most common myths that scare people off and replace them with clear examples of how AI supports real fundraising work.You’ll learn my simple system for turning your case for support, donor personas, and other key documents into your own custom AI assistant that understands your mission and writes in your voice. We’ll also cover the policies and guardrails you need so you can use AI safely, ethically, and confidently. And because tools matter, I’ll walk you through practical AI platforms you can start using the same day.You’ll walk away with real steps you can put into action immediately, plus a personal AI assistant that helps you write faster, plan smarter, and finally get ahead of your fundraising to-do list.
Joanne Toller, CFRE (Ret.), has spent more than 30 years helping nonprofits raise real money and build stronger, more confident organizations. She’s a fundraising coach, consultant, and educator who has supported hundreds of small and mid-sized nonprofits across Canada and the United States. Joanne is known for teaching practical systems that make fundraising feel doable. Her approach helps leaders grow their revenue, build campaigns they can trust, and finally stop guessing their way through fundraising.
Wearing Multiple Hats
Wednesday, March 18 (10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) via Zoom
Working as the sole communications staff member in a nonprofit often means wearing many hats, managing competing priorities, and finding creative ways to get things done. In this session, we will explore practical tips, tools, and strategies that help you navigate the unique challenges of being a one-person communications department. Drawing on real-world lessons learned over years in the sector, this presentation will offer approaches to streamline your work, stay organized, build internal partnerships, and communicate with confidence so you can thrive in your role.
Ali Thompson has a professional background in writing, photography, marketing, and communications coupled with experience in journalism, event coordination and planning, project management, and branding. She’s a creative-thinker and passionate about smart marketing and communications strategies. She’s also currently finishing up a Master’s degree in English and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Regina. Ali was raised here on Treaty 4 Territory. She lives with her husband and pets in the Lumsden valley and spends her free time reading and exploring.
Crisis Communications
Wednesday, April 8 (10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) via Zoom
Reputation and community trust are essential to nonprofit work, yet organizations may occasionally face unexpected online challenges or moments of public misunderstanding. This session will explore how nonprofits can respond thoughtfully and maintain stability when digital communications become difficult. Participants will gain practical tools for managing reputational issues, communicating clearly with stakeholders, and supporting staff and volunteers during high-stress periods. The session will also highlight approaches suited to small nonprofits with limited capacity, helping leaders feel more prepared and confident when navigating online environments.
Denis Simard is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader whose career has been dedicated to building strong, inclusive communities across Saskatchewan and Canada. With over three decades of experience, he has led complex organizations, strengthened community systems, and advanced major initiatives in housing, food security, youth services, cultural vitality, and social infrastructure.
Denis currently serves as Executive Director of the Al Ritchie Community Association, the Queen City Eastview Community Association, and the ALS Society of Saskatchewan. He is also President of the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF) and contributes to several governance and advisory committees at the municipal, provincial, and national levels.
A respected advocate for Francophone rights and minority-language communities, Denis has been an active Fransaskois leader since adolescence and continues to shape national conversations through the FCFA on education, immigration, infrastructure, and community vitality.
Known for his strategic thinking and collaborative leadership, Denis has secured millions in grant funding and helped organizations evolve into multi-service community hubs delivering essential programs at no cost to residents. His work is guided by authenticity, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to service.
Denis is a recipient of the Regina 25 Under 25 Mentor Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. He credits his children as his greatest inspiration and the foundation of his dedication to creating compassionate and equitable communities.