GMILLER2 - Open Forum

Hi Folks,

Everything feels uncertain at the moment. That's the reality. And with widespread cancellations and postponements happening at an unprecedented scale, you're probably wondering what's going on with Upswell.

So, we want to share a few important updates.

Most importantly, we're still putting every ounce of energy we have into designing a powerful experience for this October 14-16 in Pittsburgh. We'll proceed with safety as our highest priority, of course, but our hope is that the world will be a healthier place seven months from now.

At the same time, we're not planning for a "back to normal" event. We're not sure what the new normal will be in the months ahead, but it seems certain that the world will be permanently changed by this pandemic.

We are sure – and unwaveringly so – that the social sector is the force for good that will step up, as it always does in times of need, to lead toward a brighter future.

Accordingly, we're pivoting in our planning to ensure that Upswell is where we can collectively heal, coordinate, and prepare for what comes next. Our aim is to harness the experiences and insights gained during the pandemic - to ensure that our communities are safer and healthier; to jointly navigate the operational complexities that face our organizations; and to help you, personally, feel more confident and strengthened for the tasks ahead.

To that end, we're adding a fourth theme to Upswell 2020: #resilience

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Liz Culkin
Director, Conference & Event Management
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Hi Liz,

Thanks for sharing, 

First things first: The co-creation campaign for Upswell 2020 is now officially open through April 24!

That might be enough to cause you to do a fist-pump and sprint straight into a creative brainstorm.

But if you're still reading – especially if you're new to Upswell – read on to learn everything you need to know about one of Upswell's coolest features.

The three-day program is co-created by changemakers like you - nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, corporate citizens, activists, social entrepreneurs, government officials, and so many more. It's a powerful opportunity to capture the imagination of the nation's brightest doers and dreamers, designed to elevate the very best thinking and boldest ideas from across the social good space.

Each year, our co-creation campaign invites changemakers of every kind of mission, position, and geography to propose what they would do with dedicated space on the Upswell program. The guiding question: How would your proposal make other changemakers better?

The process is straightforward:

1. Choose one of three themes – acceleration, innovation, or collaboration. Read more about those here.
2. Select the format that best matches your idea. Read about the seven formats here.
3. Write a short proposal that describes how your activity will make a difference.
4. Click submit! When you're ready, get started here.

Here is a great video as well: 

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Chris Rubio
Director of Membership
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-01-2020 23:24
From: Liz Culkin
Subject: An Update on Upswell 2020

Hi Folks,

Everything feels uncertain at the moment. That's the reality. And with widespread cancellations and postponements happening at an unprecedented scale, you're probably wondering what's going on with Upswell.

So, we want to share a few important updates.

Most importantly, we're still putting every ounce of energy we have into designing a powerful experience for this October 14-16 in Pittsburgh. We'll proceed with safety as our highest priority, of course, but our hope is that the world will be a healthier place seven months from now.

At the same time, we're not planning for a "back to normal" event. We're not sure what the new normal will be in the months ahead, but it seems certain that the world will be permanently changed by this pandemic.

We are sure – and unwaveringly so – that the social sector is the force for good that will step up, as it always does in times of need, to lead toward a brighter future.

Accordingly, we're pivoting in our planning to ensure that Upswell is where we can collectively heal, coordinate, and prepare for what comes next. Our aim is to harness the experiences and insights gained during the pandemic - to ensure that our communities are safer and healthier; to jointly navigate the operational complexities that face our organizations; and to help you, personally, feel more confident and strengthened for the tasks ahead.

To that end, we're adding a fourth theme to Upswell 2020: #resilience

​

------------------------------
Liz Culkin
Director, Conference & Event Management
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