Mark your calendar for an exciting conversation with Peninsula Symphony Orchestra violinist, Deborah Passanisi, to hear about her lifetime of music. Discover how decades of performance have enriched her journey, and learn how music enhances memory, reduces stress, and brings joy at any age.

To RSVP, please email jannah@age-up.org.

Tune in to Dollars & Democracy, the Budget Center’s premier state budget training, followed by a panel discussion that will help you understand and effectively engage in the California state budget process.

This training is designed for advocates who are new to the field or want to refresh their understanding of the state budget process. We’ll break down California’s budget process, highlighting key deadlines and the essential role the governor, Legislature, and advocates play in advancing community investments.

After the training, stay for a panel discussion with state budget experts who will share practical advocacy strategies and insights into what’s ahead for 2026.

The North Fair Oaks Community Celebration will be held at Middlefield Road and 2nd Avenue in Redwood City, offering an afternoon filled with kids' activities, delicious food, community resources, and the chance for photos with Santa. It's a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and friends and celebrate the season together!

Join CalNonprofits for a comprehensive walkthrough of Mineral's Platform and Compliance tool. This session will cover consulting with the Live Team of HR Experts, understanding applicable laws and law alerts, and accessing a variety of templates, toolkits, sample policies, and resources in the database. Participants will also learn how to create and utilize job descriptions using Mineral’s job description builder and find HR tools, including calculators and the minimum wage map.

Under California law, all employers with at least one employee must offer a retirement savings program or facilitate access to the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (for those not already offering a qualified retirement plan).

In this workshop, you will learn:

• What CalSvers is and how it works for businesses of any size

• Recent legislative changes that expand the requirement

• Steps to comply and avoid penalties that could affect your finances

• How to participate in the Early Incentive Campaign for a chance to win $500

Join the Rise Against Hunger Experience for an event that will create a lasting, real-life impact. Volunteers will work together in a start-to-finish meal assembly process to combine rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and a packet containing 18 vitamins and minerals into life-changing meal packages. These packaged meals will then be shipped overseas to address the immediate nutritional needs of people facing food insecurity, helping to pave the way for resilient and brighter futures!

Join CalNonprofits Insurance Services for an informative webinar that aims to clarify the essentials of nonprofit insurance. This session will cover key types of coverage such as general liability, property, directors & officers, and workers’ compensation, making it ideal for new nonprofit leaders, board members, or anyone seeking a refresher. Attendees will gain practical insights to make informed insurance decisions that safeguard their mission and community. With expert speakers from CNIS, this is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and enhance your confidence in navigating the insurance landscape for nonprofits.

You are invited to attend upcoming District 4 Discretionary Measure K Listening Sessions. These sessions are a chance for local nonprofits and community-based organizations to learn about District 4 priorities, share feedback, and help shape how discretionary Measure K funds are used.

Join Caminar for an inspiring evening in honor of World Kindness Day as part of the Caminar Speakers Series. This special virtual event will highlight the transformative power of kindness, gratitude, and mental health—core values that guide Caminar’s mission to expand access to compassionate mental health care. The program will include a screening of "The Power of Small," followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion.

Stanford Continuing Studies, in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement and the Stanford Democracy Hub, is hosting the second annual "Reimagining Democracy" speaker series. This six-part event features prominent scholars from various Stanford centers and initiatives discussing critical themes surrounding democratic decline and resilience. Hosted by Dean Debra Satz and Professor Larry Diamond, the series includes sessions on topics like constitutional crisis, media challenges, and restoring civic purpose in higher education. Notable speakers include Francis Fukuyama, Bernadette Meyler, and Condoleezza Rice, among others.

Join Sustainable San Mateo County for the launch of the 2025 Indicators Report. This event will delve into the significant issue of food-related emissions, which account for 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily stemming from food consumption and waste. The report will highlight key barriers, successful local strategies, and provide actionable recommendations for reducing carbon footprints within the food system. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with community efforts in sustainability—register now to attend!

The 2025 CalNonprofits Policy Conference in Los Angeles invites nonprofit leaders to unite and strategize amidst the challenges faced this year, including federal funding cuts and harmful tax policies. Attendees will hear from influential figures such as Diane Yentel and Akilah Watkins, along with California lawmakers like Assemblymember Gregg Hart and Senator Monique Limón. This event emphasizes the importance of collective action to defend marginalized communities and shape future policies, encouraging participants to register and take advantage of discounted member pricing while highlighting the benefits of joining CalNonprofits.

Join Phase2Careers for an informative session focused on navigating careers in government, education, and non-profits. Participants will gain valuable insights into various career paths, enhance their understanding of local resources, and have opportunities to network with employers and fellow job seekers. The event will also feature a Q&A segment covering essential professional development and job search tips, along with insights into what agencies require. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to advance their career in these sectors!

Join local leaders and coastal experts for "Shifting Shorelines," an engaging workshop focused on how San Mateo County is adapting to climate change along our coast. This unique event will feature insights from Pacifica’s Mayor Sue Beckmeyer and Vice Mayor Christine Boles, who will discuss the climate challenges we face and the strategies being implemented for adaptation. Attendees will enjoy interactive beach tours to witness the effects of coastal change firsthand and gain valuable perspectives from regional organizations working on climate resilience. This is an opportunity to connect, learn, and envision a sustainable future for our shoreline, all while sharing ideas with like-minded professionals. Don’t miss out on this chance to deepen your understanding of climate change and inspire action within your community!

How can palliative care improve your quality of life? This specialized support helps you live more comfortably with serious illness by managing pain, supporting emotional well-being, and focusing on what matters most to you. Join us to learn how palliative care can make a meaningful difference in your journey.

We’ll talk about:

• How palliative care can help relieve symptoms like pain, nausea, and fatigue

• The many ways in which palliative care supports both you and your family

• How palliative care works alongside your regular doctors

• Whether palliative care is available for all ages and stage of illness

• The difference between palliative care and hospice

The Leagues of Women Voters of South San Mateo County and North & Central San Mateo County invite you to a Pros & Cons Presentation on Proposition 50. This event offers a nonpartisan analysis of the measure, along with an opportunity to ask your questions. Free and open to all!

The 2025 Corporate Philanthropy Institute: CommUNITY, hosted by the Northern California Grantmakers, is an essential gathering for professionals committed to corporate philanthropy and social responsibility. This in-person conference will focus on how to effectively support communities in need while fostering connections among colleagues. As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape and address pressing social and environmental issues, participants will engage in discussions on innovative strategies and collaborative approaches that align with their organizations' values and missions. The event aims to reinforce the importance of community engagement and shared purpose in driving meaningful impact.

 We’re happy to share that Georgia Farooq, CEO of Thrive Alliance, will be a speaker at the Summit on the Collective Approaches panel on the topic of Community Impact: Supporting the Nonprofit Ecosystem.

Join Leadership Council SMC on October 1 for ‘Communicating with Impact’, a full-day workshop designed to help leaders strengthen how they communicate, engage authentically, and build trust. The program features Matt Abrahams, Stanford Graduate School of Business professor and author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter, along with local media voices and public affairs professionals.

Join the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women for the 2025 Women’s Equality Day celebration! This annual event honors the passage of the 19th Amendment and uplifts women’s voices, leadership, and civic engagement across the county. This year’s theme, “Her Voice. Her Power. Our Future,” highlights the critical role women play in shaping a more just and equitable community. The event will include inspiring speakers, local leaders, and community advocates coming together to reflect, connect, and take action.

Join Nonprofit VOTE for "All 2025 Politics is Local," a webinar that highlights the myriad of state, local, and special elections taking place throughout 2025, challenging the notion that it's an "off-year." The event aims to equip nonprofits with strategies for engaging communities in voter outreach, emphasizing the connection between local issues—such as parks, schools, and public safety—and the importance of voting. Panel members include representatives from Ballotpedia and more, making this a valuable opportunity to understand how local elected leaders impact the work of organizations year-round.

The webinar "Staying Inside the 501(c)(3) Lines: Keeping Nonpartisan in Messy Partisan Times," scheduled for April 23 at 2pm ET, aims to equip nonprofits with the knowledge to effectively engage voters while adhering to nonpartisan requirements necessary for maintaining 501(c)(3) status. Led by attorney Stephanie Robbins from Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP, the session will clarify IRS regulations and outline strategies for nonprofits to maximize their voter engagement efforts. Participants will gain insights into the “dos” and “don'ts” of nonpartisan activities and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Join California Budget & Policy Center for 'Dollars and Democracy,' a premier state budget training in California aimed at navigating the evolving budget landscape and the impact of recent ballot measures as 2025 approaches. Designed for both newcomers and seasoned advocates, this training will offer valuable insights led by Budget Director Scott Graves, who will explain the state’s budget process and the critical roles of various stakeholders in driving community investments. Following the training, a panel of budget and election experts will provide practical advocacy tools and insights. This is a great opportunity for participants to prepare themselves and their communities to make a significant impact on the California budget—registration is now open to secure a spot!

The upcoming November ballot will significantly affect Californians due to competitive legislative races and complex ballot measures. The annual CalNonprofits Policy Conference, themed "Strong Nonprofits for a Stronger California," will gather leaders and advocates to discuss the future of the nonprofit sector post-2024 election. Participants will explore philanthropic reforms, legislative efforts, and successful nonprofit journalism models, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and advocacy in fostering thriving communities. The conference aims to strengthen alliances and inspire attendees, urging them to register for this critical event.

The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to offer monthly virtual workshops aimed at enhancing community partners' understanding of Census data for organizational capacity and grant writing. The next session, "Your Community by the Numbers: Data for Grant Writing," will help participants utilize key data tools for effective proposals, featuring insights from Census specialists and moderating by Chris Chaffee. Supported by various state organizations, the series is inclusive; for accommodations, contact Michael Conrique at michael.conrique@opr.ca.gov at least ten business days before the event.

Monterra Credit Union is celebrating International Credit Union Day on October 17, 2024. As part of this year's festivities, they are donating $0.25 for every transaction made with a Monterra Credit Union debit or credit card to Thrive Alliance! They are also running a social media contest and a youth coloring contest, with $25 Visa® gift cards as prizes. Additionally, they invite customers to visit their branch locations on October 17th to enjoy light refreshments.

The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) is teaming up with the US Census Bureau to host a series of virtual workshops aimed at providing data learning opportunities for community partners. The workshops will focus on deepening understanding of Census data and its use in decision making, resource allocations, and communication campaign adjustments. The workshops will cover topics such as languages spoken at home within California, English proficiency rates, and the growing number of speakers of other languages. The event aims to be inclusive and accessible, with accommodations available upon request. For accommodation needs, participants can contact Michael Conrique at michael.conrique@opr.ca.gov at least ten business days before the event.

Join co-host of the Beyond Philanthropy podcast, Valerie Johnson, for a half-day workshop on utilizing inclusive storytelling to enhance fundraising practices. Valerie will provide practical guidance on integrating community-centric and trust-based models into your fundraising efforts, along with concrete examples and data to illustrate the impact of inclusive storytelling. The workshop will also feature hands-on activities for developing inclusive stories across various fundraising channels. Please note that lunch is not provided, and the program includes a one-hour break. Valerie Johnson is the VP of Advancement and Special Projects at Pathways to Housing PA, bringing extensive experience in fundraising and a strong background in nonprofit organizations.

Supervisor Warren Slocum, the CARON Program, and a panel of community leaders will be discussing the importance of voting. Insights will be shared by the San Mateo County Elections Office, the League of Women Voters, Thrive Alliance, and the Latino Community Foundation. The event, "Tu Voto, Tu Futuro/Your Vote, Your Future," will take place on September 30th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Topics will include how to register to vote, the role of women and Latinos in the upcoming elections, updates from the San Mateo County Elections Office, and efforts to attract more voters.