2025 Inform Michigan Training Conference & Annual Meeting

2025 Conference Theme is Rooted in Purpose: Growing Together in I&R Work.

Registration includes 3 plenary sessions, 2 breakout sessions (choice of 4 topics), participation in Inform Michigan's Annual Membership Meeting, lunch & snack as well as plenty of opportunities for networking and building connections!

Each member organization receives 1 complimentary registration with the purchase of 1 paid registration (limit one free registration per organization)

Info: Registration begins at 8:30am. Light breakfast refreshments provided

Info: Plenary session "Struggling Well: Thriving through everyday challenges with the PERMAH Model" by Kathy Snyder of the Midland Wellbeing Coalition. Life can be challenging, but that doesn't mean we can't thrive. In this session, we'll explore the PERMAH model of well-being (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment and Health) to help participants manage stress, boost resilience and create space for what matters most.

Info: Participants can chose from 2 breakout sessions. Set Apart: How to Build a Clear & Compelling Value Proposition presented by Katie Appold, Inform USA. This interactive session is designed to help participants craft bold and memorable messages that set their organization apart. Beyond simple mission statements and calls to action, this session will focus on how to clearly communicate a nonprofit's unique impact & align teams around a shared purpose. Participants will learn how to attract & retain supports by tapping into a sense of identity, belonging & human connection, and will be equipped with practical tools and real-world examples. The session emphasizes that value is an exchange, and a strong value proposition starts with knowing & valuing your audience. A key takeaway will be learning how research and understanding can help meet supporters where they are with the right message. Also, a minimalist approach to messaging - a cause may be complicated, the value should be concise.

Info: Participants can choose from 2 breakout sessions. Ethical Use of AI in Healthcare: A TIERRA Perspective presented by TIERRA staff. This session will explore the ethical application of health AI. With TIERRA (Trust, Innovation & Ethics Research for Responsible AI), we will learn more about how AI will/could impact our work in information & referral. Learn more about TIERRA here: https://medresearch.umich.edu/labs-departments/labs/TIERRA

Info: Participants can choose from 2 breakout sessions. Legislative Advocacy & Updates co-presented by Bobby Dorigo-Jones, Michigan Association of United Ways and Cassie Thierfelder, AARP Michigan. This session is designed to empower participants to become more effective advocates for human services. The class will teach you how to leverage your nonprofit expertise to influence policy and drive change. It will also provide you with the tools to stay informed on key legislative news and developments that impact your community and the people you serve. By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently use their knowledge and skills to advocate for the issues they care about most.

Info: Participants can chose from 2 breakout sessions. Community Information Exchange 101 co-presented by Sarah Kile & Shelby Lummis, MI211. This session offers a foundational look at CIE and how to prioritize this work by focusing on community first. It will explain how a CIE operates as a community-governed infrastructure for secure & effective information sharing among multiple organizations, using interoperable technologies. This class will cover how a CIE enhances understanding of individual & community needs, leading to improved service accessibility, better outcomes and overall community well-being. Further, the session will highlight how CIE helps communities transition from a reactive approach to care to a proactive, holistic, person-centered system, enabling enhanced community care planning through shared language, resource database and integrated technology platforms. Finally, the training will touch on the individual, agency and community-level benefits of CIE.

Info: Participants are invited to attend the Inform Michigan Annual Membership Meeting during lunch. Following the Annual Meeting, participants will have an opportunity to network and build relationships through a Find and Connect activity.

Info: Co-presented by Chad Veeser, MI211 and Laura Croft, State Voluntary Liaison for EMHSD. This session will equip you with essential strategies to prepare for the unexpected. The session covers crucial disaster preparedness techniques that are applicable for both organizational and personal use. Participants will learn how to plan for and respond to various emergencies, ensuring the safety and resilience of their team and own household.

Info: Co-presented by Ashley Kipp & Annie Kules, Gryphon Place. Providing I&R can take a toll on the well being of helpers. This session will explore Dimensions of Well Being including Coping Skills, Boundaries, Secondary Trauma, Stress Management, Overcoming Barriers to Self Care and Resources, as well as discuss practical ways to support well-being. As part of the closing session, participants will be invited to give feedback and enjoy a farewell goodie bag.

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