Strengthening Organizational Power: A New Lunch & Learn Series for East Side Nonprofits

Across Buffalo’s East Side, community-based organizations are doing critical work every day, supporting residents, building trust, and responding to challenges in real time. We also know that lasting change depends on the strength, sustainability, and connectedness of the organizations themselves.

That’s why Organizational Power is a core focus area of the Oishei Foundation’s Community Power-Building Framework.

Strong organizations create the conditions for stronger communities. When organizations have the leadership, systems, and infrastructure they need, they are better able to serve residents, collaborate with one another, and influence the systems that shape daily life. That is how community power grows, and how we move toward long-term financial prosperity in a racially just region.

As part of this work, the Oishei Foundation is partnering with Perrin Associates to offer a new Organizational Power Lunch & Learn Series open to nonprofit organizations serving Buffalo’s East Side.

Each session is designed to be practical, relevant, and grounded in real-world challenges leaders are facing today. Lunch will be provided at each session. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. 

Upcoming Session: Strategic Crisis Communication: Leading with Clarity, Trust, and Accountability
Thursday, May 21
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library

REGISTER TODAY

Led by Chief Marketing & PR Strategist Porsha Ari Parson, this Lunch & Learn will focus on how organizations can respond to moments of uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Participants will explore how to build a crisis communication plan, craft transparent messaging, manage key stakeholders, and protect organizational credibility.

Mark your calendar now for additional sessions which will be held from 12 - 1:30pm at Merriweather Library. Session dates include:

• June 18: Building for the long-term: Financial Sustainability & Operations Strengthening
• August 20: Topic TBD
• September 17: Topic TBD

Expanding the Network of Expertise

In addition to hosting this series, Perrin Associates is working to identify additional consultants, practitioners, and subject matter experts who can lead future Lunch & Learn sessions.

This is an opportunity for experienced professionals, particularly those with deep expertise relevant to nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and community-rooted work, to contribute to strengthening the broader ecosystem of organizations across the East Side.

We’re looking for facilitators who can bring practical insight, real-world experience, and an understanding of the challenges nonprofit leaders are navigating today.

Learn more and submit your information here.