KACF News
Peer learning event for KACF Region II was fun and informative
11/8/2010
A small group of community foundation executive directors
gathered on October 28 for the first Kansas Association of Community Foundations Region II Peer Learning event.
Held at the new Derby Public Library and hosted by the Derby Community Foundation, this event featured an executive directors' roundtable discussion during lunch, viewing artwork in the library’s Gathering Space Art Gallery, and taking a bus tour of 14 bronze sculptures displayed throughout Derby (the DCF has inspired the purchase of the sculptures).
“We talked about many issues facing community foundations and shared how each of us has addressed these issues or similar issues,” said Theresa Hearn, executive director of the Derby Community Foundation. “I always learn so much from KACF colleagues and truly enjoyed our roundtable discussion.”
Representatives from Legacy Regional Foundation, Parsons Area Community Foundation, Southeast Kansas Community Foundation, Washington County Community Foundation, and KACF participated in the Region II event.
Those who attended this event have recommended that Region II should hold these events 3 times per year (Fall, Spring, Summer) and that these events be hosted by a different Region II community foundation each time.
The group further recommended that the Peer Learning events be non-structured roundtable meetings that allow staff and board members to discuss topics of current interest. A "draw a topic out of the hat" method may be used to generate conversation (ask members to suggest topics, place slips of paper with each topic written on one in a hat, draw out a topic to begin discussion).
The Coffeyville Area Community Foundation has agreed to host the next KACF Region II Peer Learning event for March 2011—details yet to come.
