International Activist Craig Kielburger to Headline 9th Annual Connecticut Nonprofit Conference

HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  In these uncertain times, nonprofit leaders find themselves making decisions on a daily basis that directly affect change in their organizations and in the communities they serve. This year, the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits has designed its 9th Annual "Point of Change" Nonprofit Conference around the many aspects of change facing the nonprofit sector. The conference takes place on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell.

"Nonprofit organizations continue to contend with major changes in funding, government and achieving sustainability as the demand for services increases," said Mark Berardi, Director of Membership & Training. "We want to help equip nonprofits with the knowledge and resources to face these challenges."

Internationally recognized social activist and best-selling author, Craig Kielburger, will deliver the keynote address. He is the founder and chairperson of Free the Children, the largest international youth empowerment organization, and co-founder and director of Me to We, an organization dedicated to transforming consumers into world changers through the sale of socially conscious merchandise.

Kielburger is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, among them the Nelson Mandela Human Rights Award, the World Economic Forum GLT Award, and the World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child. He has received two honorary doctorates and was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize.  

"I am looking forward to the wonderful opportunity to join the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits as Keynote Presenter for the 9th Annual Connecticut Nonprofits Conference," said Kielburger. "While my work and mission have taken me around the globe, the conference presents a unique opportunity to share thoughts, stories and ideas for an incredibly engaged and committed nonprofit community of the United States – here in Connecticut."

"The event is our most ambitious effort to date and we are excited to have Craig on board," added Berardi. "His accomplishments, beginning at such a young age, are incredible. His participation promises to be something special that people are going to remember."

The conference will also feature lectures, networking, panels and Legislative Awards. Topics are slated to include nonprofit and governmental partnerships, executive leadership, "brand raising," program evaluation, communication strategies, team enhancement, fundraising and cause partnerships.

Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event valued at $10-$20 for donation to the NBC Connecticut Joy of Sharing Toy Drive. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the exhibit hall will open at 8:45 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mark Berardi at [email protected], call 860-525-5080 or visit www.ctnonprofits.org.

About Connecticut Association of Nonprofits

Connecticut Association of Nonprofits (CT Nonprofits) is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated exclusively to working with nonprofits in Connecticut. As the voice of nonprofits for over 30 years, CT Nonprofits has connected organizations with information, educational opportunities, advocacy and collaboration, helping members focus their energy on the people and communities they serve. To learn more visit www.ctnonprofits.org.

Media Contact: Danielle Cyr | 860.676.4400 | [email protected]

SOURCE Connecticut Association of Nonprofits