Training and Continuing Education

Keeping up on trends and issues that interact with your community is important.  Consequently, taking courses and keeping up to date with trends and issues is an important value to Potter Training and Consulting. 

The more accessible and inclusive our libraries are designed, the greater their impact on communities and the greater good. Transportation, access, master planning, and interior amenities all play a role in inclusive library design. Each location must meet diverse needs and elevate engagement with safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces.

This webinar will draw upon the UK Design Council Principles of Inclusive Design, which defined inclusive design through eight principles: Responsive, Convenient, Understandable, Welcoming, Inclusive, Accommodating, Flexible, and Realistic. We will discuss the power of design and community and staff engagement to reach these goals in our public spaces, featuring examples from recent branch design, facilities planning studies, staff and community engagement, and strategic planning work with library systems.

This session was led by Luann Feehan from  Nonprofit Connect and was a transformative exploration of the responsibilities, opportunities, and impact of board service. Gained valuable insights into what it takes to be an effective board member and prepare to make informed decisions about next steps in nonprofit leadership. 

During this session included:

• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a board member
• Navigating nonprofit finances with confidence
• Building  strong relationships with the CEO and other board members
• Revitalizing board operations
• Leading successful fundraising initiatives
• Identifing opportunities to make a lasting impact

 The Nonprofit Leadership Conference is hosted by the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKC. The annual conference brings together nonprofit leaders from across the Midwest for a day of learning and networking on the UMKC campus.

A deep dive into the benefits, risks, and practical strategies for integrating AI into nonprofit organizations. The session provided a clear understanding of key AI terms and discovering real-world applications specifically designed for nonprofits. The program also explored NTEN's AI Framework for an Equitable World, offering guidance on how to make ethical decisions while leveraging AI to further your mission. From improving efficiency to enhancing your outreach, AI presents incredible opportunities to transform how nonprofits operate across various settings. Offered by Nonprofit Connect

 The Nonprofit Leadership Conference is hosted by the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKC. The annual conference brings together nonprofit leaders from across the Midwest for a day of learning and networking on the UMKC campus.

This workshop was presented by the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership and explored strategic financial planning and how to evaluate your organization’s financial planning process.  Topics included the stages of the budgeting process, financial planning assessment, cash flow projections, and monitoring and cash flow management.  The workshop was presented by Kerry Gordon, CPA

This workshop was presented by the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership and explored financial leadership and accountability, explored financial information systems, identified short- and long-term financial strengths and weaknesses, and evaluated the financial health of nonprofit organizations.  The workshop was presented by Kerry Gordon, CPA

As a member of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board, Steve Potter participated* in a four session workshop for the Board and Advisory Committees to explore the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as the relate to the community and the community foundation.  The workshops were lead by Canise L. Salinas-Willich, Ed.D 

* = Ongoing through 2023

Focusing on my work with Coming of Age, this workshop was presented by the Center for Practical Bioethics.  The presentation examined the "Art of the Wish" exhibition,  "The Art of Listening,"  Storytelling as an avenue for ethics, and an introduction to the KC Shepard Center.