MPAC Connect & Learn Lab
The MPAC Connect & Learn Lab is a year-round professional development series designed to support Montana’s arts and nonprofit leaders through both skill-building workshops and peer connection. This series brings together experienced professionals from the arts field to explore timely topics like fundraising, board leadership, arts advocacy, presenting and touring in Montana, marketing, collaboration, and more. The Connect & Learn Lab will also include virtual convenings where members can bring their top-of-mind questions to the community for support and insight from peers.
Sessions are interactive, practical, and designed to be immediately useful, while also creating space for open exchange, shared learning, and community-building across MPAC’s network.
Storytelling Workshop
with Shelby Rogala, Assistant Director, Montana Nonprofit Association
Wednesday, May 6, 2pm MT, Virtual Workshop
This interactive workshop is designed to equip nonprofit leaders, staff, and board members with the confidence and skills to share their organization’s story. Participants will enhance their ability to connect with donors, inspire volunteers, and amplify their organization’s impact.
​
Key Learning Objectives:
-
Understand the Fundraising Cycle: Learn how storytelling fits into the broader fundraising (and awareness-raising) strategy and why personal narratives are powerful tools for engagement.
-
Craft Compelling Stories: Discover how effective introductions to your organization shared in your voice can capture interest.
-
Practice and Refine: Engage in hands-on exercises to develop and refine your storytelling skills, receiving feedback from peers and facilitators.
-
Empower Others: Gain strategies to teach and mentor fellow board members and volunteers, fostering a culture of storytelling across your organization.
​
Outcome:
Participants will leave with a polished personal story about their organization, ready to use in fundraising appeals, public speaking, and donor communications. They’ll also have the tools to inspire and train others, ensuring their organization’s story is shared widely and authentically.
Arts & Mental Health: State of Mind Tour
with Michael Rohd, Director, University of Montana Co-Lab for Civic Imagination
Thursday, June 18, 2:00-3:00 pm, Virtual Workshop
Details and registration coming soon.
The Well-Being Concert Model
with Sam Livingston​​​​, Senior Director, Operations, Weill Music Institute, Carnegie Hall
Thursday, June 25, time TBA, Virtual Workshop
Details and registration coming soon.
Board Fundamentals
with the Montana Nonprofit Association
Saturday, June 13, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Helena, MT (in-person workshop!)
​This workshop will cover board duties and responsibilities, roles, building and maintaining trust for productive board culture, and storytelling for fundraising. Bring your board questions!
​
This event is part of the MPAC Board of Directors' annual summer retreat. We are opening up this board development opportunity with the MPAC community and other local arts organizations. Request registration and we will send you confirmation and details.
Grant Workshop
with the Unfunded List
August 2026 Date TBA, Virtual Workshop
Presenter Panel: presenter priorities for the MPAC conference and where artists fit in
with MPAC Presenter Representatives
August 2026 Date TBA, Virtual Panel Discussion
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
with Shelby Rogala, Assistant Director, Montana Nonprofit Association
September 2026 Date TBA, Virtual Workshop