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Release: Alliance Institute Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact

Brigette Rouson
(202) 955-8410
brigette@allianceonline.org

ALLIANCE FOR NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT LAUNCHES
CULTURAL COMPETENCY INSTITUTE

Washington, DC – October 4, 2006. Alliance for Nonprofit Management announced today its effort to improve diversity and increase cultural competency within the nonprofit sector through the creation of the Alliance Cultural Competency Institute. The new Institute will be launched on November 29 in Long Island City, NY, at the Citigroup Conference Center, located at 1 Court Square, 3rd Floor Northside Cafe Long Island City, NY 11120.

Capacity builders from around the country will take part in a two-day intense training session designed to address the role of cultural identity in organizational effectiveness; understand how power and privilege impact capacity building, nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve; and, provide the tools and resources to address complex cultural issues within their practice.

"The Alliance is raising the bar on diversity efforts and cultural competency across the nonprofit sector," said Tangie Newborn, Alliance Executive Director and CEO. "This work goes beyond traditional 'diversity' approaches, and helps organizations improve and fully value cultural differences. When this work is done right, a tremendous impact on nonprofit success is unleashed."

Based on well-tested practice and new groundbreaking research, the Institute was developed as a component of the Alliance Cultural Competency Initiative (CCI). The CCI goals include building the knowledge, will and skill of nonprofit capacity builders to intentionally focus on culture in their work that strengthens nonprofit leadership and organizational effectiveness.

The Institute will build the capacity of those who provide training, consulting and other resources to nonprofits in areas such as fundraising, strategic planning or board development. Capacity builders will gain vital skills though the Alliance Cultural Competency Institute to help nonprofits advance diversity and multiculturalism within nonprofit staff and boards, policies, programs and communities served.

The UPS Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, and Citigroup Foundation have taken the lead in building a more culturally competent nonprofit society through their strategic financial support of the Alliance Cultural Competency Initiative and Institute.

"We are proud to be working with these foundations in this effort," said Newborn. "Their financial support demonstrates their continued commitment to diversity and quality nonprofit capacity building."

Registration for the first Institute class opened October 1 on a first-come basis. For more information or to register, visit us at www.allianceonline.org or call 202-955-8406.

"Cultural Competency is more prominent than ever, and it is critical for practitioners and nonprofits alike if we are to succeed in serving diverse populations," said Natalie Abatemarco, Chair, Alliance Board of Directors. "It is our responsibility in serving the nonprofit sector to ensure that neither ignorance nor intolerance compromise the effectiveness of the sector."

Founded in 1997, Alliance for Nonprofit Management is located in Washington, DC, and is the professional association of individuals and organizations devoted to improving the management and governance capacity of nonprofits nationwide.

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