When I started at the Monitor two years ago, I was quickly struck by how much this news organization values ideas. Right off the bat, our editor and publisher made it clear they wanted to hear what I had to say. And not just me, but every member of our staff.
In the time since, I’ve brought many such ideas to the table. Not everything I concoct in my brain is genius, but sometimes, especially with some good collaboration, there’s potential to strike gold.
A few months ago, at one of our Reader Advisory Board sessions, the lightbulb turned on, big time. Christina Huntress, a board member who works for Granite United Way, was talking about building engagement with local nonprofits. She and I suddenly made eye contact across the table as the idea for a nonprofit night was born.
Now, after weeks upon weeks of preparation, we’re launching our event on Tuesday evening. So consider this your official invitation to Nonprofits & News: Telling Stories That Matter.
This evening of conversation and connection is open to representatives from local nonprofits, but we’d love to see interested readers and community members attend as well!
The event is designed to equip nonprofits — especially small and grassroots organizations — with practical tools to effectively engage with local media, increase visibility and better share their impact on the community.
Participants will gain direct insight from local media professionals while building skills they can immediately apply. You’ll learn about how the Monitor engages with nonprofits through its coverage, gain strategies for media pitches and outreach and participate in a dialogue about some of the challenges — and successes — nonprofits are experiencing right now.
Where: NHTI’s Sweeney Hall Auditorium
When: Tuesday, July 14, 6-7:30 p.m.
To register: https://bit.ly/nonprofitsandnews
We really hope to see you there!
Beyond that, here are a few local happenings to add some excitement to your weekend.
In case you haven’t heard, it’s Concord’s Summer of Music, bringing to life over three dozen free outdoor concert opportunities throughout the city. On Thursday, the Shana Stack Band is hitting Eagle Square at 7 p.m. As part of the same Concord Parks and Recreation programming, Julieann Hartley will serenade concertgoers with her acoustic tunes at White Park on Sunday morning at 10 a.m.
Arts Alley is hosting its own music series, so head on over to The Courtyard for a performance by Kimayo at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. There will also be lawn games, drinks and lots of gathering space for friends, family and after-work meetups. Same deal for Saturday night, except with performer Lucas Gallo instead! So come back at the same time that evening for more fun.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly music-adjacent activity this weekend, especially one that will take you out of the summer heat, why not stop by Red River Theatres for a screening of “Moana” — the perfect entertainment for people of all ages! It’ll be showing from this Thursday to next Thursday, so visit redrivertheatres.org for the full schedule.
Lastly, the temperatures will be cooler than last weekend, so seize the opportunity to go for a hike (why not try Marjorie Swope Park or Oak Hill), set up a picnic blanket and read a book in front of the State House, or go for a swim in one of Concord’s community pools.
Whatever you do, enjoy every moment of summer!
