Recently Generation180 attended the Create Good Conference, which brings together nonprofit communicators from around the country doing meaningful and eye-catching work to share what they’ve learned so the “whole sector rises.” Generation180 was invited to present a workshop on our Ambassador programs for K-12 school leaders, clean energy Ambassadors, and our climate comedians. 

Kindness Keynote

From the moment we walked into the Durham Arts Council, where the conference was held, we were warmly welcomed, surrounded by creative energy and people, and invited to engage and learn along with all of the other attendees who are working hard to drive change in our communities. Keynote speaker Maggie Kane told the story of her “pay what you can” cafe, A Place at the Table, and challenged us to consider, “What if we allowed kindness to be the anchor in our lives?” Dawn introduced us to a kind and effective feedback process (Kindly Review) for team content review, and several panelists spoke to “Fixing the Kindness Crisis” that individuals and groups are facing right now. 

Kay Campbell, Gen180, presents at the Create Good Conference

Influencers playing a critical role

Shereese Floyd started the second day of the conference with advice for having difficult conversations with those around us who have different beliefs, values, and backgrounds from our own. She challenged us to remember that everyone wants to belong — and to think about how we create spaces in our work and communities that invite people to feel a part of something. 

We also participated in a workshop on connecting content creators to our causes led by Ellie and Abby at Social Currant. Their work centers people’s lived experiences and supports nonprofit and social impact organizations to reach new audiences, especially younger audiences, through influencers. We learned tips for engaging GenZ in a time when young people are less likely to trust institutions and are more drawn to short form content. 

Supporting local communities

Local speakers, artists, and organizations were featured for their investments in North Carolina communities. We were encouraged to immerse ourselves in Durham, its murals, history, and businesses. We received lunch money to spend at locally-owned restaurants within walking distance of the conference–and were encouraged to make connections with other attendees over meals and at a variety of selfie stations. 

Street art in downtown Durham, NC

We left with new ideas, new connections, and inspiration from the many people and organizations committed to driving positive change.