Nonprofit Utopia Podcast

Playing to Win-How To Start A Nonprofit Organization...And Get It Right The First Time

Tune in as Valerie F. Leonard talks about how to start and manage a nonprofit business in the State of Illinois. Topics of discussion include conducting a community needs assessment; selecting your team; developing the bylaws; incorporating your organization, filing for tax exemption and managing the organization.

The Accidental Pandemic Garden

Peter Hoy, the Founding Executive Director of the Stein Learning Gardens of St. Sabina was preparing for the organization's third season when the COVID-19 shutdown hit Chicago. Gardening supplies and materials were just delivered; schools were closed and everyone was sheltering in place. On top of that, the organization lost a much-needed $90,000 grant, jeopardizing the very existence of a program that served over 150 youth on Chicago's South Side. Tune in to find out how Peter, with the help of Orrin Williams, Executive Director, Center for Urban Transformation, successfully pivoted the organization to its next level of growth.

Earth, Wind, Fire and Community

Earth Wind and Fire is one of the most influential bands of all time, transcending R&B and shaping pop culture around the world. With global sales of over 90 million records, the band has earned more than 50 gold and platinum albums, 7 Grammys, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and 4 American Music Awards. The group has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, and Hollywood's Rockwalk, in addition to receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
 
The band has also received an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Soul Train Legend Award, as well as a NARAS Signature Governor's Award and the Congressional Horizon Award. Earth Wind and Fire members were celebrated during the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019, along with Sally Field, Linda Ronstadt, Sesame Street and Michael Tilson Thomas.
 
Verdine White, Earth Wind and Fire’s bassist and co-founder, was presented with Bass Player magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate degree from the American Conservatory of Music. He is ranked number 19 of Rolling Stone Australia Magazine’s list of the 50 Greatest Bassists of All Time. Verdine co-authored a book with Louis Satterfield, "Playing The Bass Guitar, A Beginner's Guide To The Electric Bass". He also wrote “Rhythm of the Earth: Advanced Bass Techniques” and “Rhythms of the Earth”.
 
In spite of all his achievements, Verdine and his wife, Shelly Clark White, continue to give back to the industry and the community through their advocacy, time and talent. Mayor John Hamilton of Bloomington, Indiana proclaimed February 1, 2021 as Shelly and Verdine White Day in honor of Black History Month, with a focus on appreciating the resilience of Black people and how they have used creative and artistic expression historically to overcome struggles.
 
The couple co-founded the Verdine White Performing Arts Center, which encourages students to reach their fullest potential as artists and people, equipped with a well-rounded performing arts education and the confidence to take on whatever path they choose within the arts.
 
Verdine was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club's Alumni Hall of Fame, and serves as an Ambassador, encouraging youth to get involved in the civic affairs of their communities. He was awarded the Walt Disney Motif Award for Excellence for his work with students.
 
Join us for a lively discussion of Verdine’s professional journey and ways he is preparing the next generation of musicians through the Verdine White Performing Arts Center.

A Living Testimony of Resilience

I was scrolling down my Facebook feed and was totally amazed to read my Whitney Young High School classmate Vanessa McNorton's testimony: "1 year ago today Quadruple Bypass Surgery. Actually spent 8 hours pre-transplant taking all the EK,EEG and more E test, passed NO Heart Issues, Received Call to receive the Kidney Transplant on 2--20-20,heart attack 2 days later! That's Why I Praise Him!!! I GOT A TEST-A-MO-O-NY!!..." ("Testimony" purposely misspelled in reference to a popular gospel song) Vanessa went on to write about her journey to wellness over the past year; who was there for her and how she made it through with the Grace of God. Her story is so powerful that we can't just let it stay on Facebook. Join us as she gives an account of how her faith, mindfulness and informal network made the difference.