Lake Michigan College presents series of Community Workshops and Brainstorming Sessions

Lake Michigan College is holding a series of free Community Workshops and Brainstorming Sessions presented by Major Cooper, Dean, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and LMC’s DEI Advisory Council.  

The five workshops held on the Benton Harbor campus and virtually through Zoom center around the tools required to build successful non-profit organizations, which Cooper said are often at the core of DEI work in local communities. 

“These workshops will cover everything from the 501c3 process to marketing to volunteers and more,” Cooper said. “Whether you are just thinking about non-profit work or have been involved with non-profit organizations for decades, there will be something that everyone can learn and benefit from.” 

Cooper added that each workshop would end with a brainstorming session for individuals and organizations to connect and collaborate. All workshops are free and open to the public. The schedule follows: 

501c3 presented by DEI Council and Kenya Johnson from Kingdom Business  
6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 20; Todd Center, Room 1304 or via Zoom: https://LakeMichiganCollege.zoom.us/j/98837725311  

This workshop will cover how to apply for a 501c3 and provide legal and practical steps to successfully organize and secure state and federal approval to operate as a tax-exempt organization. There also will be an opportunity to talk with other organizations on how to successfully collaborate in the future.  

Branding and Marketing presented by DEI Council  
6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 17; Todd Center, Room 1304 or via Zoom: https://LakeMichiganCollege.zoom.us/j/95070919445  

At this workshop, discover how to brand and market your organization for success. Once you establish a brand, devising a marketing plan will help identify the goals for your organization as well as how to best accomplish them using language, logos, and trademarks. This workshop also will explore what strategies local organizations have used to make the best outcome for getting their mission out to the masses.  

Fundraising presented by DEI Council and Office of Advancement  
6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, 2022; Todd Center, Room 1304 or via Zoom: https://LakeMichiganCollege.zoom.us/j/91059903291  

This workshop examines how fundraising helps organizations work together towards a common goal, motivates towards organization and planning, and keeps your organization sustainable. Types of fundraising ideas that have been successful during the pandemic also will be discussed.  

Recruitment and Volunteerism presented by DEI Council and Major Cooper, Dean of DEI at LMC  
6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 16, 2022; Todd Center, Room 1304 or via Zoom: https://LakeMichiganCollege.zoom.us/j/99805812618  

This workshop explores the importance of recruiting people to work for your organization, and how to successfully train volunteers. There also will be a discussion on how organizations have been successful in garnering volunteers during the pandemic.  

Collaborative Decision-Making Model presented by DEI Council and Pam McVay, LMC’s Director, Culture & Talent Success 
6-7:30 p.m. March 23, 2022; Todd Center, Room 1304 or via Zoom: https://LakeMichiganCollege.zoom.us/j/99389087887  

Group decision-making (also known as collaborative decision-making or collective decision-making) is a situation faced when individuals collectively make a choice from the alternatives before them. The decision is then no longer attributable to any single individual who is a member of the group. Explore how Group decision-making works and discuss possible future topics for the next round of LMC community workshops.  

For more information on these workshops, contact Major Cooper at 269-927-6284, mcooper@lakemichigancollege.edu or visit lakemichigancollege.edu/DEI.