Heritage Summit

2025 Oregon Heritage Summit
Mobilize Together for Heritage
April 17-18
Online

In partnership with Nonprofit Association of Oregon

In a time where heritage organizations statewide are facing similar ongoing challenges such as funding, capacity, political and community investment, and more, how can these be addressed beyond the individual organization? Heritage organizations are impacted by laws, policies, and budgets at all levels of government and, together as a strong network, have the opportunity and power to influence those decisions to better support heritage preservation and their organizations. Join us as we dive into the role of advocacy in shaping policies and laws and how heritage organizations of all sizes can participate.

The summit will address:

Understanding the impact of advocacy as an individual organization and as a group with shared needs and interests.
Being aware of and taking action to influence related polies, laws, funding, etc.
Discovering mechanisms and organizations that support this work in Oregon and nationally.
Discussing individual organization’s internal processes and communications to help determine a decision making path for if, when, and how to engage in this work.

Registration opening mid-February!

The Preliminary Schedule below is subject to change.

April 17: Pre-Summit Events

12pm: Lunch Networking open to all Summit attendees

Thursday, April 17

12:30pm: Welcome and Plenary Speaker

Dr. Kevin Miller, Independent Sector
Dr. Kevin Miller is the Director of Research and Policy Analysis at Independent Sector, where he manages research on the health of the nonprofit sector, surveys and public opinion polling, and commissioned research. Dr. Miller will discuss recent reports released by Independent Sector, Retreat of Influence Report and Pursuit of Influence Report, identifying a decline of nonprofits in the advocacy space and quantitative and qualitative data behind that.

1:45pm: Break
2pm: Mobilization in Action, panel discussion moderated by Jim White, Executive Director of Nonprofit Association of Oregon

Representatives from heritage organizations will discuss participation in and success with different forms of advocacy at the local/state/federal level.

3:05pm: Break
3:15pm: Speed Connections with State and National Heritage Advocacy Organizations, facilitated by Nonprofit Association of Oregon

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about State & National organizations that included advocacy for various heritage interests, how to engage with these organizations, and their current advocacy related priorities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to express local issues impacting their work to organization representatives. Organizations include Restore Oregon, Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon and the Arts & Culture Caucus, Oregon Museums Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Main Street America

4:20: Break
4:35: Building a Regional Mobilization Network- Opportunity to connect with and discuss collective challenges from those in your region to start building a local network to help mobilize for heritage.
5:30: Virtual happy hour fun!

Friday, April 18

8am: Morning Networking
8:30am: Readying your organization for calls to action, Nonprofit Association of Oregon

Join Phillip Kennedy-Wong, NAO’s Director of Public Policy, for an informative workshop on creating an effective advocacy program with the necessary components that protect your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status. This session will stress the significance of nonprofit advocacy in today’s climate. Participants will learn about IRS laws on lobbying, how to keep records, and how to structure a nimble and successful advocacy program and public policy agenda.

Registration covers the entire Summit. Attendees are welcome to join selectively.

General Registration $35.00
Student Registration $15.00

Use this link to register.

Summit Packet

The first 250 people who register by noon on March 14, 2025 will receive a fun conference packet with snacks, recipes, and more.

Registration Tips

If you are registering for more than one person, add additional registrants on the registration summary page, click the 'Add Group Member' button before making payment.
If you are registering and paying for someone other than yourself, enter the registant's information on the first page of registration. You will be able to enter your information when you make payment on the registration summary page.
If you are a student, use the code "I am a student" on the registration summary page before making payment.

Online Access Information

After registering you will receive a confirmation email. The week prior to the Summit you will receive an email with the online access information. Daily emails will also be sent each morning of the Summit.

If needed, please request translation services at least 72 hours prior to the event start time by calling 503-986-0690.

Questions about the Summit?

Katie Henry
katie.henry@oprd.oregon.gov
503-877-8834

Thank you to our Summit sponsors:

Want to sponsor Oregon Heritage events? Find more information on that here.