Join us for morning conversation with Representative Betty McCollum and Independent Sector to discuss the Nonprofit SEAT Act. The event will feature remarks from Rep. McCollum, Independent Sector’s new CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins, and MCN’s executive director, Nonoko Sato, on why this legislation is important and why nonprofits should have a seat at the federal table. There will be time for live questions from audience members.
The Nonprofit SEAT was introduced by Reps. Betty McCollum and Nancy Mace earlier this year and the legislation would ensure that nonprofit expertise is at the table by implementing mechanisms that leverage the mission, knowledge, and impact of nonprofits to help government and the nonprofit sector work together effectively in pursuit of shared goals. The legislation also calls for releasing quarterly economic data on the nonprofit sector in the same way as other industries, reducing paperwork for nonprofits to register and fundraise in multiple states, increasing access to national service, and streamlining federal grant processes.
Learn more about Rep. McCollum and the committees she serves on in the House of Representatives.
Event Details
The date and time of this in-person event is: Friday, September 8 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. central. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the event starts to check-in and grab a snack and beverage.
Attendance at this live, in-person event is for MCN members only and will be limited to 50 registrants; however, this event will be recorded and the recording will be made available as a free and public resource on MCN’s website.
Refreshments: Coffee, tea, and a light snack will be provided.
Travel: Driving directions, transit options, and parking instructions are available on MCN's website.
Accessibility: Visit our Contact Us page for information on MCN's office space, accessibility details, and additional features.
Doors will open 30 minutes before the event start time.
Masking will be optional at this event.
About the Presenter
Representative Betty McCollum is a Democrat representing the families of Minnesota’s Fourth District in the United States House of Representatives. In 2000, Congresswoman McCollum made history as only the second Minnesota woman elected to serve in Congress since statehood in 1858. McCollum represents the residents of Minnesota's capital city, St. Paul, as well as all of Ramsey County and most of Washington County.
Nonoko Sato is the executive director at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. In partnership with MCN’s board, staff, and key stakeholders, Nonoko charts MCN’s strategic response to organizational and sector challenges. She is a relentless champion for racial equity and justice, and excited for MCN to model new approaches across the organization’s values, operations, programs, policy agendas, and partnerships. Nonoko values making authentic and deep relationships with people, and is excited to mobilize the nonprofit sector to take on its next set of political and economic challenges and help nonprofits accomplish their missions to create a healthy, cooperative, and just society.
Dr. Akilah Watkins is president and CEO of Independent Sector. A 25-year national thought leader, conference speaker, and nonprofit executive, Dr. Watkins’ work began at the age of 14 when she led efforts to convert a vacant lot and abandoned home into a community center in Roosevelt, NY. Since then, she’s served as an executive leader for nonprofits and community development initiatives which includes work with the Obama administration, Center for Community Progress, NeighborWorks America, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Center for the Study of Social Policy. Dr. Watkins is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago where she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology. Dr. Watkins serves on multiple national boards of directors with Grounded Solutions Network, Up for Growth Action, National Housing Conference, and Common Future.