Local residents can learn more about the many nonprofit organizations at work in Central Whidbey at the Central Whidbey Nonprofit Fair, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Coupeville Farmers Market.
If you’re recently retired, new to the community or maybe suffering a bout of “empty-nest syndrome,” the fair offers an opportunity to find a place to contribute your energy and talents. Fair visitors who stop by at least five nonprofit booths are entered to win a $100 gift certificate to any business in Coupeville.
A list of local nonprofit groups is outlined in the 2012 Central Whidbey Nonprofit Guide published by The Whidbey Examiner and inserted in the Sept. 6 issue. Copies of the guide will be available at the fair as well as at the Coupeville library, Coupeville Town Hall and the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce.
Both the fair and the guide are sponsored by the Town of Coupeville.
This year’s fair includes three free classes aimed at strengthening local nonprofit organizations. The classes will be held in the community room at the Coupeville library, 788 N.W. Alexander St., adjacent to the farmers market.
At 10 a.m. Kasia Pierzga, publisher of Whidbey Island’s community newspapers, will teach a class called “How to get your nonprofit’s news in the papers.” Learn how to write an effective press release, how to use free calendar listings, what makes a good photo and how make effective use of your advertising dollars.
“How a newsletter can help your nonprofit” will be taught at 11:30 a.m. by Carol Moliter. owner of Big Rock Design. Find out how newsletters can help organize, publicize and attract volunteers and donations to your organization.
At 1 p.m., Wendy Shingleton, a freelance consultant from Oak Harbor will lead a class titled, “How to successfully use social media for your nonprofit.” Shingleton, a former technology consultant for IBM Global Services will cover the basics of using social media to benefit your nonprofit organization.
No advance registration is required for these free classes.
For details about the fair or the classes, call Coupeville Town Council Member Molly Hughes at 360-678-8312.
