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    • Tuesday, May 05, 2026
    • 7090 Covenant Woods Dr, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
    • 45
    Register

    From Pivot to Possibility

    Tools for Adaptability, Collaboration and Curiosity in the Nonprofit Space

    Tuesday, May 5

    10:30 am - 12:30 pm

    Covenant Woods

    7090 Covenant Woods Dr, Mechanicsville

    Nonprofit work is full of the unexpected - shifting priorities, evolving team dynamics, last-minute pivots and limited resources. A different mindset…a different approach…an improv mindset with the Yes, And approach helps us handle uncertainty and thrive within it. This dynamic and fun session will introduce tools to help you build comfort with ambiguity, collaborate with others and respond more creatively and confidently in your work. Participants will explore these concepts through interactive exercises, self-reflection opportunities and group discussions. 

    No performance or comedy experience is required. Whether you're in fundraising, programs, board leadership or operations, you will learn simple and practical ways to apply an improv mindset to everyday nonprofit challenges.

    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

    ·  Explain the foundational principles of the improv mindset (Yes, And approach) and how they apply to nonprofit team dynamics; 

    ·  Practice improv activities that foster adaptability, curiosity and supportive collaboration; 

    ·  Reflect on personal and team habits when facing uncertainty and identify ways to become more nimble and open; 

    ·  Apply specific techniques to encourage a more flexible, connected and creative work culture.

    Key & Practical Takeaways

    ·  The improv mindset with a Yes, And approach: tools for reframing challenges and moving ideas forward; developing an inclusive and adaptive culture;

    ·  Strategies for being more present and less reactive in conversations and meetings;

    ·  A more playful and open approach to problem-solving and team collaboration;

    ·  Tools to help you pivot gracefully when plans change - because change is constant;

    ·  Simple improv-based practices and approaches to use with your team to build trust and comfort with uncertainty


    About Our Speaker

    James Wasilewski

    James Wasilewski has been learning, leading or performing improvisational comedy over two decades. Since 2011, James has led several workshops and sessions for organizations and at conferences covering a variety of developing people – exploring their what they offer and their potential. He also delivers keynote addresses focusing on the these same topics.

    He also has been in higher education for the past 19 years in student recruitment, constituent/alumni relations and fundraising. He leads sessions for nonprofit organizations, board and related conferences covering fundraising themes and strategies.

    Whether he serves as a facilitator, keynote speaker, coach or trainer, he layers his sessions with education, laughter and positive reinforcement.

    Cost is $25 which includes a delicious lunch and program.


    SPONSORED BY





    Registration & Payment Payments may be made online or by check.

    Email Stacey Gormley at stacey@hanoverchamberva.com or call 804-800-5860 with questions.


    • Monday, September 28, 2026
    • 14314 Country Club Dr, Ashland, VA 23005
    Register


    SAVE THE DATE!

    September 28, 2026 - Hanover Golf Club


    TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS

    Captain’s Choice team play, with awards presented to the top teams

    in two flights and a Champion’s Trophy.


    Player contests include Putting, Driving Range, Closest-to-Pin,

    Longest Drive and a cash prize Hole-in-One.


    Lunch and snack stations along the course and the

    Awards Reception are included.


    Cigar and Drink carts roam the course all day.


    Enter our “Stock Your Bar” raffle and other

    games to win awesome prizes and more!


    Questions? Contact the Chamber Foundation at 804-800-5860 or foundation@hanoverchamberva.com.

    The Hanover Chamber Foundation's mission is to champion the enhancement of Hanover County, Virginia through leadership development, philanthropy and community support programs.


Past events

Thursday, April 16, 2026 2026 Salute to Heroes: Awards & Reception for the Hanover Sheriff's Office
Monday, October 20, 2025 Golf Tournament 2025
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Leadership Hanover Orientation 2025
Thursday, July 31, 2025 Leadership Hanover Class of 2026
Wednesday, May 07, 2025 Leadership Hanover 2025 Graduation
Thursday, May 01, 2025 Leadership Hanover 2025-26 Sponsorship Opportunities
Thursday, April 10, 2025 2025 Salute to Heroes: Awards & Reception for the Hanover Sheriff's Office
Thursday, February 13, 2025 Non-profit Gathering: Grant Writing Workshop
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Giving Back: Community Connections Luncheon
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 Leadership Hanover Sessions (Alumni Visits)
Monday, October 21, 2024 Golf Tournament 2024
Thursday, September 19, 2024 Leadership Hanover Orientation 2024
Monday, August 19, 2024 Apply: Leadership Hanover, Class of 2025
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Leadership Hanover 2024-25 SPONSORS
Wednesday, May 08, 2024 Leadership Hanover 2024 Graduation
Monday, October 23, 2023 Golf Tournament 2023
Thursday, September 14, 2023 Leadership Hanover Orientation 2023
Friday, September 01, 2023 Leadership Hanover 2023-24 SPONSORS
Thursday, August 24, 2023 Leadership Hanover 2023-24
Thursday, September 15, 2022 Leadership Hanover Orientation 2022
Friday, August 26, 2022 Leadership Hanover 2022-23
Thursday, May 12, 2022 Leadership Hanover 2022 Graduation
Thursday, March 31, 2022 2022 A Salute to Heroes: Awards & Reception for the Hanover Sheriff's Office
Monday, October 18, 2021 Golf Tournament 2021
Thursday, September 23, 2021 Leadership Hanover Orientation
Friday, June 04, 2021 Leadership Hanover 2021-22
Friday, January 29, 2021 High School Senior Scholarships
Monday, October 19, 2020 Golf Tournament 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020 Scholarship Reception 2020

Foundation Event Calendar

The Hanover Chamber Foundation offers a variety of annual programs including...

  • Leadership Hanover (September-May)
  • Salute to our Heroes (April)
  • Golf Tournament (October)

...as well as several other events throughout the year! Check this calendar frequently to make sure you stay up-to-date with the foundation's events and activities!

Our events are where relationships start - see you soon!

Hanover Chamber Foundation  Ashland, Virginia

804-800-5860| Email

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