Community Partnership Events
We strive to develop truly collaborative relationships with our Community Partners because our Partners are the experts on the needs of our community. As we connect students with Community Partners, we work to develop opportunities that are mutually beneficial to both students and the community. Through Community Partnerships, our students are able to be a part of important and meaningful work while helping to build capacity in local organizations. We see our partners as co-educators of students. We value the knowledge, resources, and time our partners share with our students, and enjoy the opportunity to develop programs to help our Partners thrive in their work.
Attend a Partner Event
Our Partners have access to several non-profit leadership development and networking programs throughout the year.
- Community Conversations - The last Wednesday of every other month
- Bonner Speed Dating - Annually at the beginning of Fall Semester
- Community Partner Breakfast - Annually at the beginning of Fall Semester
- Global Citizenship Fair - Annually during Weeks of Welcome
- Nonprofit Leadership Summit - Annually in early Spring Semester
- Sweet Spot Luncheon - Annually at the end of Spring Semester
These facilitated dialogues bring together community stakeholders for meaningful, peer-led discussions on a variety of topics. Each session focuses on a different theme, ranging from skill-building workshops on administrative practices to deep dives into specific social issue areas. Designed to foster collaboration, learning, and shared insight, these conversations are led by members of the CCE team or guest facilitators with specialized knowledge, depending on the topic. This flexible, inclusive format creates space for open dialogue, professional development, and relationship-building across campus and community.
Community Conversations will be held the last Wednesday of every other month from a.m. to 12 p.m. Each Community Conversation will focus on a different topic ranging from administrative skill workshops to issue area focus group discussions.
2026 Dates
- January 28, 2026
- March 25, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- July 29, 2026
- September 30, 2026
- No meeting in November
The Bonner Speed Dating event is designed to connect our newest Bonner Program students with a wide range of community partner organizations. Held at the beginning of the academic year as part of New Bonner Orientation, this event serves as an introduction to the many meaningful ways students can get involved in the community through their Bonner internships.
The format is simple: students rotate through brief, structured conversations, much like “speed dating” with representatives from various nonprofit and community organizations. These rapid, one-on-one conversations give students the chance to learn about different missions, programs, and internship opportunities, while partners have the opportunity to share their work and connect with passionate, service-minded students eager to make a difference.
By the end of the event, students gain a clearer sense of the causes and organizations that align with their interests and values, and partners leave with potential interns excited to contribute to their mission.
The Community Partner Breakfast is an annual gathering held at the start of the academic year that brings together our valued community partners for a morning of connection, collaboration, and conversation. More than just a shared meal, this event is designed to strengthen relationships, celebrate our collective work, and set the stage for a successful year of partnership.
The breakfast offers partners the opportunity to connect with one another, exchange ideas, and build a stronger network of organizations committed to positive community impact. As a dedicated listening space, it also allows us to hear directly from our partners about their most pressing needs, emerging priorities, and evolving goals. These conversations help guide how we collaborate, ensuring that our programs and student engagement efforts align with the real challenges and opportunities facing our community.
By fostering open dialogue and shared planning, the Community Partner Breakfast helps us deepen partnerships, spark new ideas, and continue building a strong foundation for meaningful, long-term impact.
The Global Citizenship Fair is an annual event that brings together community partners, campus programs, faculty, and students to explore meaningful opportunities for engagement and collaboration. Held each year as part of Stetson University’s commitment to shared values and community impact, the fair serves as a vibrant space to connect students with internships, volunteer roles, service-learning projects, and global experiences such as study abroad.
Our Community Partners are invited to participate by hosting a table and engaging directly with students who are eager to learn about new opportunities and build meaningful connections. There is no cost to participate, and we provide a table and chairs.
The Global Citizenship Fair is an excellent chance for Partners to share their mission, recruit volunteers or interns, and inspire the next generation of Changemakers
The Nonprofit Leadership Summit is an annual gathering of nonprofit leaders, professionals, and community advocates dedicated to advancing the impact and sustainability of local mission-driven organizations. Hosted at Stetson University, the summit provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, professional development, and the exchange of innovative ideas.
Through workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, the summit provides participants with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills, strengthen organizational strategies, and address the unique challenges facing the nonprofit sector. Each year, the event focuses on critical topics such as fundraising, governance, and marketing. It is a unique opportunity to learn from community leaders, connect with peers, and leave equipped with actionable strategies to elevate your organization’s mission.
NPLS 2026 Topic: People and Culture
Leading and motivating volunteers and staff
Creating inclusive, equitable, and diverse nonprofit workplaces
Conflict resolution and difficult conversations in mission-driven spaces
Succession planning for key leadership roles
The Sweet Spot Awards Luncheon is a celebration of the extraordinary achievements and contributions made by our dedicated community partners, faculty, staff, and students. This special gathering honors the meaningful work accomplished throughout the year and recognizes the ways we come together to strengthen our community through collaboration, service, and shared purpose.
Each year, we take time to reflect on the impact of our collective efforts and celebrate the individuals and organizations who make a difference through their dedication, creativity, and leadership. Award categories are shaped by the accomplishments of our community and highlight the many ways people contribute to building lasting partnerships and creating positive change.