An upcoming conference in Fruita is expected to bring together professionals, community leaders and elected officials to explore ways to strengthen nonprofit organizations.

The Community Resource Center and a steering committee have organized the Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days conference set for June 5 to 7.

The conference will be conducted at Fruita Monument High School with evening receptions at the Dinosaur Journey Museum and Absolute Prestige. An optional half day of self-care and wellness also is planned and will feature a keynote presentation, animal therapy, meditation and mountain biking.

The conference only comes every four years to a Western Slope Region that includes Mesa County as well as Delta, Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties.

“Western Slope RPD is an incredible opportunity for skill building, collaboration and networking for our local nonprofits and funders,” said Erin Evie, co-chair of the event. “This conference will have a huge impact on our rural communities.”

The conference is expected to include a regional town hall, a panel discussion highlighting changes and networking receptions. Additional sessions will address such topics as building effective coalitions, the economic effects of nonprofits and intersectionality in the nonprofit sector. A tour of housing solutions also is planned.

At a Western Slope nonprofit community fair set for June 5, regional nonprofits and local governments will host tables and offer information about their work.

For more information about the Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days conference, including registration, log on to
https://crcamerica.org/programs/rural-engagement/regional-websites/westernslope.