[GRAYSON COUNTY] Empower Texoma Symposium
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The Empower Texoma Symposium Series is a quarterly regional training initiative designed to support nonprofit organizations across the Texoma region. Each symposium rotates host locations among Fannin, Grayson, Bryan, and Marshall Counties to ensure accessibility throughout the area. The series was established to provide high-quality professional development opportunities focused on the unique challenges and operational needs commonly faced by nonprofits serving the Texoma community.
Data Collection and Program Evaluation: Measuring What Matters
Nonprofits collect a lot of data, but collecting it and using it well are two different things. This workshop helps organizations move from data collection as a compliance task to evaluation as a strategic tool, equipping staff to design simple, sustainable systems that capture meaningful outcomes rather than just activity counts.
Participants will learn how to identify the right metrics for their programs, choose appropriate data collection methods, and turn evaluation findings into stories and decisions that strengthen funding proposals, board reporting, and program design. Through hands-on examples, attendees will leave with practical tools for building (or improving) an evaluation system that fits their organization's size and capacity.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Distinguish between outputs, outcomes, and impact, and identify which their organization is currently measuring.
- Select data collection methods appropriate to their program size, staff capacity, and funder requirements.
- Design a simple logic model or outcomes framework to guide ongoing evaluation.
- Translate evaluation data into clear narratives for funders, boards, and community stakeholders.
- Build a sustainable, low-burden system for collecting and reviewing program data on an ongoing basis.
You’ll leave with clear, actionable steps you can implement immediately, not just theory. Designed specifically for small and mid-sized nonprofits in rural communities, this training addresses the real challenges you’re facing right now.
Registration Options
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Registration Options
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Price |
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7/23/2026 - Empower Texoma - Member Ticket
Registration Ends 1/18/27 at 9:00 AM CST
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$20.00 |
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7/23/2026 - Empower Texoma - Non-Member Ticket
Registration Ends 1/18/27 at 9:00 AM CST
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$20.00 |
OKCNP Chief Programs Officer
Adam Soltani is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, holding a Master’s in Human Relations with a graduate certificate in Organizational Diversity and Development. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Soltani served as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Oklahoma) from 2012 to 2025, leading the organization’s advocacy, civil rights, and interfaith initiatives. During his tenure, he was instrumental in expanding CAIR Oklahoma’s impact, particularly in community engagement, refugee support, and civil rights advocacy.
Beyond his leadership at CAIR Oklahoma, Soltani has been an active figure in Oklahoma’s interfaith and civic communities. He chaired the Oklahoma Conference of Churches’ Religions United Committee (2012–2022) and has served on multiple boards and committees dedicated to religious education, interfaith collaboration, and social justice.
Soltani has been a sought-after speaker at Oklahoma universities and community forums, addressing topics such as civic engagement, advocacy, and social justice. His written commentary has been featured in the Oklahoma Gazette, Tulsa World, and The Oklahoman, and he has provided expert analysis for local, national, and international media outlets.
His leadership and advocacy have earned him multiple recognitions, including the Oklahoma Human Rights Award, the Interfaith Leadership Award, and the ACLU of Oklahoma’s Civil Libertarian of the Year Award. He has also been named among Oklahoma’s Most Influential Young Professionals, Most Admired CEOs, and top Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leaders. In 2024, The Journal Record featured him in its Power List for Nonprofit Leaders.
Soltani previously served as an Adjunct Instructor of Islamic Studies at Oklahoma State University, where he taught courses on world religions, Islam, and social justice until Spring 2025.
Originally from Kansas, Adam has called Oklahoma home for more than two decades and resides in Oklahoma City with his wife and two sons
AFP Oklahoma
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Oklahoma Chapter promotes ethical and effective fundraising by empowering individuals and organizations through education, resources, credentialing, networking, mentoring, advocacy, and recognition. Since 1980, the chapter has served the Oklahoma City metro, Oklahoma County, and surrounding areas, currently standing at 160 members. Known for its high-quality monthly luncheons and signature events like National Philanthropy Day, AFP Oklahoma is a thriving, mid-size chapter committed to advancing philanthropy in the region. Find out more on our website: afpoklahoma.org
The CFRE Credential Program
CFRE stands for "Certified Fundraising Executive." Administered by CFRE International, the CFRE credential demonstrates your professional achievement and commitment to the fundraising profession. This is achieved through mastery of core knowledge and skills required of fundraising professionals with at least three years of experience. Members of AFP receive a discount on CFRE initial certification and recertification fees. Find out more about the credential at cfre.org or reach out to the AFP Oklahoma CFRE Chair, Cassidy Johnson at afpoklahoma@gmail.com.
Difference between CFRE and CFRM
CFRE is a professional certification that validates experience and commitment to the field, while CFRM is a program that provides focused training and education in fundraising management. CFRE, administered by CFRE International, requires meeting specific experience requirements (including 3 years of fundraising experience), passing an exam, and adhering to a code of ethics. CFRM focuses on developing expertise in key areas like donor relations, ethical fundraising, and financial stewardship and is a training program offered by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
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