Is Everyone Hosting a Webinar these Days?

by Adelaide Rohrssen

After receiving my sixth email today inviting me to an extra special learning session [insert Carrie Bradshaw voice] I couldn’t help but wonder, is everyone hosting a webinar these days?

The short answer is yes. With expanded knowledge of virtual platforms at the start of COVID-19 and a passion for cheap marketing opportunities, many organizations have pivoted to include webinars as one of their primary business development strategies. So, Tangelo Tree had to jump on the bandwagon! Just kidding. When I joined the team in 2024, I brought a passion for education - whether it be in elementary classrooms, a museum hallway, or a board room. Paired with TTC’s value for collaborative learning, hosting educational sessions for our clients and community just made sense.

So why do we offer educational services? 

Knowledge as a Response to Power 

Dominant culture has intentionally excluded many people with marginalized identities from engaging deeply in areas like finance or governance.  By making these topics engaging and accessible, we expand who views themself and can position themself as an expert. While education alone is not enough to change structural issues, it is one tool that can support our ongoing work toward a more just future. 

Opportunity to Zoom Out and Connect

We lovingly refer to this portion of our work as “Ed Outreach.” It is a combination of both sharing information and creating spaces for the nonprofit sector to come together. As consultants, we have the privilege of peeking into the lives of so many organizations; these education sessions are a chance to connect themes across different fields and geographies. We believe this ecosystem view and community connection is how the nonprofit field will withstand the ongoing fascist attacks on our institutions.  

Continual Growth

Nothing is more exciting than seeing an individual grow in their confidence because a previously inaccessible topic is now clear to them (shout out to both fourth graders learning about magnets and executive directors learning how to involve frontline staff in merger conversations). We consider ourselves as learners too - we often leave with a new nugget of understanding based on a group’s discussion. So thank you to everyone who has attended or plans to attend one of our educational sessions! You make our work worthwhile. 

Let’s Learn Together

We have upcoming sessions, if something has piqued your interest – we'll be presenting at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Annual Conference on “So You Think You Can Partner” with The Food Group (October 29-30, 2026), and hosting a session for Minnesota Council on Foundations on “Assessing Ecosystem Health at Your Foundation” with Kim Borton of Fred C. and Katherine B. Anderson Foundation on November 11, 2026 at 10am CT (MCF members only).

P.S. Interested in learning more about learning? Contact me (adelaide@tangelotree.org) to discuss designing an educational webinar, series, or retreat to meet your organization’s needs. Previous topics include partnership, financial scenario planning, and more!