A group of Alexandria companies, nonprofits and others gathered Wednesday at the IMPACT Innovation + Philanthropy conference to share strategies on how best to serve the children, youth and families of Alexandria.

The event attracted more than 200 people and over 40 companies at the First Baptist Church on King St. It was hosted by ACT for Alexandria, a group founded in 1998 with a mission to increase charitable investment in the city.

“Impending budget cuts to education, community and social services are going to have a major impact on non-profits,” said conference speaker Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.). “You are going to have additional responsibilities and see the need for your valued services continue to rise.” 

Non-profits in Alexandria need to continue face-to-face contacts with donors and volunteers.  It was pointed out that such contacts are just as important as using social networking and online websites.   

“At KaBOOM we have given people and businesses blueprints to follow, yet we welcome their input,” said Darell Hammond, founder and CEO of KaBOOM, a D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to making sure there is a safe place to play within walking distance for every child in America. “We need to let people know that their time and ideas are just as important as donations, especially when we are facing difficult economic challenges.”    

Giving their time and money is something that is familiar to many Alexandrians. The city has a solid history and great reputation as being a giving city. In 2010, Convio ranked Alexandria as number one in the most generous online cities for charitable giving. 

Englin Consulting President Shayna Englin shared with conference participants once such example of community activism in Alexandria. In 2005, she organized with her husband, Del. David Englin (D-45), monthly volunteer nights for the purpose of supporting one specific charity or cause. The events, which continue today, are publicized through Facebook, Twitter and email using a list that they have built through the years. They have approximately 30 to 40 volunteers who participate regularly, according to Englin. 

“Our monthly events are not high tech, but good old fashioned community activism,” she said. “It’s an easy way for people to get involved because it is centered on a specific cause and activity on one specific date.”