Soapbox Engage Blog

Happy Monday, Trailblazers! Believe it or not, we are exactly two weeks from the start of 2024! I’d love to hear if your organization (or you personally!) have any resolutions for the coming year. And if you’ve been too busy to even THINK about the next quarter, don’t worry, you’re doing great and you are not alone. :)

Scroll on down for the latest questions, solutions, ideas, and updates from the Trailblazer Community!

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Great Posts from the Salesforce Power of Us Hub

1. Introducing the Trailblazer Career Marketplace
   Sara Halvorson (Salesforce)

   Last week, Trailhead introduced the Trailblazer Career Marketplace, the premier talent hub for Trailblazers and employers in the Salesforce ecosystem. Now for the first time, Trailblazers are empowered with direct access to their next opportunity in the ecosystem while employers can connect with a pipeline of Salesforce-skilled talent. What an incredible resource!

2. Some Spring '24 Goodies
   Henry Knox (Salesforce)

   Spring '24 is coming with lots of new features! And the sandbox preview for the release starts on January 5, so now is a great time to check out the sandbox preview instructions for action items. Head to this post for the link, plus other helpful Spring '24 resources like the Kay Dates infographic, Key Dates blog, and Spring '24 calendar.

3. Resources From 12/13 Ask Me Anything Session
   Emma Keeling (Hazledene Solutions Limited)

   Here are some of the resources shared as part of the EMEA Ask Me Anything Session on December 13. Topics covered include HR functionality in Salesforce, hidden fields, Contact management, and Salesforce Forms.

4. Earn Your First Salesforce Certification
   Rachel Pechacek (Salesforce)

   Ready to earn your first Salesforce certification? Consider starting wit these foundational certifications. The Salesforce Associate Certification is for individuals with up to 6 months of Salesforce user experience, focusing on foundational knowledge of CRM platform integration, reporting, user administration, sharing, customization, and data management. The Salesforce AI Associate Certification is tailored for those who can provide strategic guidance based on Salesforce's Trusted AI Principles, requiring familiarity with data management, security, business tools, and Salesforce Customer 360.

5. AI for Education Resources From Chicago World Tour
   Lizzy Roberts (Salesforce.org)

   Last week at Chicago World Tour, the Salesforce Education team shared insights from the education industry, thoughts on AI + Data + CRM across the student experience, and the top 3 ways that institutions can leverage AI. Head to this post for some helpful recordings and resources.

Great Events

1. Next EMEA Ask Me Anything - Jan 17
   Emma Keeling (Hazledene Solutions Limited)

   Add the next AMA session to your calendar now! Nonprofit Ask Me Anything Sessions are 45-minute sessions, with no presentation but instead, live Q&A with amazing hosts from the Salesforce community. These are aimed at beginner and intermediate-level Salesforce admins, although all levels of Salesforce users are welcome.

2. Soapbox User Summit - Mar 26-27
   Katie Ciszek (Soapbox Engage)

   The Soapbox User Summit is making a return in 2024! This is a two-day event designed to increase your knowledge of Soapbox Engage tools and nonprofit management, while deepening your connections with other nonprofits and tech experts. Join the Training Day to deepen your understanding of fundraising and engagement tools, connect with peers, and leave inspired to take your nonprofit to new heights. Join the Community Day for an un-conference style event specially curated for change-makers in the nonprofit world. Register now for early bird prices!

3. Education Summit - May 13-15
   Lizzy Roberts (Salesforce.org)

   Let's here it for 2024 events! Last Tuesday, Salesforce announced that Education Summit is returning May 13 - 15 in San Diego for two days of inspirational sessions, trailblazing customer stories, and innovative demos. Sign up today to be among the first to receive updates, early access to registration, speaker announcements, and more.

Great Ideas for Nonprofits Using Salesforce

1. Fixes to Donation Rollups in Nonprofit Cloud
   Michael Kolodner (Kolodner.com LLC)

   This is an incredibly thorough post in the IdeaExchange focused on the Donor Gift Summary object and the Data Processing Engine. Michael Kolodner lays out a number of fixes to meet nonprofit fundraising needs in the new Nonprofit Cloud (and Advancement in Education Cloud). Remember to vote if you support these ideas!