JOHNSON CITY — What would a free conference where every nonprofit organization in the region came together to learn about each other look like?

Donny Brock, an East Tennessee State University social work intern, and Phi Alpha Nu, an ETSU social work honor society, hopes to find out.

Brock extends an invitation to all nonprofit agencies in the region to join him at the Community Outreach Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 11 in the D.P. Culp Auditorium Room 100.

Brock has created a nonprofit collective called Community By The Book, which is hosting the event.

“Community By The Book is a program exploring the benefits of having social workers in libraries,” Brock said. “This conference allows some of the newer nonprofit organizations and community outreach agencies to gain exposure and get noticed.”

Through his recent work networking with the community through libraries, Brock discovered a need to create an outlet for all nonprofits to come together.

The conference gives nonprofits face-to-face interaction with one another. There’s also a Facebook Page where Brock encourages nonprofits to post information about upcoming events.

In fact, an emphasis on social media and online presence is also an innovative subject the conference addresses.

Elizabethton Planning and Economic Development Director Jon Hartman will give a presentation about getting nonprofits on Google Maps.

Brock encourages nonprofits to foster an appreciation for the Internet.

“It allows them to reach more people and have larger exposure to the area they are trying to serve,” Brock said.

A Carter County nonprofit leader will help give a presentation about an overdose prevention program. Angelee Murray, Red Legacy director, said she will join two partners on stage to talk about naloxone and how it can help reverse side effects of an overdose.

Murray is also hoping to network with other nonprofits.

“The reason I’m also going as an attendee is because I want to bring more awareness to Red Legacy,” she said. “I want to network with other nonprofits so I know about them and what services they offer. All of us need to work together so we can provide the best resources to the people we serve.”

Other guests include Nancy Roark, director of Holston River Regional Library, who will speak regarding Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) services and Denetria James, an ETSU social work clinical assistant professor, who will address the topic of self care in regards to balancing work and personal endeavors.

Each agency will be allowed to speak about their organization for 2-3 minutes during the resource roll call portions of the event. The resource roll call opportunities are spread throughout the conference in 45 minute blocks. Each organization is also encouraged to share any and all volunteer opportunities and upcoming events.

For more information or to pre-register, go online to communitybythebook.wordpress.com or email Brock at communitybythebook@gmail.com.