BRATTLEBORO — “Get on Board” is a new program to assist local nonprofits and their boards of directors' members with their growth and development.
Nonprofit organizations are only as strong as their volunteer boards. This is a pilot program with the dual mission of providing skills development and networking opportunities for young professionals while supporting local nonprofits.
The program is being sponsored by Marlboro College Graduate School, Youth Services, United Way of Windham County, and Latchis Arts.
Every nonprofit must, legally, have a board of trustees. Boards help define the vision and direction of nonprofits, as well as provide financial oversight to ensure organizations remain strong. Windham County has numerous nonprofits and many of them are looking for new board members.
By providing young professionals with the skills they need to be quality board members, while simultaneously providing training to existing board presidents, “Get On Board” will help boards and their nonprofits remain strong now and well into the future.
Windham County residents, age 22-44, are encouraged to participate in the program as Board Fellows. They will have the opportunity to build leadership skills and a personal network while serving the community.
“Get On Board” fellows will be assigned to boards based on passion for issues and skill set match. Fellows will serve 3-4 month exploratory terms, with the hope that they will continue as full members following the completion of the program in June, 2013. Fellows will commit 5-10 hours of time per month. That includes 3-6 hours of workshops, social/networking events and work on a shared community engagement project, plus 2-4 hours of service on a participating board.
Workshop topics will include Personal Skills Inventory and Leadership Development, Intro to Nonprofit Board Service, Project Planning and Management, Financial Management and Fund- and Friend-raising. The full schedule may be found at bit.ly/onboard-schedule.
Tuition for the program will be $100 for the pilot year, with small scholarships available for those with demonstrated need. Because this is a pilot, participants will be asked for detailed feedback on program design and impact.
To apply, visit bit.ly/onboard-app. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis up to Nov. 2. Fellows will participate in a mini-retreat on Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Graduate School in Brattleboro. Anyone interested in participating as a nonprofit board, contact Kate Jellema at [email protected] for more information.