Learn more about the Board Orientation & Leadership Development (BOLD) series set to start this fall.
Applications are officially open for the second series of Board Orientation & Leadership Development (BOLD)! The series is geared toward emerging leaders interested in volunteering for a board or committee but may be unsure of the skills needed or responsibilities included. Last year’s series graduated 26 professionals from the program, with most finding placements on a board or committee and all making connections with area nonprofits.
“I applied for BOLD because I wanted to be more active in the community,” said 2019 BOLD graduate, Jessica Pfeiffer. “I work for a nonprofit, so I was doing a lot of volunteer type roles in my job, but I was looking for another way to contribute to the community. When I heard about BOLD, I knew it was what I needed to help me reach my goal of being on a board.”
Led by United Way of East Central Iowa’s (UWECI) Young Leaders Society, the series will feature six 90-minute workshops including presentations from community leaders, group conversations, training and networking opportunities, and more. Participants will be encouraged to join in dialogue surrounding:
- Board basics & working with nonprofit management
- Governance & strategic planning
- Advocacy & public engagement
- Fundraising & resource development
- Engaging a diverse community
- Financial management & fiduciary responsibility
“I was excited to be part of BOLD, as it was a great way to get a feel for board involvement,” said 2019 BOLD graduate, Michael Gruis. “It seemed a little intimidating to figure out where to start, but just after the first session, I was excited by the energy and ideas of the group. I learned a lot through the series and look forward to finding a good fit for a long-term role.”
The series will wrap up with a graduation event in April 2020. This event will provide BOLD graduates the opportunity to network with community leaders and meet with area nonprofits looking for passionate people for their boards and committees.
There will also be an informational session, Get on Board, on August 6, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. at TrueNorth.
The series of workshops is being held in partnership with UWECI, Inclusive ICR, and Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF).