The four-session in-depth introduction to board service draws upon the nationally recognized expertise of Dr. David Renz, director emeritus of the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership at UMKC, with brief presentations from a diverse group of experienced board leaders from across the Kansas City community. The goal of the series is to prepare current and emerging community leaders to serve effectively as members of the governing boards of nonprofit and other community and public service organizations. These interactive sessions will meet via Zoom from 6:30 to 9:00 pm on the first four Wednesday evenings of June.
Session 1: Boards, Governance, and Public Service Leadership: Introduction to the Roles and Responsibilities of the Board and Its Members
Date: June 1, 2022 (6:30 to 9:00 pm)
- Introduction to Nonprofit (and Governmental) Boards
- Making Sense of the Work of a Governing Board
- The Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Board Work
- The Core Responsibilities of Boards
Session 2: Show Us the Money Part One! The Board’s Role in Securing and Using It Wisely
Date: June 8, 2022 (6:30 to 9:00 pm)
- Overview of Financial Leadership and Accountability
- Understanding the Organization as a Financial Creature
- Making Sense of Financial Reports
- Insights from the Boardroom
Session 3: Show Us the Money Part Two! The Board’s Role in Fundraising and Development
Date: June 15, 2022 (6:30 to 9:00 pm)
- Philanthropy and Nonprofit Business Models
- Board Roles in Fund Raising and Development
- The Basics of Philanthropy and Raising Money
- Insights from the Boardroom
Session 4: Organizing for Successful Board Work
Date: June 22, 2022 (6:30 to 9:00 pm)
- Variations in How Boards and Related Governance Structures Are Organized
- Developing an Effective Board-Executive-Staff Partnership
- What It Takes to be an Effective Board Member
- The Passion to Serve: Finding the Right Match for Board Service
- Insights from the Boardroom