VSA seeks participants for its Project Blueprint

The program promotes diversity on nonprofit boards and committees.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Volunteer Services Agency, a United Way funded agency, is seeking people to participate in its fourth Project Blueprint training session, which begins Jan. 14.
Project Blueprint, developed by United Way of America, is a training program to assist local nonprofit agencies in developing strong, decision-making boards that are inclusive, reflective and responsive to the community, said Virginia Leskanic, VSA executive director.
The program promotes diversity on nonprofit boards and committees by recruiting, training, and assisting in the placement of underrepresented men and women in positions of community leadership, Leskanic said.
"We believe diverse volunteers bring unique skills and perspective to community issues, and that their leadership is needed to enhance and strengthen a multi-cultural community such as ours," she said.
Helping out
Project Blueprint benefits participants and the community by helping define the future of the community, connecting a network of talented and resourceful professionals, and continually developing and sharing expertise.
People apply for the training on their own initiative or are nominated by agencies and others.
Project Blueprint trains people new to agency board membership, sitting members and executive directors, said Maureen Drummond, VSA program director.
To date, about 30 participants have been trained and placed in the Mahoning Valley. Among them are Lori Robinson, a media specialist at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
Robinson, a member of the Family Service Agency's board, said Project Blueprint gave her valuable training and networking opportunities.
"I believe the program ... provides an insightful and practical foundation for anyone choosing to pursue board membership," Robinson said.
Training sessions
Six training sessions will be offered on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon beginning Jan. 14, and continuing on Jan. 28, Feb. 11, March 11 and 25 and April 8.
All sessions will be in the Gathering Room at the Park Vista Retirement Community, Fifth Avenue.
The tuition is $20 per session or all six session for $100. Corporations and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to recommend applicants and assume the cost for tuition, Drummond said.
Session topics include: Nonprofit governance, teamwork, strategic planning, marketing and human resources issues. Graduation will be April 24 at the All Community Volunteer Recognition, which kicks off National Volunteer Week.
Interested people should contact Drummond at the Volunteer Services Agency, 5500 Market St., Suite 106, Youngstown, OH 44512 for a brochure and detailed class schedule, or call (330) 782-5877.
alcorn@vindy.com