Training promotes diversity on boards

The application deadline is next Wednesday.

YOUNGSTOWN — Volunteer Services Agency, in partnership with leaders from the business and nonprofit community, is offering Project Blueprint, a training program designed to promote diversity on nonprofit boards and committees in the Mahoning Valley.

Project Blueprint provides comprehensive training for people who have an interest in serving on a nonprofit board or those individuals currently sitting on boards who feel the need to refresh their skills, said Maureen A. Drummond, VSA program director.

Project Blueprint board training empowers individuals by providing comprehensive knowledge and the opportunity to test their skills through interaction with community professionals, she said.

Training topics include structuring the work of the board; developing the appropriate working relationship with professional staff; and understanding and accepting the responsibilities of fiduciary oversight, fundraising and resource development.

To date, some 75 participants have been trained and placed in the Mahoning Valley, Drummond said.

The tuition is $100. Corporations, nonprofit organizations, communities of faith and interested people are encouraged to recommend applicants and assume the tuition cost. The application deadline is next Wednesday.

Training sessions are on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 26 through April 12 at Park Vista Retirement Community on Fifth Avenue. Graduation is April 28 at the All Community Volunteer Recognition Day, which kicks off National Volunteer Week.