Series to advance leadership skills

The sessions begin in January, and graduation will be April 28.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Volunteer Services Agency Inc., a United Way agency, with support from the Home Savings Charitable Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, seeks interested people to participate in VSA’s Board Training and Non-Profit Leadership Development series.

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 9.

For the last six years, VSA in Boardman, in partnership with leaders from business and nonprofit communities, have joined forces to offer area residents the opportunity to advance their leadership skills through the series formerly known as Project Blueprint.

This comprehensive curriculum uses the expertise of the local business and nonprofit leaders in exploring opportunities to build knowledge and apply skills and talents in assisting area nonprofits with capacity building.

The program opens the door for people who believe in the community and want to volunteer their time to make a difference in a local nonprofit organization.

Topics of interest include:

UStructuring the work of the board (e.g., committees) in a way that will optimize effectiveness within its current capabilities.

UDeveloping the appropriate working relationship with professional staff.

UUnderstanding and accepting their role of fiduciary oversight.

UUnderstanding and accepting their responsibility for fundraising and resource development.

To date, more than 100 participants have been trained and placed in the Mahoning Valley. Participants complete a six-session series. Tuition is $100.

Corporations, nonprofit organizations, communities of faith and interested people are encouraged to recommend applicants and assume the cost for tuition.

Dates for 2009 sessions will be Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon beginning Jan. 10 and continuing Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 21, March 7 and March 21.

All sessions will be in the Gathering Room at the Park Vista Retirement Community on Fifth Avenue, Youngstown.

Topics include nonprofit governance, teamwork, strategic planning, marketing and human resources. Graduation will be April 28 at the All Community Volunteer Recognition Day, which kicks off National Volunteer Week.

Call VSA at (330) 782-5877 for more information and an application packet.