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Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Are you passionate about making an impact? Are you new to board service or considering board service for the first time? Start your service strong with this training. Whether you are already in your first year of service or are just beginning to seek out a board position, this exclusive series is designed for you!

Through this training you will develop the skills critical to excellent service. We’ll help you find the nonprofit that is your perfect match as we explore the landscape of the local nonprofit sector, define ‘your why’ and purpose for seeking a board position, and explore the distinctions between nonprofits of different sizes and scope. You’ll also gain practical knowledge of nonprofit management and skills to guide your successful board service such as:

-Legal and governance responsibilities of board members
-Nonprofit management basics
-How to develop a supportive partnership with your nonprofit’s staff counterparts
-Get over your fear of fundraising

After completing this training you will be invited to participate in monthly “New Board Member Roundtables” for 12 months following conclusion of the formal instructional sessions. These roundtables are designed to help you alongside other first time board members. Join in to share the challenges you are facing within your organization, brainstorm solutions with your peers, gain facilitation skills and build connection with others.

Your investment of $500 includes:

-Two initial training sessions
-Twelve monthly “New Board Member Roundtable” luncheons
-On-demand video series “Best Practices in Nonprofit Management”
 

Facilitated by:

Adrienne Harris. Adrienne has fifteen years of experience working with nonprofit organizations and government to advance initiatives at the national, regional, and local levels. As a former nonprofit Executive Director, she has unique insights into the challenges facing small and mid-sized nonprofits. Among other past work, Adrienne served as a policy analyst for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), was a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines, and she was co-chair of Artomatic, a 1,000 plus artist art festival celebrating visual and performing arts in Washington, D.C.

Kathy Marcove. Kathy is a professional facilitator and master trainer with 20 years of experience in team building, management training and meeting facilitation, teaching business at the college level and servicing the business community as an independent management and training consultant. She earned an undergraduate degree in political science, completed graduate work in human resources development and holds a master's degree in international and intercultural management. Kathy has served on many boards, both domestically and abroad and facilitates Spokes’ quarterly Volunteer Management Clinic.

Ken Miles, CFRE. Ken comes to Spokes as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), with many nonprofit experiences including the American Red Cross, the Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Home and the Family Care Network, Inc., and is currently the Executive Director of Camp Fire Central Coast of California. Ken’s nonprofit experiences include donor and fund development, event management, volunteerism, community relations, strategic planning, marketing and business development for the nonprofit sector. Ken consults local nonprofits and faith based organizations through United Service Alliance.

Michael Simkins, Ed.D. Michael has been a member of several nonprofit boards and served as board secretary, treasurer, and president.  His professional experience spans the education and nonprofit sectors from being a school principal in Los Osos and Cal Poly lecturer to CEO of a major Silicon Valley nonprofit. Currently, he is president of both the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre board and the UCLA Alumni Central Coast Network and facilitates Spokes’ bi-monthly Board President’s Roundtable.

What Our Participants Are Saying:

“Adrienne's listening skills and focus was excellent. She kept things interesting and delivered exactly what was promised. Thank you Spokes for providing great speakers and great topics.” – Grant Writing Participant

“Kathy was wonderful! Her open and engaging personality made me feel very comfortable sharing with the group; I loved getting to meet and listen to some of my awesome non-profit peers.” – Volunteer Management Participant

“Ken's presentation gave me the confidence to move our nonprofit in the next direction needed for expansion. The points made about building the board were particularly valuable. Thank you for making the group 'stretch' with the role playing exercise. It was very enjoyable, very worthwhile. Thank you to Ken and the SPOKES staff! – Fundraising Training Participant

“Thanks, Michael! I always learn important things at your sessions!!! You have a wonderful way of stating a fact very simply, which turns out to be quite profound & precisely what I needed! Thank you!!!!” – Board Member Roundtable Participant