Calling all Escambia County professionals! Local nonprofits depend upon support from volunteers who help improve the community by serving as board members. In order to connect interested volunteers with nonprofits seeking to broaden and diversify their existing boards, United Way will host BoardServPNS (Board Serve Pensacola) on February 4 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This board effectiveness training will include a meet and greet between volunteers interested in board service and nonprofits recruiting key volunteers. Interested volunteers can attend either the full training day for free or from noon to 3 p.m. for condensed board training and agency networking. All training will take place in the United Way Community Room.
BoardServPNS trains and matches knowledgeable professionals with nonprofits that significantly improve lives in Escambia County. Attendees will receive an in-depth look at the local nonprofit sector and the responsibilities of nonprofit board members, including fundraising and financial oversight. While board trainees will strengthen their leadership skills and expand their professional networks, nonprofits will be better equipped to manage and sustain their organizations with the help of skilled board members committed to serving the community.
Executive Director of Every Child A Reader in Escambia, Ashley Bodmer, explained the importance of building strong boards. “Our organization has thrived because of consistent board leadership that has maintained a focus on our mission, outcomes and accountability.” Through training, volunteers will learn how to apply their skills to make valuable contributions to newly-established or existing boards. Strengthened boards will in turn be better equipped to provide resources to the community on a sustained basis.
Eligible Individual:
Nonprofit organizations that participate in BoardServPNS represent a wide range of missions. They are actively seeking to broaden, strengthen and diversify their existing boards, and are looking for individuals with the following characteristics:
Live and/or work in Escambia County
Diversity in life experience, age, ethnicity, and profession, including expertise in any of the following fields: accounting, finance, governance, human resources, law, information technology, management/operations, marketing, public relations, fundraising, strategic planning, engineering and others
Enthusiasm and interest in board service and volunteerism
Ability to commit at least 5 hours per month
Willingness to undertake this day’s three hour training offered on the duties and responsibilities of board members
Willingness to share interest, expertise and commitment through a meet and greet with agencies who will share their mission, organizational needs and the commitment they require of board members
Bring business cards or contact information to share with prospective agency partners
Eligible Nonprofit:
BoardServPNS is open to all United Way of Escambia County grantees and program partners that are looking for dedicated leaders. Additionally, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Has identified a need for talent, field of expertise or board growth and is willing to share printed details of agency need with possible board candidates attending BoardServPNS
Can provide 2 years of financial statements, a board application and written board responsibilities to attendees of BoardServPNS
United Way Board Chair David Peaden serves on several nonprofits’ boards throughout the community. He offered his insight into the value that board service has for the community. “One of the best ways to serve the community is by becoming a board representative. Doing so allows the volunteer to contribute his or her skills to an agency that fits both the individual’s interests and the needs of the community. In order to create long-lasting impacts on the community, dedicated and hard-working board members are needed to serve.”
Support for Escambia County starts with support of local nonprofits. Learn how to volunteer as a board member on February 4 and get connected to organizations that create lasting positive change. Professionals looking to volunteer as a board member may attend training for free. Interested nonprofits must pay $20 if they are a certified partner agency, $25 if they are uncertified or $30 on the day of training to participate. For more information or to RSVP for the event, email melissa@unitedwayescambia.org or call 850.444.7120.