UA Blackburn Institute to Sponsor Board Builder Workshop

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Blackburn Institute is presenting a Board Builder Workshop at WorkPlay in Birmingham on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 1-5 p.m.

The workshop will include sessions on:

Governance as Leadership: Governance Functions, 1:30-2:30 p.m. — Participants will review and gain understanding of the governance functions of a board, including legal and ethical responsibilities, board and committee charters orientation, responsibility for board development and accountability.

Mission Vision and Strategy, 2:45-3:30 p.m. — Participants will gain an understanding that strategic planning and outcome measurement are important issues for every nonprofit board and vital in pursuit of the mission. The board’s role in planning and evaluation and discovering different options in analyzing organizational effectiveness and program effectiveness will be discussed.

Board Fiduciary Responsibilities, 3:45-4:15 p.m. — Participants will understand their roles in oversight of fiduciary functions of the organization and ways to ensure against risk. Knowledge of what fiscal stewardship involves, and the importance of the finance, audit and investment committees in these roles will be covered.

Board’s Role in Fund Development, 4:15-4:45 p.m. — Assuring a clear understanding of the role of the board and individual board member to actively participate in fundraising and making a powerful contribution to the organization will be reviewed. Understanding that fundraising is an opportunity to share enthusiasm for the organization with the community and the value of its mission will be discussed.

Networking Reception, 5-7 p.m. – Participants will have an opportunity to get to know each other and meet active members of the community who currently serve on boards throughout the city. Bring your business cards to trade.

The UA Blackburn Institute, considered to be one of the most dynamic leadership development organizations in the country, is housed within the UA Division of Student Affairs and funded though contributions from private donors.

The Blackburn Institute is named in honor of Dr. John L. Blackburn, a nationally renowned leader in higher education who served as UA dean of students and was instrumental in the University’s peaceful integration. Membership in the institute is not only an honor but a lifetime obligation to becoming a change agent in one’s community.

The Blackburn Institute is not an honor society although fellows often have remarkable records of academic and service achievement. Upon graduation, University alumni earn the title fellow; the institute assists fellows by providing continued development, support and networking opportunities. An advisory board made up of national community leaders provides support, direction and mentorship for the Blackburn Institute and its fellows.

Using endowed funds from the institute, fellows are able to sponsor sustainable community service initiatives in Alabama each year. The institute also hosts a number of public lectures and discussion forums each semester to help educate community members about contemporary issues.

Board Builder Workshop registration is free and open to the public. To register for the workshop, complete the short form at http://blackburninstitute.wufoo.com/forms/board-builder-workshop/

For more information about the Blackburn Institute, go online to www.blackburninstitute.org.