News Article

If you are new to working with boards of directors in the nonprofit arena or simply want to learn more about how to make a positive, lasting impact as a board member then Gonzaga University and three other key organizations have an educational breakfast series for you.

Gonzaga, in collaboration with Foundation Northwest, Leadership Spokane and United Way of Spokane County, will again provide this popular eight-part breakfast workshop series at Gonzaga’s Schoenberg Conference Center from 7-9 a.m., starting Tuesday, Sept. 19. The series focuses on maximizing effectiveness of a nonprofit board, and improving
contributions of board members.

The cost for participating in the entire series of workshops, which include full breakfasts, is $250; individual sessions are available for $45 each. For more information or to enroll, visit Gonzaga Continuing Education Web site at www.gonzaga.edu/ce or call (509) 323-3575.

The series acknowledges that bolstering board members is merely one way to contribute to healthy nonprofit organizations in the Spokane community. The carefully selected instructors are experienced professionals from distinguished backgrounds who will teach a session based on their expertise.

The Fall 2006 Workshops
* Sept. 19: Introduction/ Mission and Vision – Anne Marie Axworthy, Avista Corp., and Avista Foundation, will focus on the impact of vision and mission on decision-making for the board and a review primary responsibilities.
* Sept. 26: Roles & Responsibilities – Dan Distelhorst, Ph.D., Organizational Effectiveness Consulting. A model process to develop and maintain trust between the board and executive director, and for appropriate relationships with other staff.
* Oct. 10: Finance – Tom Dingus, Thomas Dingus & Associates. Understand the financial issues unique to nonprofit organizations and the key financial information needed to make good decisions.
* Oct. 24: Resource Development – Carol Neupert, Neupert Consulting Services. Review of basic resource development concerns and how to determine appropriate strategies for size and type of organization; gain insight from local experts on long-term strategy, events, grants, and partnerships. Note: This session will be extended to 9:30 a.m.
* Nov. 7: Ethics – Mike Stebbins, Ph.D., Gonzaga Ethics Institute. Understand how a fundamental, personal ethical approach impacts board functioning and crisis decision-making.
* Nov. 21: Legal – Mary Giannini, Witherspoon, Kelley, Davenport & Toole. Identify legal responsibility and liability areas; discuss benefits and limits of Directors and Officers insurance.
* Dec. 5: Program Evaluation – Jerrie Allard, United Way of Spokane County. Guidance in identifying appropriate outcome measurements for organizational success, planning, and funding.
* Dec. 19: Bringing It Back & Making It Happen – Dan Distelhorst, Ph.D., Organizational Effective Consulting. Learn to implement change by recognizing and managing resistance factors, and gaining agreement.

For more information, call (509) 323-3572.