Non-profit organizations are rightfully known for the important services they bring to our communities, and chances are that we have all needed a non-profit at one point or another in our lives. Be it a hospital, school, or church; a food center, homeless shelter, or library, or any of the thousands of other services non-profits provide, the vital role of non-profits in our communities is well known. What is often overlooked is the significant economic role that non-profits play. In Arizona, when you look at the nonprofit sector as an industry unto itself, it ranks as the sixth largest industry! Thus, strong governance for our local non-profits has reverberations throughout the community.
With this in mind, and with the support of several local sponsors, Sedona Public Library is excited to offer board governance training for anyone currently in, or considering, non-profit leadership either as a board member or executive director. And because non-profits play such a vital role for so many people, as well as to the State’s economy, this training was an opportunity that called for bringing in the cream of the crop: Welcome ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Innovation (the Center) who will be at the Library for a one-day training on September 24.
The Center has researched and reported on the status of non-profits in Arizona for 25 years, as well as educated, empowered, and connected nonprofit leaders with the goal of accelerating social impact. Through the work they do, they’ve enhanced the effectiveness of the many people who work for, or provide support to, non-profit and philanthropic organizations. Knowing that there are some 200 non-profit organizations in the Sedona area, and over 5,000 in Yavapai County, the idea of doing a regional governance training arose. When proposed to a few local non-profits and businesses, they not only loved the idea, the supported it! Thank you, Sponsors! Gold: APS; Silver: Arizona Community Foundation; Bronze: Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization and Pinnacle Bank.
And as always happens when great things are astir, individuals step up to the plate to offer support, too! Many thanks to Bronze Sponsors: Library Board Directors Scott Bradley and Margaret Joy Weaver for their sponsorship, as well as an anonymous sponsor.
Non-profit organizations face challenges just like all businesses do, likewise, when the world changes, non-profits need to evolve right along with it. Think technology, social media, covid-19, and so many other global, national, or regional occurrences that have literally forced organizations to review their policies, budgets, and by-laws. Thus, non-profits need to continually strengthen and advance their leadership and skill sets, and this training will address the foundational elements of leadership needs.
This essential governance training will cover critical aspects of board responsibilities including philosophical, ethical, and legal issues. The Center will also discuss the relationships and dynamics between the executive director, board members and staff, including role definitions, responsibilities, expectations, and strategies for navigating challenging situations.
A training of this caliber would not be complete if it didn’t include accountability. The Center will examine a board’s role in providing ongoing oversight, monitoring, and accountability to ensure the organization is fulfilling its purpose and generating the intended impact and results, providing an understanding of charity watchdog standards, performance metrics, social capital and collective impact.
Special bonus? This training will be customized for Verde Valley attendees with content developed as a result of a brief intake survey to be completed during registration. Additional content may include such topics as a board member’s role in fundraising or as a community liaison.
Deborah Thompson, a non-profit professional with 30 years of experience leading and governing mission-based organizations, will be the presenter. She is passionate about advancing the nonprofit sector through principles of servant leadership, good governance and accountability; and developing the next generation of nonprofit leaders who will champion missions that are vital to our community.
This training, on Tuesday, September 24, is open to all currently serving executive directors and board members, as well as those who are interested in board service. To register for this important one-day training visit sedonalibrary.org, and click on the events calendar. Check in is at 8:30 a.m., and the training is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Room at Sedona Public Library on White Bear Road. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments are included in the $25 fee.
Sedona Public Library is an independently run, 501(c)(3), privately owned, debt-free, non-profit organization providing public services. Support comes from the City of Sedona; your property tax dollars from Coconino and Yavapai Counties; and businesses, foundations, and individuals like you, as well as the amazing Friends of the Sedona Library who have supported the Library for more than 55 years. Please visit us at sedonalibrary.org/donate to make a gift today.
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for September 13, 2024, by Anne Marie Mackler, Development Director