Get on Board Selects New Fellows

Seventeen local residents have been recently selected to both serve the community and learn valuable leadership skills through the “Get on Board” program. The program is a collaborative initiative of Marlboro College Graduate and Professional Studies in partnership with Youth Services, SeVEDs, United Way of Windham County, and Latchis Arts.

Windham County residents, age 22-44, are eligible to become “Get on Board” Fellows. After a competitive selection process, applicants are matched with boards, in a non-voting capacity, based on issue interest, existing skills / knowledge, and board needs.

“Get on Board” assists local nonprofits and their boards of directors’ members with their growth and development. Our nonprofit organizations can only be a strong as their volunteer boards. The program has the dual mission of providing skills development and networking opportunities for young professionals while supporting local nonprofits.

Every nonprofit must, legally, have a board of trustees. Boards help define the vision and direction of nonprofits, as well as provide financial oversight to ensure organizations remain strong. Windham County has numerous nonprofits and many of them are looking for new board members.  By providing young professionals with the skills they need to be quality board members, while simultaneously providing training to existing board presidents, “Get On Board” will help boards and their nonprofits remain strong now and well into the future.

Fellows commit 5-10 hours of time per month from October 2013 through May 2014. This includes 3-6 hours of workshops, social/networking events and volunteer service, plus 2-4 hours of service on a participating board monthly.

Workshop topics will include Board Roles and Responsibilities, Finances and Fundraising, Strategic Thinking, and Conflict Resolution.

The new Fellows will be working with the following organizations this year:  Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center: Josh Traeger and Sarah Bergh; Brattleboro Senior Meals: Chelsea Nunez and Julia Etter; Morningside Shelter: Anthony Summers; Parks Place: Emilie Kornheiser and John Stiteler; Rich Earth Institute: Lyndsey Runyan and Molly Dowd; Sandglass Theater: Cortney Donahue and Ian Hefele; The Gathering Place: Chelsea Ferrell and Elisha Wamsley; Windham Childcare Association: Laura Schairbaum; Winston Prouty Center: Autumn Kendall and Meredith Anton.

For more information about “Get on Board” Contact Kate Jellema at: nonprofit@marlboro.edu, (802) 451-751