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BOLD Cohort 26 Library
Here is your “homework” for class. These quick reads give you background needed for vibrant discussions (I promise NO tests!!). Feel free to also email me any questions you may have.
Given the range of nonprofit experience in our cohort, the “Deeper Dive” section is useful for those students already engaged with a nonprofit.
***Please note, you will always have access to this library even after graduation.
Onward to putting your passion into action!
Jay Shatz, BOLD Program Director
Session 1:
Review these before Sept. 10 class. (Click on red for link.)
This is a great overview we will discuss in-person & you’ll also get a copy in class.
Intro into how nonprofit boards supervise and drive mission.
An important and often confusing topic for both boards and staff. And trust me, this always leads to a candid discussion in class (especially from students who are nonprofit staff!!!!)
Deeper Dive:
We will have referenced these briefly in class and for those of you interested in a much deeper dive: here are the “official” legal responsibilities of nonprofit board members. The AG’s office offers printed versions in pamphlet form to nonprofits.
This is helpful for both the board and staff to review.
Session 2:
Review these before Sept. 17 class.
Nonprofit legend Joan Garry does a great job sharing the current myths woven into the discussion of nonprofits and federal funding cuts. I believe all of us who are volunteer board members need to have an understanding what staff are dealing with in this new reality.
- Trump DEI Cuts Hit Cincinnati Youth Collaborative
CEO Amy Thompson of the CYC joins us as we explore what you would do as a board member looking for solutions after sudden and devastating budget cuts to a successful program.
How does a successful nonprofit transform itself to deal with the growing housing crisis? The leaders of Found House join us to discuss how its board is tackling a still evolving transformation including a name change. I encourage you to check out their website and become familiar with their work.
Deeper Dive:
As we will discuss in class, part of dealing with the new reality crisis means focusing on the basics of nonprofit service and engagement. I’m a big fan of this nonprofit advocacy group and I think all of our students who are staff or board members will appreciate the free downloads arranged by subject matter. They have a great library of books for sale. A tad pricey but good resources!
- VIDEO: Not Just a Rubber Stamp
This is a theme running through BOLD that board service is powered by more than just good deeds. This is a great video from Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio (PBPO) for ALL board members and reviews our 4 Duties Discussion.
- You the Upstander
Session 3:
Review these before Sept. 24 class.
These are used by Findlay Market board to remind board members what they have accomplished…..and what they have pledged to do in the coming year.
I’m proud of this :30 commercial I wrote and produced for Big Brothers. I believe it fits into this session focused on effective storytelling. And pay attention to the opening line!
I like the clean simplicity of this approach, and it is a great way to get started developing your short and sweet pitch and your nonprofit voice.
Yes, it can be discouraging to think about the fact some audiences may not be supportive of your cause. I love this one pager for Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank board members to adjust their pitch based on the audience.
I want your reaction to this article that ties into our discussion about “the semantics game” many nonprofits are forced to play these days. David Iyoha from the Achievers Network is set to join us.
Deeper Dive:
This is a bit more advanced and targeted to those of you already on boards or engaged with nonprofits. This is an excellent reminder of what makes a clear mission statement. This helps tremendously in crafting communications in all media and especially in pitches.
Excellent for staff: This is the main page for Ohio Attorney General resources of interest with a particular focus on fundraising guidelines and avoiding charitable theft.
Session 4:
Review these before Oct. 1 class.
This is an easy to use checklist to follow as you think about board service and the right fit. For staff and current board members, it’s a reminder of things your prospects will be focused on.
I love these seven ways you can rock your role as a nonprofit board member and partner with staff to do great things. The insights are from former P&G CEO John Pepper who is a founder of both the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative and the National Underground Freedom Center (to name a few of his long list of nonprofit efforts!!).