The Catalysts for Change Leadership Program is an initiative of the Capital Region Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action Collaborative facilitated by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.
Based on the Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders program at The Gifford Foundation, the Catalysts for Change Leadership Program is an 9-week board development series that will focus on increasing inclusiveness and diversity on nonprofit boards and linking leaders to supporting nonprofits. The program is designed for up to 15 community members currently looking to join a local nonprofit board or new to serving on a board. After completing the program, participants will be connected to local nonprofits in the area looking for new board members and will join a network of leaders looking to change the state of diversity and inclusion on nonprofit boards.
The application period has closed.
The program will focus on recruiting a diverse cohort, including people who self-identify as:
- Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, or a Person of Color
- LGBTQ+
- A person with a disability,
- An immigrant or non-U.S. citizen
- A religious minority
- A member of an underrepresented community
Program Goals
- Increase diversity on nonprofit boards and build inclusive cultures.
- Create a pipeline of trained board members.
- Strengthen the skills and knowledge of new leaders in the community.
- Build and strengthen a supportive network to help board members survive and thrive.
- Increasing awareness of equitable issues in our community.
For more information and questions, please contact Daquetta Jones , Director, Equity & Inclusion Initiatives.
Program Benefits, Expectations, and Application Process
Ideal Candidates will Have:
- Passion for serving the Capital Region and striving for equitable and just communities.
- Motivation for personal leadership development and growth.
- Current community involvement and the desire to join a nonprofit board or new to board service.
- Interest in expanding their network and initiative to make connections.
- Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and action.
Benefits of Participating:
- Network with nonprofit board leaders and local community experts.
- Develop a supportive network of peers from diverse identities and communities in the Capital Region.
- Gain key leadership skills, resources, and knowledge that will aid in your nonprofit board service.
- Build connections with local nonprofits looking to expand their board and increase their board diversity and inclusiveness.
- Contribute to strengthening and advancing equity in the region.
Participant expectations:
- Attend all sessions. Participants must attend 7 out of 8 sessions to complete the program and graduate.
- Be open to growth and connecting with people from different identities and cultural backgrounds.
- Take initiative to build connections within your cohort.
- Willingness to provide critical feedback to help the program improve and expand in the future.
- Stay connected after completing the program to build a strong network of leaders in the region.
Program Timeline:
- July 1, 2022: Application Available
- July 29, 2022: Application Closes
- August 16, 2022: Program Participants Notified
- August 30, 2022: Participant Meet and Greet
- September 20, 2022: First Day of Program
- September 27, 2022 – November 15: Training Workshops
- November 18, 2022: Graduation Event
Program Details
Session | Learning Objectives | Date |
How Boards Add Value |
|
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 |
ABC’s of Being a Board Member |
|
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion |
|
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 |
Group Dynamics |
|
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 |
Change Management |
|
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 |
Collaborations and Conflict Resolution |
|
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 |
Making the Connection (Networking) |
|
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 |
Lifecycles of a Nonprofit
|
|
Monday, November 7, 2022 |
The Trojan Horse of Social Movements: Transforming (Power and Oppression in) the Nonprofit Industrial Complex |
|
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 |
Graduation |
|
Friday, November 18, 2022 |
Please email Daquetta Jones for more information.
NONPROFIT BOARD OPPORTUNITIES
To highlight board service opportunities for our Catalysts graduates and other community leaders, the Foundation conducted a survey; inviting nonprofit organizations to share their information to be included on a list of IDEA-committed organizations seeking to increase diversity on their boards.
The Community Foundation received over 100 submissions and this resource is now available online by visiting this link. The listing is a user-friendly and up-to-date Google spreadsheet that can be downloaded and sorted to suit the user’s needs.
If you represent a nonprofit organization and are interested in adding your organization to the list, please complete this brief survey. Your response will be automatically added to the current listing.
If you have any questions, please email us at info@cfgcr.org.