June 27, 2011
As many of us gear up for summer vacations, trips to the lake, and firing up the grill on the upcoming (hopefully) sunny holiday weekend, the 19 graduates of A&BC’s On BOARD Spring 2011 Program are excited for another reason - they are taking the first steps as board members of a nonprofit arts and culture organization in Chicago.
This excitement has blossomed over the 4-month training, during which the candidates attended sessions on the Legal, Financial, Fundraising, and Leadership aspects of nonprofit board service, and met over 25 different arts organizations seeking to add to their current Board of Directors.
Why do they do it? Is it to satisfy a part of the soul that yearns to “give back” to the community? To build skills and broaden their networks? Or simply to find that “third place” affiliation away from home and work that balances a person’s foundation?
In their words, candidates enroll in On BOARD to:
“..actively help organizations that contribute to the common good and to those in need.”
..“use the skills and experiences that have led to my business success, to help an organization achieve its goals.”
“..learn the critical skills and information needed of board members by organizations that require assistance”
“..utilize my talents and time where I can have an impact, bringing diversity to a community through arts and programming”
Nonprofit arts clients of the Arts & Business Council continue to produce incredible, award-winning artistic works and provide programming integral to the diverse, vibrant fabric of Chicago’s cultural landscape. However, they continue weather the challenging funding climate and are relying on their board members more than ever to provide business expertise, strategic guidance, and fundraising opportunities to keep their doors open.
Organizations who have successfully matched with a trained board candidate through On BOARD this spring are: 826CHI, Barrel of Monkeys, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Lifeline Theatre, Lucky Plush Productions, Neighborhood Writing Alliance, People’s Music School, PianoForte Foundation, Remy Bumppo Theatre, Storycatchers Theatre, and Striding Lion.
Congratulations to the entire Spring 2011 On BOARD Class:Tony Baldwin, Marty Behn, Chris Berba, Mary Jo Burfeind, Kevin Cassidy, Steve Cooley, Donyelle Gray, Robert Grinberg, Shawn Haynes, Kevin Holl, Colin MacLaughlin, Maria Menotti, Lynette Otto, Sara Rothkopf, Gwen Rowan, Chuck Schlaudraff, and Amy Sheren.
Are you interested in joining a nonprofit board of directors or know someone who is?
The Fall session of On BOARD begins in September, and applications are being accepted through August 1. Please contact Kristen Romans, On BOARD Program Manager to participate in this training program and to be matched with one of the fantastic nonprofit arts and culture organizations that A&BC is proud to serve.
Applications for arts clients are also due August 1. Arts organizations can get the complete details of the program in the Services section of the A&BC website.