ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY FOR EMERGENT LEADERS A GUIDE TO BOARD INTERNSHIP RECRUITMENT CREATE OPPORTUNITY PRIORITIZE INCLUSION
BOARD INTERNSHIP
INSPIRE FUTURE LEADERS STRENGHTEN COMMUNITY LEVERAGE RESOURCES
Governance & Development
BOARD REQUIREMENTS
Internship is an option for a healthy board. Is the board and organization in a healthy/high functioning mode? The environment to which an intern participates should be supportive and focused. Engagement takes effort and represents a significant investment for both the program participant and the host organization/company. Typical Requirements Define The Engagement • Who will act as liaison/mentor for the intern? This is someone who understands the inner workings of the organization/company, will be an ambassador to positively shape the experience, and provide insight and feedback. • Work with the candidate and their employer to set expectations around the boundaries of their work schedule and participation as a board intern. Define The Timeline • Be flexible. • Work with the candidate to determine the appropriate length of the internship. Define The Expectations • Zero risk. • There are no obligations for the intern, other than participation. • No fundraising. No voting. No deliverables other than engagement.
IDENTIFYING THE EMERGENT LEADER Organically • Diverse and dynamic business practices will encourage program growth, awareness, and transparency. Sourcing • Internal: The board or organization/company personnel may offer high-potential individuals based on survey results, succession planning strategies, community outreach response, and proactive planning to anticipated needs. • External: Community networking, social media, regional chamber of commerce newsletters, and websites may be used to attract talent.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
State what is great about your organization. Is the mission known and easily understood? What values do you want emergent leaders to see modeled by your organization? This is an opportunity to sell your organization from the inside. Shared Development • Stress the benefits of board internship, including: • Continuing Education • Community Engagement • Reciprocal Mentorship • X-Factor! How do you stand out from other organizations seeking great future leaders and future board members? Governance Oversight • Your governance and/or development members will oversee the activities, interactions, and responses from the intern, including fielding questions that arise from observations.
“I had many personal biases about “boards”, generated from the media and horror stories from individuals about late night-sessions, emergency votes, and significant time commitments. I was pleasantly surprised by this process and the gracious mentoring I received. The functionality and professionalism of the board members demonstrated their commitment to our community. At no point in time was I made to feel inferior, ignorant or less than. Quite the opposite. I was encouraged to ask questions, and I grew comfortable and was able to contribute.” - Robert
“I had never been on a board before, so this allowed me to see firsthand how one operates and makes decisions. I also learned a great deal about the inner workings of the company.” - Paige
“Being a Board Intern with Human Technologies was such an incredibly impactful experience on every level. The relationships I developed have been mutually beneficial and would recommend any organization or individual to pursue this type of opportunity.” - Vincent
THE EXPERIENCE
Onboarding Emergent Leader • Facility tours • Meet and greet events • Clear expectations of intern engagement Intern Response • Be open to feedback and advice from the intern on how to improve the program.
ABOUT US Human Technologies is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Social Enterprise with a mission to create employment for people with disabilities. Our Vision is to be an extraordinary world-class business of choice, creating global collaborative transformation by unleashing human potential. Our Beliefs are unshakable, and define us. • Each of us makes an impact • Work done well makes everything possible • The work of our people transforms communities
GET STARTED TODAY CONTACT INFO: Timothy Giarrusso President/CEO tgiarrusso@htcorp.net Leanne Allen Assistant to the President/CEO lallen@htcorp.net Robert McCrae Secretary of the Board rmccrae@htcorp.net