IMPACT | COMMUNITY
Nonprofit Board Institute by
T R AC E Y B R AD LE Y-S I M M O N S
With restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in service to nonprofits in our community. NPBI alumna and place, the Nonprofit Board Institute (NPBI) set out to host 2020 NPBI committee member Jena Selva is one of those its first virtual institute in its history. The NPBI Committee leaders. “When I saw the JLLR Nonprofit Board Institute quickly realized the virtual delivery platform created new advertised, I was not currently serving on any boards; however, opportunities to reach current and aspiring nonprofit board I immediately felt like attending was something I must do," members across the country. The fall training session paved she said. “Not quite knowing what to expect, I registered the way for AJLI members to register at a discounted rate and attended every session. I was completely in awe of the for the very first time. Additionally, participants from New wealth of information and how willing the speakers were to Jersey to Kansas joined JLLR and other community members share their experience, knowledge, and expertise. Just as the on this innovative learning 2019 Institute was coming to experience. an end, I was asked to serve The committee built the on the board of a nonprofit curriculum for this year’s I was involved with. The institute around the theme information and experience “Nonprofits Today: Navigating I gained through NPBI gave a New Normal” to acknowledge me the confidence I needed to and train around the feel comfortable accepting the current climate challenging position. I am so grateful for nonprofits. The event aimed to those who are willing to share inform participants on subjects their knowledge and JLLR such as COVID-19 workplace for providing such incredible precautions, the pursuit of opportunities for learning.” racial equity, and challenges Another NPBI alumni and Participants in the first-ever virtual Nonprofit Board Institute tune in on Zoom. facing nonprofits as a result of JLLR member, Janai Harris, the economic recession. The said, “I actually was part of the committee worked vigorously to address these issues along with NPBI 2019 cohort while going through my new member year. basic content to equip participants with a strong foundation to The information I gained from the sessions were very helpful. serve as an effective member of a nonprofit board. I believe that attending gave me the skills needed to move Other featured topics included “Resource Development in forward with applying for board positions for several different the Midst of a Crisis” presented by Dr. Derek Slagle, assistant organizations. I currently sit on a total of four boards and professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; “Digital feel this is a direct result of me attending the NPBI! It was an Marketing for Nonprofits” presented by Maegan Clark, digital awesome experience and the exact reason I decided to attend media and marketing manager for Heifer International; 2020 NPBI. My advice would be to attend each year NPBI is “Avoiding Legal Pitfalls” by attorney Guy Murphy of Hyden, offered. The knowledge you will receive is priceless.” Miron and Foster, PLLC; and “Leveraging Data to Maximize In providing NPBI, the League has been able to find some Resources” presented by Dr. Diane Daley, anesthesiologist of the best service leaders in the community. Jena and Janai are and founder of Texas nonprofit organization Predict Align examples of the institute’s impact as participants often decide Prevent. The series even featured a panel discussion from to join our League after engaging in our community programs. members on the League’s Boardwalk Committee who shared As a result, we must see every opportunity to engage with their experiences in nonprofit board service. community members as a dual chance to recruit these talented Perhaps one of the most impactful things about the NPBI and fierce leaders to join JLLR. With the advancement of the are the leaders the Institute has helped to lend extraordinary new virtual institute, our opportunity for impact is limitless!
8 | Interaction | Volume XXVII | 2020-2021
