THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 11, 1997 TAG: 9701110278
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MIKE KNEPLER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 64 lines
The United Way of South Hampton Roads is launching a leadership development program to help put more minorities on the governing boards of member social-service agencies.
The training program, called ``Project Inclusion,'' features an eight-week course that begins Feb. 18. The deadline for registration is Friday.
``It's our attempt to try to create a resource pool of individuals who will be able to serve on the boards of United Way agencies and other nonprofits,'' said J.R. Locke, chairman of the United Way's Minority Advisory Council.
The regional United Way distributes funds to 68 certified agencies here. About 22 percent of their board members are minorities, said Connie Collins, director of marketing and communications.
``We'd like to improve that percentage to the high 20s or 30,'' Collins said. ``That way we'd keep pace with the changing demographics in Hampton Roads.''
Also, Locke said, many United Way-assisted agencies serve largely minority clientele, and ``more businesses and organizations are seeing the need to create diversity.''
The training course is patterned after a national program, ``Project Blueprint,'' promoted by the United Way of America, Collins said. About 40 United Way agencies across the country have similar programs, she said.
Topics covered in the course will include fiscal matters, cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, ethical and legal responsibilities, and effective communication.
``We want to help people maximize their effectiveness on a board,'' Locke said. ``There's a tremendous need. . . . All of a sudden, you're thrust into the middle of a board meeting and they say, `Let's make a decision.' We want to help board members be sure they're making the right decisions.
``It's a phenomenon across the country. The military is downsizing. Corporations are downsizing. The resource of money is decreasing,'' Locke said. ``The tie-in to boards is that there's greater responsibility in making decisions about the resources available to the organizations.''
Also, as society is becoming more diverse, agencies are being called on to be more sensitive to a multitude of cultures.
``I've attended many board meetings where the thing they're having a conflict over is really minimal, and it could be avoided if people were more sensitive,'' Locke said.
Representatives from various nonprofit agencies will come to the course to speak about their programs and needs, he said.
Project Inclusion intends to place ``many, if not all'' course graduates on boards, Locke said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
J.R. Locke
Graphic
PROJECT INCLUSION
What: A leadership development program to expand the pool of
minority candidates to serve on boards of directors of nonprofit
agencies.
When: Eight-week course will meet 3-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays,
beginning Feb. 18.
Registration: Deadline is Friday. $25 fee. Also, continuing
education credits available for additional cost.
Sponsor: The United Way of South Hampton Roads.
Information: Call Michael Brickhouse, 629-0500, Ext. 126.