it’s time to get on board
Events in the past year have illuminated the urgency of good governance. Between the varying responses to COVID-19, our collective reckoning with racial and gender injustice, and the daily threats to democracy, we must build equitable decision-making spaces – starting our community boards.
Youth have been left out of these spaces for too long. To build equitable boards of the future, we are training a new generation of board directors through the Get on Board Masterclass.
On October 2-3, 2021, learners will gain the technical and essential skills required to join a non-profit governance board.
This weekend is a condensed version of our longstanding Girls on Boards program for a bigger audience! Over two days, build the most valued skilled that will set you up to apply to board positions in your community.
Learners must register and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to guarantee a spot — the last day to register is Thursday, September 30 at 11:59 PM ET.
What to Expect:
Learners who complete the weekend training will receive a certificate, as well as LinkedIn badges
Learn “Game-changing Governance” and “Financial Fundamentals”, taught by Fora CEO Heather Barnabe
Navigate Imposter Syndrome and managing your mental health, guided by psychotherapist Jhanelle Peters
Mobilize storytelling for personal branding and fundraising as a board member from Jenny Jay, CEO of the Double Jay Collective
Network with a community of young women and gender diverse youth beginning their board journeys, over Fora’s private online networking platform
Hear from senior leaders from corporate and community boards, in our thought-provoking panel discussions
meet the facilitators
Meet the Panelists:
“Becoming a board member was both exciting and scary, but it’s also allowed me to think critically about what leadership looks like.”
Not sure why you should set you sights on joining a board? Hear from our Girls on Boards “Young Director”, Michelle Musindo, about her experience on a board.
General Questions
Who should register?
This weekend event is for any young women-identifying or gender diverse youth who are engaged in volunteering in their communities.
Who qualifies as a "youth"?
While everyone is welcome, we feel the program content is best geared for 18-29 year olds.
Why do I have to register?
Participants will complete a short application, answering three questions, to be eligible to register. We want to ensure that your expectations of the weekend will be aligned with what we have to offer. All applicants will hear back from Fora within 72 hours. We will also use the information you share in your application to place you in small break-out groups based on shared interests and goals.
Who should participate?
If you are eager to learn more about how non-profit/community boards work, this event is for you. Whether you're planning to apply for a board next week or next year, we guarantee you will take away learnings that will set you up on your path!
Will I get to connect with other Learners?
Learners will be matched in small groups, aligned to common interests based on what they share in their applications. Learners will remain in the same break-out groups throughout the weekend to deepen networked connections.
Where will the training take place?
Training will be offered online, through the Fora Community Hub, on a third-party platform called LearnWorlds.
How do I register?
Applications are now open for Learners. Learners are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible to secure a seat!
The last day to submit an application is Thursday, September 30 at 11:59PM ET.
Application Process:
- All applicants must create a Submittable account to register.
- Applications will include the option to submit responses in writing.
- Applicants will be able to save a draft of their work before submitting.
- Staff will review applications and be in touch with applicants about their status within 72 hours.
How is my personal data used and stored?
Please note that applicants’ personal data will be stored securely by our organization on the third-party Submittable server. Applications will be stripped of the personal identifying information when reviewed by a voluntary Application Reader Committee member. Data will not be shared with any other company or organization. All successful applicants’ data will be stored on Airtable and Salesforce and be used only by our employees.
masterclass schedule
OPENING
Saturday, October 2, 2021, 10:30 - 11:00 ET
GAME-CHANGING GOVERNANCE
Saturday, October 2, 2021, 11:00 - 14:00 ET
Join Fora CEO Heather Barnabe to dig into the basics of being a board director. This hands-on session will work through board operations, different governance models out in the world, strategic planning, and risk management. Get into the nitty gritty on duties and responsibilities, and learn what it means to be an effective board director.
BREAK - Saturday, October 2, 2021, 14:00 - 15:00 ET
GETTING TO THE TABLE
Saturday, October 2, 2021, 15:00 - 15:45 ET
So, how do people actually get on boards? Hear from senior female leaders in an open, honest fireside chat about their journeys; how they got started, what non-profit boards value in young people, and what governance challenges leaders say they’re facing today. Join Valerie Chort, Executive Director of the RBC Foundation, and Shannon Stanojevic, Director of Workforce Planning and Development at OMERS, in conversation with Fora’s Director of Development and Operations, Miriam Buttu, for stories, insight, and advice on the road ahead.
BREAK - Saturday, October 2, 2021, 15:45 - 16:00 ET
THE POWER OF THE STORY
Saturday, October 2, 2021, 16:00 - 19:00 ET
Storytelling is the key to sharing our ideas, our identities, and the impact we want to make in the world. How do we build this skill to serve us professionally? Join educator, creator, and storyteller Jenny Jay for an interactive workshop exploring the ways that storytelling can help build a personal brand, pitch ourselves, raise awareness - and funds - for our organizations, and more.
FINANCE FUNDAMENTALS
Sunday, October 3, 2021, 11:00 - 14:00 ET
Join Fora CEO Heather Barnabe in an interactive workshop designed to demystify the world of organizational finances. From budgets to audits, Finance Fundamentals will help you build the literacy you need to make sense of financial statements, what they say about an organization, and speak with confidence at the boardroom table.
BREAK - Saturday, October 3, 2021, 14:00 - 15:00 ET
NAVIGATING IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Sunday, October 3, 2021, 15:00 - 18:00 ET
Many of us know what Imposter Syndrome is. But do we fully understand its impact on us, its connection to our unique experiences, trauma, and identity? Join psychotherapist Jhanelle Peters in this deep dive into overcoming imposter syndrome and managing mental health, and learn strategies for working through that self-doubt, and being kinder to yourself.
PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER
Sunday, October 3, 2021, 18:00 - 19:00 ET
Join Atifa Hasham, Fora’s Programs Officer, for a final session integrating what we’ve learned in the weekend’s workshops, getting the big picture, and planning your next steps.