BoardConnect: New Demands, New Board Members

We have asked nonprofit CEOs/Executive Directors what their ideal board member looks like for today’s economy. With the growing complexity of nonprofits, e.g. predominance of technology, higher demands for transparency, competition for traditional funding, and shifting community demographics, the answer to this question will be explored in this fast-paced workshop. We will explore how high-performing boards are taking their succession planning seriously and what the trends are for the 21st-century board member.

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Tuesday, 31 January 2012 5:30 pm

 Duration: 2 hours
 timed
 709 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

BoardConnect: Serving On a Nonprofit Board

Are you new to board service, or perhaps interested in serving on a nonprofit board? This workshop will teach you about the five main responsibilities of nonprofit board governance and how to find a board position with an area nonprofit. Develop your leadership skills and share them with a nonpfrofit that needs your help.
You’ll also learn about BoardConnect’s matching services and boardnetUSA, a national online database that connects candidates and nonprofits.

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Thursday, 5 January 2012 5:30 pm

 Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
 timed
 709 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Featured: Serving Those Who Serve

A few days after Veteran’s Day was observed, you may be asking yourself this question: How could I get involved in volunteer work that helps veterans and the military? We have found a few options that are great ways to serve the active military and veterans who need your help:

Buddy to Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program: Many veterans face challenges when adjusting to life outside the military community, including family concerns, financial struggles or issues such as depression, PTSD, substance abuse or traumatic brain injury. The Buddy to Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program provided outreach and support for Michigan veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Volunteers (who are also veterans) serve as the first line of defense with support and help in connecting to resources. Read more about this Veteran Advocate position. Bob Short is the regional coordinator in Kalamazoo and he can be reached via email here and phone at 269.806.6939.

VA Medical Center: The Battle Creek VA Medical Center opened in 1924 and offers a variety of health care services including inpatient, outpatient, residential and long term care. The Medical Center and Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Lansing, Benton Harbor, Muskegon, and Grand Rapids serve the needs of Veterans in the 22 counties of southwestern Michigan. Community and Volunteer Service supports the Veterans health care experience through utilization of volunteers and donations. Our volunteers make a difference in the lives of our Veterans. We offer volunteer assignments tailored to the background and availability of the volunteer. Some examples of volunteer assignments include Volunteer Driver, Patient Feeding, Music Volunteer, Meal time companion, baking volunteer, clerical office support, and many more. If you have skills that you want to utilize to serve Veterans, see what’s available on our website or contact Battle Creek VA Medical Center Community and Volunteer Service at 269-223-5497.

City of Kalamazoo Veterans Service Office: The Kalamazoo County Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to providing services and assistance to those men and women who have honorably served their country. The Kalamazoo County Department of Veterans Affairs pledges to continue the US Department of Veteran’s Affairs policy of “putting veterans first”. It is their guarantee that veterans will receive and are informed of all federal, state or county benefits to which they and their dependents may be entitled free of charge. The Kalamazoo County Department of Veterans Affairs also operates a Homeless Veterans STAND DOWN. This event provides much needed assistance to less fortunate veterans who find themselves in a position of financial, physical or emotional homelessness. Medical care, dental assessments, clothing, food and counseling are provided for by a joint venture of various community organizations. Learn more about the Kalamazoo County Department of Veterans Affairs here.

National Remember Our Troops Campaign: The National Remember Our Troops Campaign is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to honoring all military service members, all veterans, and their families, for their service and sacrifice, supporting those in need to the best of our ability, and letting them know they are not forgotten. More specifically, we provide recreational therapy for wounded troops and disabled veterans. We offer employment programs for unemployed veterans, transitional housing for homeless vets… We are proactive combating major stress, PTSD and suicide among service members and veterans… and we honor those who die in the line of duty. Read more about how you can help here.

A Million Thanks: A Million Thanks is a year-round campaign to show our appreciation for our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers. A Million Thanks asks individuals, schools, churches, businesses, and other organizations to write cards, letters, emails, and prayer messages of appreciation for our military, past and present. It is their goal to see that our military – active, reserve, and veterans – receive these messages, whether they are serving at home, abroad, or are injured in hospitals. To get started, read the guidelines at this website.

American Red Cross: The American Red Cross links members of the US Armed Forces with their families during a crisis. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross quickly sends emergency communications to deployed service members on behalf of their family. Military members can have peace of mind knowing that when they are on a mission, in training or stationed far from home- and leaving cell phones and emails behind-they are still connected to home. Read more about this opportunity here. While providing service to 1.4 million active duty military personnel and their families, the Red Cross also reaches out to more than 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families living in nearly every community in America. To learn more about local initiatives, check out the West Michigan American Red Cross.

Jam for Vets Project:  JFV is a newer Michigan non-profit that creates, manages, and participates in events that raise money to help wounded veterans. Region 12 is the greater Kalamazoo area and is currently in need of leadership. The ideal candidate would have a business/management background with close ties to the music community. This is a volunteer position and duties would include recruiting, creating and managing musical events, holding monthly membership meetings, and managing financial and legal compliance. This is a fun project for a very worthy cause. Sign-up here or contact for more information.

Not sure that these organizations are a right fit for your volunteering skills and interests? Don’t forget about the many organizations that serve our veterans locally, as part of their mission. Just to name a few, organizations such as Residential Opportunities, Inc., Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, and Ministry with Community are helping veterans in Kalamazoo in a variety of different ways. There are plenty of opportunities at our website, where you can connect with opportunities to serve those, who have served our country.

Did you miss a feature story, and want to find it again? Click here to see all of our past Featured Stories.

Volunteer Management Boot Camp

Thursday, 3 May 2012 9:00 am

 Duration: 5 hours
 timed
 709 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

VMT: Handling Volunteer Performance Problems (at KAVA meeting)

Volunteer Management Training

Have a few volunteers who make you want to tear your hair out? Join others who understand your pain. Share your challenges and get advice on how to deal with volunteers that resist change, or have negative personalities. Learn how to clarify roles, deal with issues of control, how to fire a volunteer and more.

Join us, free of charge, as part of a collaboration with Kalamazoo Association of Volunteer Administrators, during this monthly KAVA meeting! No registration or RSVP necessary.

Tuesday, 27 March 2012 11:45 am

 Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
 timed
 709 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

VMT: Supervision, Evaluation, Recognition

Build your skills through a review of risk management, reporting relationships, evaluation, placement assessment, record keeping, and termination. Learn about the importance of adhering to policies and procedures for managing risk in a volunteer program. Workshops include tips for controlling/alleviating/diminishing risk through effective volunteer position design, screening, training, and supervision. We’ll also review recognition techniques and discuss the importance of having board and staff involved in supporting your volunteer program.

Thursday, 8 December 2011 8:30 am

 Duration: 3 hours
 timed
 Greater Kalamazoo United Way, 709 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

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VMT: Training Busy Staff to Succeed with Volunteers

Volunteer engagement cannot rest on the shoulders of one person; it involves the commitment and competence of all staff partnering with volunteers. Participants will uncover staff resistance and gain practical tools for training them as partners. Learn best practices in how to engage employees to help build and sustain a successful volunteer program.

Thursday, 10 November 2011 9:30 am

 Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
 timed
 Greater Kalamazoo United Way, 709-A S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

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