When we hear the words leader and leadership, we tend to think of authority figures in our schools, our workplaces and even on the sports field or the military. Just like organisations in academia, the government or the for profit sector, NFPs have a great need to develop effective leaders at every level of their organisation. As a volunteer board member, you can strengthen your personal contribution, and expand your NFP’s positive impact in your community, by taking the time to develop and increase your own leadership skills.

Why Your NFP Needs Leaders

An effective leader gets things done. They build strong relationships with others that encourage trust, respect and collaboration. They have the ability to focus on the future and develop a vision for themselves and their organisation. They also have the ability to set goals and plan out the steps that are necessary to make their vision a reality.

Leaders are always on the look-out to learn new things and constantly seek ways to improve processes and results. They push themselves and nudge others towards excellence. Being able to do all of these things requires a wide range of skills, from determination, confidence and emotional intelligence to more technical abilities such as active listening and public speaking prowess.

With Training, Leadership Can Be Developed

One common myth about leadership is that it is a natural ability that you are born with, which is simply not true. Like any other skill, leadership is an ability that takes training and practice to develop. Since there is such a great need for leadership in the non-profit sector, Volunteer Australia has created a program to help board members become better leaders.

Leadership Training for NFP Board Members

The Orientation to NFP Board Leadership Program 2016 is a two day training session that will be offered twice in 2016. Session 1 begins in May and session 2 starts in September.  In addition to developing leadership, the training is designed to help board members to become more familiar with their roles and responsibilities. This program should prove especially useful to new members who have never served, as well as those who are considering whether or not to serve on an NFP board. The program is also helpful to administrators, directors and other managers that work closely with boards. 

Important topics that will be covered during the training include Risk Management, Good Governance, the legal and financial obligations faced by board members. Speakers at the sessions include prominent members from Australian and International charities and other NFPs such as Mark Heintz, CEO of Pastoral Pork Company Pty Ltd as well as the Chairperson of Uniting Care, Sunshine and Broadmeadows and Melbourne Water’s Non-executive Director, Janice van Ryk.

Leadership Training Details

Both sessions will be held in the JJ Clark Room at Level 1, Old Treasury Building, 20 Spring Street, in Melbourne.

Session 1 training is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 27^th and May 28^th. Session 2 training is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 2^nd and September 3^rd.

Registration is open now, with the early bird discount for session 1 valid now through April 26^th and for session 2 valid now through August 19^th. The cost for attendees during Early Bird Registration, Great Connections Members, and Subscribed LV Alumni is only $660, which includes fees and GST. After the Early Bird Registration period expires, cost per attendee is $770, which includes GST and other fees.

Pitcher Partners will also offer two full scholarships for each session, with the deadline to apply for each approaching soon. Visit Leadership Victoria to learn more and register today!