BoardLink: Connecting Leaders with Non-profit Organizations

Bergen LEADS, BergenCounty’s premier civic leadership program that is sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, will present  an evening workshop on board service for individuals who wish to serve on a non-profit board or for those already engaged as a board member.

BoardLink will be presented on Wednesday, July 25, 2012,   from 3 pm to 9 pm at the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, 64 Passaic Street inHackensack.    Cost to attend is $100 per person, which includes dinner and all course materials.  A group rate of 3 registrations for $175 is also available to agencies that are members of the Volunteer Center. Pre-registration is required for this limited-seating program.  Register on-line at www.bergenvolunteers.org or call 201-489-9454 Ext. 119.

“Serving on a non-profit board can provide recognition, visibility, networking, career enhancement and the ability to effect change by addressing important social needs,” says Amanda Missey, Director of Bergen LEADS.  “But along with the benefits comes responsibility to help the organization accomplish its mission and achieve its goals.”

New Jersey is home to more than 31,000 non-profit organizations, with 3,600 in Bergen Countyalone. These organizations employ 7% of the workforce and spend more than $33 billion annually, constituting a significant portion of the state’s economy.   A non-profit organization is only as strong as its leadership, and local non-profit boards are eagerly seeking skilled and knowledgeable volunteers to help guide their organizations.

“BoardLink offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about board structure, strategic planning, fiduciary responsibility, ethics, advocacy and fundraising.  A thorough understanding of these topics is critical to serving – and serving well – on a non-profit board” continues Ms. Missey.   “Upon completion of the workshop, the Volunteer Centerwill help match participants to a board that is in need of their particular skills, talents and interests.”

For more information about Bergen LEADS, or the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, visitwww.bergenvolunteers.org, or call 201-489-9454.