Kansas State Research and Extension announced in a news release it will have a series of board leadership workshops across the state in February.
Designed to provide basic training for members of community-based boards, the series will be hosted by local Extension professionals at locations across the state.
“Informed and committed board members are the key to healthy, effective boards and committees in our Kansas communities. K-State Research and Extension’s Board Leadership Series will provide an opportunity for board members to learn the basics of being a good board member,” said Trudy Rice, Extension community development specialist. “Whether you are a member of a church board, a township board, a United Way agency board, or a rural water board, this training is appropriate for you.”
The series will kick-off on Feb. 19 with “Conducting Effective Meetings.” During this session, participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities as a board member, basics of parliamentary procedure and strategies to make meetings more productive and effective.
The Feb. 20 session will cover “Fundraising, Fund Management, Legalities and Ethics.” This session will explore a board’s options for raising and managing money, understanding such things as articles of incorporation, bylaws, and policies.
On Feb. 26, the topic will be “Understanding Fellow Board Members and Conflict Management.” Participants will explore how personalities and generational differences affect the decision-making process, and learn how to manage conflict in a way that is productive, not destructive, to the board.
“Strategic Planning” will be the final topic on Feb. 27. Participants will learn about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.
All sessions will be conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. Workshop participants will meet at host sites throughout the state to take part in web-based instruction and locally facilitated discussion. Sites include Junction City, St. John, Kingman, Emporia, Olathe, Hays, Salina, Lakin and Ellsworth. Ellis County will host their session at the Ellis County Extension Office, 601 Main, Hays.
Pre-registration for the event is required by Feb. 7. The cost is $40 for all four sessions per person. Each registration buys a seat which can be rotated by participants. For a group rate, contact the Ellis County Extension Office at (785) 628-9430. Registration includes refreshments and a Board Basics workbook. More information, including online registration is available at www.ksre.ksu.edu/boardseries.