Building Better Boards: Takeaways from SVEP’s Bennington and Brattleboro Board Development Workshops
BDCC’s Southern Vermont Economy Project (SVEP) recently led a series of board development workshops in Bennington and Brattleboro. Through our work to equip local leaders (such as our Get on Board program) and as organizations come to us for help with grant writing resources and project support, we saw a real need for developing the capacity of nonprofit boards. These board development workshops, designed to equip local organizations with the tools and strategies they need to build and maintain effective boards, were met with enthusiasm and engagement from participants.
Over the course of the two-session workshops, participants delved into a range of topics essential to board development. Discussions covered common board challenges, best practices for effective governance, and strategies for fostering a positive and productive board culture. Participants also had the opportunity to share their own experiences and learn from each other’s successes.
“It was great to hear from other non profits in the area and realize they are struggling with the same things we are,” one participant commented. Many others affirmed that simply connecting with other local board members was empowering, and said repeatedly how encouraging it was to know that organizations of all types often have similar challenges.
The organizations represented at the workshops ranged from small village trusts to food, arts, and social service nonprofits of all sizes.
At the beginning of of the workshop, the SVEP team and participants touched on some areas where nonprofit boards commonly struggle (Here is a comprehensive list from Creating the Future). The focus then quickly shifted to focusing on times they have experienced success on their current or past board, leaning into what strengths their current board has. Participants discussed these examples in pairs and with the group to build an understanding of what it looks like when a board is at its best.
In the second session, each participant chose a strategy (either on their own or based on some suggested strategies to consider) to help their board work towards being its best. Many boards had multiple representatives who worked as a group to formulate a plan for their board; others worked in small groups with members of other boards to refine their plans. The exercise asked participants to make sure their plan fit the definition of a SMART goal, and also to consider what partnerships and resources they’d need to be successful.
One of the key takeaways from the workshops was the need for clear systems of communication, delegation, and follow-through, as well as the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where all voices are heard. Participants also discussed strategies to ensure that all board members understand their role in contributing to the overall mission.
Overall, the Bennington and Brattleboro board development workshops were a resounding
success. Participants gained valuable insights, forged new connections, and left feeling empowered to make a positive impact on their organizations. Board members expressed appreciation for the “positive attitude” fostered and how “lively” the workshop was. Several participants wished the workshop series had been longer!
We’re excited to see the ripple effect of these workshops as participants put their newfound knowledge into action and build stronger, more effective boards.
Be sure to sign up for BDCC’s newsletter to stay informed of future workshops – and reach out to SVEP program manager Meg Staloff (mstaloff@brattleborodevelopment.com) if your board is looking for technical assistance or facilitation services for a particular topic.
About the Southern Vermont Economy Project (SVEP)
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s Southern Vermont Economy Project provides training and technical assistance to increase local capacity, skills, and resources in the Southern VT Economic Development Zone (encompassing Bennington and Windham counties, and the town of Weston) in order to advance local projects critical to Southern Vermont achieving critical community, economic, and workforce development goals. SVEP is funded in part through the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative. For more information please visit: https://brattleborodevelopment.com/svep/
About Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) is a private, nonprofit economic development organization with the mission of investing in the drivers of the regional economy so that people, businesses, and communities in Southern Vermont can thrive. BDCC serves as the State of Vermont’s certified Regional Development Corporation (RDC) for the greater Windham County area (including Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, Winhall and Weston). BDCC is one of 12 RDCs throughout Vermont. BDCC activity is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont through the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. For more information visit: https://brattleborodevelopment.com/
