INTRODUCING
RISE ON BOARDS+
We're pilot testing a scaled-up model of our Rise on Boards program, so that even more young leaders can make their voices heard at the board table!
What is Rise on Boards+ (RB+)?
Since 2017, our Rise on Boards program has placed over 170 young women and gender-marginalized leaders across Canada at more than 100 board tables.
Our Rise on Boards program has been so impactful for participating young leaders, coaches, and boards alike that we continue to see an extremely high demand for this program. Every year, we receive far more (impressive) applications than we have the capacity to take on.
So, we asked ourselves how we could help even more young leaders to experience the learning, growth, and networking opportunities this program offers...
That’s where RB+ comes in!
In response to both the demand and the impact of our Rise on Boards program in decision-making rooms across Canada, we are launching a pilot of a scaled-up version of the program, called Rise on Boards+ (also known as RB+).
RB+ is allowing us to reach even more exceptional young changemakers by offering self-paced, virtual leadership and governance training, networking and mentorship opportunities, and access to a directory of non-profit boards interested in welcoming them to the decision-making table.
How is RB+ different
from Rise on Boards?
We want to make the renowned leadership training opportunities of our Rise on Boards program available to more young leaders! In doing so, we recognize that our community has different schedules and commitments (work, school, family, etc.), which means that not everyone can commit to the rigid, time-intensive commitment that Rise on Boards requires.
With the self-guided Rise on Boards+ model, we provide access to condensed training modules, workshops, and supplementary learning resources that participants can work through on their own schedules. Participants will also benefit from group coaching sessions that bring together diverse perspectives and enable peer support and networking opportunities.
Another big difference is that RB+ will equip the participants with the skills, tools, and resources to find non-profit board opportunities that align with their goals and interests. In this model, participants can confidently select, apply and make a meaningful impact on boards of their choice.
A comparison of RB+ and Rise on Boards:
Both programs:
Are designed for young women and gender-marginalized leaders
Are open to participants across Canada
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
RISE ON BOARDS+ YOUNG DIRECTORS (YDs)
If you...
Are between the ages of 18 to 29
Identify as a young woman or gender-marginalized youth
Reside in Canada for the duration of this program (October 2023 to January 2024)
And if you are...
Interested in driving social change through board governance
Looking to improve your leadership and governance skills
Excited about having access to professional development resources and a network of boards and likeminded peers
And interested in applying to and serving on a governance board
...then this program is for you!
*Please note: Past or current Young Directors are not eligible for this program. Additionally, if you participate in Rise on Boards+, you will not be eligible to participate in future cohorts of the Rise on Boards program.
RISE ON BOARDS+ BOARDS
Rise on Boards+ is creating a directory of non-profit boards committed to building a more equitable and inclusive board room by bringing young gender-marginalized voices to the decision-making table. If you would like to be included in our directory and receive board applications from trained leaders with a demonstrated commitment to leadership, governance, and community-building, please complete the application below.
If you are...
A non-profit board
Located in Canada (Open to cities across Canada. Virtual boards are welcome to apply)
Committed to advancing gender equity and inclusion at your board table
Committed to DEI principles and understanding of the barriers young women and gender-marginalized leaders face in fully participating on boards
And understanding of the immense benefits a young leader could add to your board
… then we encourage you to apply today!
Interested in participating? Contact Sania at sania.dogra@foranetwork.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Rise on Boards+ is designed to support participants on their journey to joining their first board of directors. Participants will acquire the essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective board membership by completing a number of virtual modules on the topics of board governance and leadership. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to access group coaching on a monthly basis to complement course content to further develop networking, communications, leadership, and community-building skills.
Upon successful completion of the curriculum, participants gain exclusive access to a directory comprising board opportunities with nonprofit organizations across Canada. This directory will enable participants to explore and apply for board positions that align with their interests and aspirations. The program offers flexibility in the application process, allowing participants to pursue opportunities both through the board directory and externally.
To help build inclusive boardrooms, Fora provides partnering boards with equity training and resources to support the inclusion of board members from diverse backgrounds and identities. Through this two-pronged approach, Rise on Boards+ seeks to promote equitable representation in governance and contribute to the advancement of inclusive and effective nonprofit sector leadership.
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As a participant, you will have the opportunity to…
Attend foundational courses on board governance, leadership, and confidence-building, to be completed at your own pace and into your own schedule
Learn from exceptional facilitators providing pre-recorded virtual training sessions and interactive exercises on the following topics: Board Basics & Governance, Financial Fundamentals, Fundraising 101, Mock Boardroom & Committee Training, Persuasive Communication for Leaders, Navigating Microaggressions & Tokenism, How to Join a Board, and more!
Receive instant feedback on quizzes and assessments to track your learning progress and immediately identify areas for improvement.
Participate in monthly group coaching sessions on topics that include: navigating microaggressions and tokenism, finding & applying for boards, resume development, interview preparation, negotiation skills, and more!
Join peer-led meetups in person, and industry meet-ups online
Access to a directory of governance boards to use as a starting point when selecting and applying to join a board of directors
Access an extensive library of materials, toolkits, and other resources related to board governance, leadership skills development, and safety on boards
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As a Group Coach, you will have the opportunity to:
Access to learning and support materials about equitable and inclusive coaching/mentoring Participate in equitable and inclusive ‘train the trainer’ courses
Support young women and gender-marginalized youth in developing their networking, communications, leadership, and community-building skills through group coaching
Develop coaching content and adapt approach based on the unique needs and goals of the participants, maximizing relevance and impact of the group discussion
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As a participating non-profit board, you will have the opportunity to:
Access to profiles of Rise on Boards+ participants who are actively looking to join a board
Access networking opportunities with Rise on Boards+ participants
Access to learning and support materials that cover important topics on building more equitable and inclusive board rooms
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Your participation in Rise on Boards+ will undoubtedly enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence to look and apply for a non-profit governance board position. While we cannot guarantee immediate board placement, it will open doors to promising leadership opportunities. As a participant of RB+, you will be expected to take the lead and actively work towards securing a governance position through independent efforts. To support this process, RB+ will equip you with access to necessary training and resources to strengthen your candidacy for board positions and connect you with a directory of organizations interested in recruiting candidates from the program.
