(Stark and Carroll Counties, OH) August 12, 2021 – Project Blueprint is a unique program for increasing ethnic diversity in volunteer leadership and begins a new session on Sept. 16, 2021. It is designed to prepare and train local, emerging, and current BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) volunteer leaders for policy-making roles to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit agencies. Limited seats are available, and applications will be accepted online at uwstark.org/project-blueprint until Sept. 2.
“With what I have learned through Project Blueprint, it is my goal to spread the word that it’s not just about filling those board positions, but also changing the mindset of people who need to be on those boards,” said Tiffany “TK” Kinnard-Peyton, recent graduate of Project Blueprint and Dean of Students at Walsh University. “Yes, this is attainable for you. Yes, you belong in those places. Yes, you have something to add. Yes, you are valuable to your community.”
United Way of Greater Stark County’s Project Blueprint is a 10-week course that will be conducted on Thursdays from 4:30 – 6:30 PM at United Way of Greater Stark County. Training will include session topics such as cultural sensitivity, public policy & advocacy, board governance, ethical & fiscal responsibilities, strategic planning, Roberts Rules & meeting management, and fundraising/resource development. Confirmed presenters include Ralph Lee, CHRO, Keenan Advantage; Mary Ellen Icaza, CEO, Stark County Library; Jeff Dafler, VP Economic Development & Public Policy, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce; Bob Fay, Owner/CEO, Robert F. Fay, CPA, PFS, CGMA; and Melvin Gravely, CEO, The Gravely Group.
The program benefits include opportunities to sharpen leadership skills of employees; create highly motivated and challenged employees who are prepared to go above and beyond their job responsibilities; demonstrate corporate and community involvement; investment in employee development; showcase organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion; and networking among companies in the community.
Previous graduates of the program can be found at uwstark.org/project-blueprint.
The program cost is $200 per attendee and workplaces are encouraged to sponsor an employee. Attendees will be chosen by the project’s Advisory Committee, which is comprised of local community leaders and volunteers who have guided this program since its inception.
Any questions on this program can be directed to Flo Gianni, Director of Project Blueprint, 330-491-9984, [email protected]
About United Way of Greater Stark County
For nearly 100 years, United Way of Greater Stark County has served Stark and Carroll Counties. During that time, we have continued to build a better, equitable community where every person has the potential for a healthier life, a better education and more financial stability. We look to the future through our investment priorities, which ensure our community will have the foundation it needs to thrive: Access to Health, Childhood Success, Youth Success, Economic Mobility and Basic Housing Needs. With the support of volunteers, community partners and donors, we invest donor dollars efficiently and effectively into local community programs serving the most critical needs. Learn more at uwstark.org .