PROJECT BLUEPRINT
Improving diversity in volunteer leadership on Boards and committees
Applications are accepted year-round. A limited number of participants are selected for each workshop through an application process.
The September 2022 workshop has been cancelled due to limited participation. Those interested in participating should apply and details regarding a Spring 2023 workshop will be announced soon.
Any questions, contact LaFlovia "Flo" Ginanni at [email protected] or 330-491-9984.
“Project Blueprint is such a blessing. Every meeting, I walk away with valuable information and I am extremely excited to put what I’m learning into good use. Thank you United Way and Flo for allowing me the opportunity to be part of quality change.”
- Courtney Chester, 2020 Project Blueprint graduate
Nonprofit boards and committees should reflect the rich diversity of our community.
In 2019, United Way of Greater Stark County launched Project Blueprint, a unique program designed to recruit, train and connect diverse volunteer leaders to policy-making roles and enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit agencies.
This 10-week course provides training for passionate, interested and engaged members of the community to serve on nonprofit & public-sector boards and committees. Training requires continuous learning, and a participant’s willingness to explore the unfamiliar, and an openness to new experiences.
The goal is to give historically underrepresented people of color - African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans, and other racial minorities - a greater opportunity to serve the community. It ensures that local volunteer leadership on boards and committees is representative of Stark and Carroll Counties, and that diverse perspectives become a greater voice in our community.
Program benefits
Through this program, participants will:
- Develop and sharpen volunteer leadership skills
- Learn about board governance and procedures
- Gain a deeper awareness of challenges in our community
- Connect and network with community leaders and agencies
- Discover opportunities for board placement
Class Topics and Program Schedule


- Meet & Greet
- Cultural Sensitivity & DEI on Board
- Public Policy & Advocacy
- Board Government
- Ethical & Fiscal Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning
- Roberts Rules & Meeting Management
- Fundraising/Resource Development.
- Networking Event/Graduation
Meet our graduates
Get to know our leadership program members - view the complete graduate profile here.
Project Blueprint Sponsor


Apply to project blueprint
Project Blueprint applications can be submitted year-round. They will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee prior to the start of each session. All applicants will be notified before the sessions begins. Cost for the total season is $200, due a week before the session starts.
All applicants are encouraged to seek employer sponsorship, either in part or in full. A limited number of partial scholarships are available based on need. Scholarship requests are considered independently from the applications.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Director of Project Blueprint, LaFlovia "Flo" Gianni at 330-491-9984 or [email protected]