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Board Development Program

This program helps non-profit organizations improve the governance of their board through training, consultation and resources.

Services and information

Overview

The Board Development Program (BDP) focuses on improving the governance of non-profit organizations through:

  • curriculum-based training for individuals and groups on topics like board roles and responsibilities, policy development and effective use of committees
  • volunteer instructor opportunities
  • consultation and presentation services

Workshops

The BDP offers multi-board training in the form of Introduction to Board Governance Workshops.

These workshops are for individual board volunteers and non-profit staff from any non-profit organization as well as anyone generally interested in governance. They allow you to share proven successful ideas from other boards that have gone through similar situations. An Introduction to Board Governance Workshop is sponsored by any organization on behalf of the larger community anywhere in Alberta.

Co-sponsoring a workshop

If you are interested in co-sponsoring an Introduction to Board Governance Workshop with the Board Development Program, please email communitydevelopment@gov.ab.ca for more information.

Attending a workshop

If you are interested in attending an Introduction to Board Governance Workshop, please check our current schedule below for a list of upcoming workshops, their dates and locations. If you are interested in registering for one of the workshops, please get in touch with the contact that is listed for that workshop so that they can provide you with the registration details.

Introduction to Board Governance Workshop schedule

Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Peace River, Alberta
Host: Town of Peace River
Get information on the workshop and how to register here.

Saturday, October 19, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Cold Lake, Alberta
Host: City of Cold Lake Family and Community Support Services
Get information on the workshop and how to register here (PDF, 4 MB).

Saturday, October 19, 2019, and Sunday, October 20, 2019, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm both days
Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Host: Sylvan Lake and District Victim Services Association
To register contact Deborah at deborah.wiens@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or 403-858-7206.

Saturday, October 26, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Pincher Creek, Alberta
Host: Pincher Creek Community Adult Learning Program
Register by emailing pinchercreekalc@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 26, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Grande Prairie, Alberta
Host: County of Grande Prairie
Get information on the workshop and how to register here.

Friday, November 1, 2019, 6:30 to 9 pm and Saturday, November 2, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Evansburg, Alberta
Host: Yellowhead County
To register, please call 780-325-3782.

Saturday, November 2, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Barrhead, Alberta
Host: Blue Heron Support Services Association
Get information on the workshop here.
Register by emailing tara.tiggelaar@bhssa.ca.

Saturday, November 16, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Slave Lake, Alberta
Host: Slave Lake Ukrainian Cultural Society
Get information on the workshop here (PDF, 126 KB).
Register by emailing Karen at kbabiy2@hotmail.com.

Friday, November 22, 2019, 6 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday, November 23, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Calgary, Alberta
Host: Pride Calgary Planning Committee
Register by emailing dgerman@calgarypride.ca.

Friday, November 22, 2019, 6 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday, November 23, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Fort McMurray, Alberta
Host: Fusesocial Wood Buffalo Society
Registration opening soon.

Saturday, November 30, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
St. Albert, Alberta
Host: St. Albert Community Information and Volunteer Centre
Get information on the workshop and how to register here.

Saturday, November 30, 2019, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Lethbridge, Alberta
Host: Volunteer Lethbridge
Get information on the workshop and how to register here.

If you can’t make any of these workshops and are still interested in board governance training check out the upcoming Board Leadership events.

Resources

The Board Development Program has many resources to help non-profits develop their governance boards.

Information Bulletins

Information Bulletins are professionally produced by the board development program staff and various expert consultants. Bulletins cover topics relevant to non-profit board members or senior staff seeking to improve skills and gain knowledge in governance. Information provided in each bulletin, including contact names and numbers, are reviewed regularly for accuracy and relevance.

Workbooks

The Board Development Program and the Muttart Foundation  produced a series of workbooks to help non-profits with challenges they may face. Workbooks are reviewed frequently and the latest edited versions including the Index feature are posted.

Developing Job Descriptions for Board Members of Non-profit Organizations (PDF, 302 KB)

  • How to write effective job descriptions and clarify roles and responsibilities.

Drafting and Revising Bylaws (PDF, 598 KB)

  • How to understand organizational bylaws, translate legalese into plain language and incorporate a non-profit in Alberta.

Board Building: Recruiting and Developing Effective Board Members for Nonprofit Organizations (PDF, 712 KB)

  • How to recruit skilled volunteers and leaders, and keep them committed.

Hiring and Performance Appraisal of the Executive Director (PDF, 602 KB)

  • A guide for board directors who are in the process of hiring a new Executive Director and/or providing a performance appraisal.

Financial Responsibilities of Non-profit Boards (PDF, 686 KB)

  • A guide to financial responsibilities, budgets, bookkeeping and financial statements.

Contact

To access services from the Board Development Program, please email communitydevelopment@gov.ab.ca.