Board leadership series planned

K-State Research and Extension is conducting a series of Board Leadership workshops across the state in April.

Designed to provide basic training for members of community-based boards, the series will be hosted by local extension professionals at locations across the state.

"Informed and committed board members are the key to healthy, effective boards and committees in our Kansas communities. K-State Research and Extension's Board Leadership Series will provide an opportunity for board members to learn the basics of being a good board member," said Trudy Rice, extension community development specialist. "Whether you are a member of a church board, a township board, a United Way agency board, or a rural water board, this training is appropriate for you."

The series will kick-off on April 2 with "Conducting Effective Meetings." During this session, participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities as a board member, basics of parliamentary procedure and strategies to make meetings more productive and effective.

On April 9, the topic will be "Understanding Fellow Board Members and Conflict Management." Participants will explore how personalities and generational differences affect the decision-making process and learn how to manage conflict in a way that is productive, not destructive, to the board.

The April 16 session will cover "Fundraising, Fund Management, Legalities and Ethics." This session will explore a board's options for raising and managing money, understanding such things as articles of incorporation, bylaws and policies.

"Strategic Planning" will be the final topic on April 23. Participants will learn about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.

All sessions will be conducted from 6-8 p.m. Workshop participants will meet at host sites throughout the state to take part in web-based instruction and locally facilitated discussion. In Southeast Kansas, the Southeast Area Extension Office in Chanute will be utilized for the sessions, and Carla Nemecek, director of the Southwind Extension District, will serve as facilitator.

Pre-registration for the event is required by March 26. Cost is $25 for all four sessions, which includes refreshments and a Board Basics workbook. More information, including on-line registration, is available at www.ksre.ksu.edu/boardseries.

Editor's Note: Carla Nemecek is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Southwind Extension District -- Iola Office, Allen County. She may be reached at the Iola office by calling (620) 365-2242.