United Horizons Board Training Program

The Program:

Have you thought about serving on a nonprofit board but are unsure where to start? Or maybe you have some board experience but want to broaden your skills with training from experts in board leadership?

United Horizons Board Training Program helps to prepare community members to serve on nonprofit boards. The program is available to Racine County residents and FREE to all participants.

United Horizons offers:

7 sessions for individuals looking to gain leadership and nonprofit board experience and knowledge.
An invitation to a matchmaking and connection event that brings together individual participants and nonprofit representatives, with a goal of matching each individual participant to a nonprofit board.

Who Can Apply?

Anyone who lives and/or works in Racine County can apply to join the FREE individual program.

Session Topics

Program Kick off and Orientation:

Opportunity to engage and network with fellow cohorts and representatives from local nonprofit boards
Current nonprofit board members will share their experiences and answer questions
An in-depth look at data for the city and county, allowing participants to understand the issues and the nonprofits in the community

Nonprofit Boards 101:

Participants will learn the basics and best practices of general nonprofit board mechanics, role and responsibilities

Fundraising and Finance 101:

Participants will gain a basic understanding of nonprofit financial management, fundraising, and compliance to prepare them for board service

Governance and Advocacy:

Participants will leave this session being able to effectively advocate for an organization, policy, or position within the nonprofit context

Being an Ethical Board Member:

Participants will learn how to identify their legal, ethical and fiduciary responsibilities as a member of a nonprofit board

Finding a Fit and Using Your Voice to Make an Impact:

Participants will complete and analyze the Clifton Strengths assessment

Reflect, Celebrate, and Move Forward:

Celebrate completion of the program
Receive headshots for networking
Explore board opportunities by looking into local nonprofits

United Horizons Connection Event:

Individual participants and organizational participants will meet and identify possible matches

Fall/Winter Sessions:

Applications are now open!

Monday, November 3: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Monday, November 10: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Monday, November 17: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Monday, November 24: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Monday, December 1: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Monday, December 8: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Monday, December 15: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Spring Sessions:

Opening February 2056

Tuesday, April 21: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 26: 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Apply Here

United Horizons Q&A

Here are some additional questions and answers you may have about United Horizons. If you have questions that are unanswered, please contact Special Projects Director Katie Tuttle via email at ktuttle@unitedwayracine.org.

Q: How much does this program cost?

A: United Horizons is presented with a grant from Serve Wisconsin and United Way of Racine and is free to all individual and organization participants.

Q: What can I tell my employer if I need to ask for time off for the training sessions?

A: We can help provide information about the program and the benefits to you and to your employer, as well as verify attendance at the sessions. Please indicate on the application form if you will need information to provide to your employer.

Q: How will I meet representatives of nonprofits after the training sessions?

A: The graduation and matchmaking session held after the completion of the program is designed to ensure representatives of nonprofits enrolled in the program meet the individuals in the program. The goal is to help both individuals and organizations find a good match for future members of nonprofit boards.

Q: Will there be follow-up to document the results of the program?

A: There is a 60-day tracking period following the conclusion of the training sessions. United Way of Racine County Special Projects Manager Katie Tuttle will follow up with individuals and organizations to track the number of matches made by individuals who completed the training program. Organizations will be asked to complete an organizational assessment to further understand the impact the training program has on the board.

Q: Can my organization help promote this training program?

A: Yes. We have a one-page flyer that can be printed and/or shared electronically.