Online Tool to Increase Diversity on Local Non-Profit Board of Directors
 
United Way of Greater New Bedford, the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts and Leadership SouthCoast are teaming up to address the need for increased participation and diversity on the Boards of Directors of local nonprofit organizations through a new online database tool.
 
United Way's on-line database, Board Connections, seeks to connect potential Board Members with volunteer board opportunities in Greater New Bedford.

“It’s easy to use and completely free of cost, both for the nonprofit and potential Board Member,” said Sarah Gonet, United Way’s Vice-President of Resource Development.  “Too often it’s the same faces around the table.  We want to change that and get more people involved.”
 
Survey responses from a number of local nonprofits reveal that many organizations find it challenging to recruit new Board Members.  In addition, there is a real lack of diversity in age, ethnicity, gender and area of expertise among many of our local area non-profit boards.

“Many people have expressed interest in serving on Boards, but do not know how to access these opportunities,” said Gail Fortes, Executive Director of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts.  “Boards of Directors need to be diverse in as many ways as possible.  Boards should reflect the population served by the non-profit and the community at-large.  Board Connections is a great way to make that happen.”

The Board Connections online tool allows non-profits to post information about board openings that community members can then search through and respond to.  Board Connections will also serve as a tool to help non-profit organizations reach out beyond their immediate circles to find potential new Board Members and build new community relationships.
 
Potential volunteers and nonprofits seeking Board Members should log onto this site to register their Board opportunity, as well as to view Board Member postings:  http://www.unitedwayofgnb.org/volunteer.htm
 
For more information and/or assistance with the website please contact Caroline Cuccia at 508-994-9625, ext. 15 or ccuccia@unitedwayofgnb.org.

YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts

The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts was founded in 1911.  The Mission of the YWCA speaks to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women.  The YWCA has undergone major changes nationally, regionally and locally, but it has continued “to create opportunities for women’s growth leadership and power” since its inception. 

The organization adopted its One Imperative in 1970, “to thrust our collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary” and continues to work to that goal internally and throughout its service area.  The Board of Directors and staff reflect the diversity of the area with a concentrated effort to have many locales served.

The YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts serves the region surrounding Greater New Bedford including communities south of Brockton, east to Provincetown and west to Attleboro.  The YWCA is one of 300 local associations of the YWCA USA, incorporated individually and operated autonomously by a Board of Directors elected by the general membership.

The programs and services of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts are identified in five areas.  They are Advocacy, Adult Services, Wellness for Women and Girls, the Women’s Collaborative Project and Youth Services.

Mission:

The YWCA is a women’s membership movement nourished by its roots in the Christian faith and sustained by the richness of many beliefs and values. 

Strengthened by diversity, the Association draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision:  Peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people.

The Association will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary.

Please visit us online at: http://www.ywca.org

View all articles by YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts