Board Brilliance: Reenvisioning Nonprofit Governance

Step into a transformative experience where board and staff members from all backgrounds come together to reimagine nonprofit governance for today's challenges. During our time together, we'll break down outdated structures and explore approaches that support resilience, shared decision making, and values-driven leadership. This isn’t just about better governance; it’s about reshaping the board’s role in community-centered, mission-aligned impact.

1. A New Vision for Governance: Confront traditional governance limitations and explore adaptive, inclusive models that deepen community impact and enhance board engagement.
2. Essential Board Fundamentals, Reimagined: Reinforce core board responsibilities with strategies for collaborative board-staff partnerships that align with the organization’s mission and values.
3. Real-World Strategies for Engagement & Inclusion: Discover actionable approaches to embedding diversity, equity, and belonging within board practices, fostering a culture of inclusion across your organization.
4. Collective Wisdom & Connection: Draw insights from NEW’s expert consultants and fellow nonprofit leaders. Enjoy a space for unstructured conversations over a catered lunch, creating connections that will support your leadership journey beyond the workshop.

Equip your board to lead with purpose, adaptability, and a community-centered vision. Join us for Board Brilliance and let’s redefine governance together!

Ideal for new and seasoned board members, nonprofit and community-based leaders, and those seeking a stronger grasp of nonprofit board effectiveness. This workshop draws on examples from grassroots to well-established organizations structured with both staff and board members. We will clarify the distinct responsibilities typically held by boards and staff, highlighting that boards govern while staff manage day-to-day operations. While some organizations may operate differently (such as boards running operations or unique governance models), this session primarily focuses on the nonprofit structure where board and staff collaborate to move the mission forward. If you’re committed to amplifying your organization’s purpose, elevating its mission, and fostering deeper board engagement, this workshop is for you.

Join us instead on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 9:00–11:00am ET for a virtual session on Zoom. Learn more and register here.

Friday, November 14, 2025 | 9:00am–12:00pm | In-person at the NEW Center

Friday, February 6, 2026 | 9:00am–12:00pm | In-person at the NEW Center

Strategy That Matters

Friday, April 17, 2026 | 9:00am–12:00pm | In-person at the NEW Center (Register ) Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 2:00–4:00pm | Virtual on Zoom (Register )

Also check out other Workshops in Ann Arbor.