Project Blueprint

Project Blueprint

Project Blueprint - Preparing TODAY, Leading Tomorrow

Project Blueprint is a blueprint for diversity in board leadership. 

It's a reality that non-profit boards lack diversity.  Less than 23% of U.S. non-profit board members are people of color. United Way Project Blueprint works to change that reality for Midland.

  • United Way Project Blueprint Goal: Build and train tomorrow's non profit board leadership, ensuring that Midland's non-profit sector reflects the rich diversity of our community. 
  • Strategy: To broaden Midland's non-profit board diversity through Leadership Skills, Teambuilding, Board Connection, Mentoring, expanded opportunities for professional growth and community involvement, and connect Project Blueprint graduates with a non-profit board for committee opportunities.

What is United Way Project Blueprint?

This unique program is a professional development course targeting future community leaders. The program prepares diverse groups of individuals for volunteer service in the non-profit sector.

Class topics include: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Non-Profit 101,  Strategic Planning, Board Governance and Fiduciary Responsibilities, Resource Development, Financial Management, Event Set-up & Etiquette, and Transparency for Nonprofit Boards.

Through this program, participants will:

  • Develop and sharpen volunteer leadership skills
  • Be paired with a mentor/community leader to guide them through the program and connect and network with community leaders and agencies
  • Learn about board governance and procedures
  • Gain a deeper awareness of challenges in our community
  • Discover opportunities for board or committee placement

To be a Blueprint Scholar, one should:

  • Demonstrate community involvement
  • Display leadership ability
  • Represent Midland's diverse communities 

To be a Blueprint Mentor, one should:

  • Be involved in the community
  • Currently or previously have served on a local, state, or national board
  • Be willing to:
    • Work with a Blueprint Scholar(s) by providing guidance, advice, and feedback
    • Serve as the Blueprint Scholar(s) role model, counselor, advisor, sponsor, and advocate 
    • Help the Blueprint Scholar(s) achieve their goals to become a better version of themselves

Click here for Mentor and Scholar expectations.

Apply:

Applications for the 2023/2024 cohort are now open through August 31st, 2023.

  • Project Blueprint Mentor Application: Click here.
  • Project Blueprint Scholar Application: Click here.

Additional Information:

Scheduling: The group meets regularly on the 2nd Thursday of the month, September - May (excluding December) for Leadership training and mentor sessions, starting with a Kick-off Retreat in September and culminating in graduation in May. 

Project Blueprint 2023/24 Curriculum and Schedule (Note: Dates / Times may change)

  • Blueprint Scholar and Mentor Applications Open: August 4, 2023
  • Blueprint Scholar and Mentor Applications Close: August 31, 2023
  • Project Blueprint 2023/24 Class Announced: September 8, 2023
  • Project Blueprint Kick-Off Retreat (Non-Profit 101& Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)): September 23, 20233 (9 am – 1:30 pm) 
  • Training Sessions:
    • October 12, 2023 (6 – 8 pm)  -  Strategic Planning & More
    • November 9, 2023 (6 – 8 pm)  -  Governance & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards 
    • January 11, 2024 (6 – 8 pm)  -  Board’s Role in Resource Development 
    • February 8, 2024 (6 – 8 pm)  -  Financial Management and Transparency for Nonprofit Boards 
    • March 7, 2024 (6 – 8 pm)  -  Set-up & Etiquette Training (Optional)  
    • April 11, 2024 (11:30 am – 1:30 pm)  -  Board Fair / Nonprofit Networking (Mandatory) 
    • May 9, 2024 (5:30 pm – 7:30 pm)  -  Project Blueprint Graduation 

Cost: The fee for Project Blueprint is $25 (one-time payment).  This amount includes all materials, learning sessions, and mentoring sessions for the program.  We ask that each participant contribute a nominal fee on or before the day of the Kick-off Retreat.  (We accept cash, or you can give an online donation at www.uwmidland.org).  Note: The fee is liable to change in 202.

Questions: Email hhaynie@uwmidland.org or call 432-685-7710 for more information.