Frequently Asked Questions
Avanzar Board Leadership Academy
Are you a Latino professional interested in making a difference in Orange County?
Have you considered supporting a local nonprofit organization with your talents? The Avanzar Board Leadership Academy may be for you!
Avanzar is a 3-month training program designed to provide foundational skills to Latino professionals who live or work in Orange County and are interested in nonprofit board service. The program introduces participants to the nonprofit ecosystem in Orange County and equips them with the skills to become an effective board member. The program has been created for Orange County community members who are interested in learning about nonprofit board service and are thinking about joining a nonprofit board.
What will you gain?
You have the opportunity to join the Avanzar Board Leadership Academy during which you will:
- Learn the foundational skills needed to succeed as a nonprofit board member
- Learn about various nonprofit organizations seeking to diversify and enhance representation of the community on their board.
- Have access to a network of committed colleagues and opportunities for growth
What is the Avanzar Board Training Program?
Avanzar is a 3-month training program designed to provide foundational skills to Latino professionals who live or work in Orange County and are interested in nonprofit board service. The program introduces participants to the nonprofit ecosystem in Orange County and equips them with the skills to become an effective board member.
Who is the program for?
The program has been created for Latino professionals who are interested in learning about nonprofit board service and are thinking about joining a nonprofit board. Applicants must live or be a working professional in Orange County, be interested in joining an Orange County nonprofit board within the next year, and be open to exploring a potential board match with a nonprofit in Orange County.
How much does it cost to participate in the program?
The program is free of charge, made possible through a grant from the Orange County Community Foundation. Participants are responsible for the cost of transportation to/from in-person events (all in Orange County).
What is the time commitment to participate in the program?
The program will host five bi-weekly virtual sessions through Zoom and five in-person sessions held in Orange County for a total of ten sessions. Sessions will be held on select Tuesdays from 5:30 – 8:00pm and on Saturdays from 9:30am – 12:30pm.
Program participants are required to attend the in-person Welcome & Orientation session. Participants may miss up to two sessions for the duration of the 3-month program with prior notice to the Avanzar team. See the following program schedule for specific dates and times.
| Session* | Format | Date | Time |
| Session 1: Welcome & Orientation | In-Person | Saturday, March 2, 2024 | 9:30am – 1:30pm |
| Session 2: Board Governance 101 | Virtual | Tuesday, March 5, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Session 3: Board Culture + Board Chair and ED | In-Person | Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 9:30am – 1:30pm |
| Session 4: Leadership Development | Virtual | Tuesday, March 26, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Session 5: Sustainability + Nonprofit Financials Pt. 1 | In-Person | Saturday, April 13, 2024 | 9:30am – 1:30pm |
| Session 6: Cultivating the Nonprofit Ecosystem | Virtual | Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Session 7: Nonprofit Financials Pt. 2 + Fundraising | In-Person | Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 9:30am – 1:30pm |
| Session 8: Personal Branding | Virtual | Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Session 9: Board Prospecting | Virtual | Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Session 10: Avanzar Celebration | In-Person | Saturday, June 1, 2024 | 9:30am – 1:30pm |
What knowledge and skills will I gain from the program?
During the sessions, subject-matter experts will present on various aspects of nonprofit board service, and participants will engage in small group activities and large group discussions around board service themes and topics. The learning goals for the program include: a history of the nonprofit sector, nonprofit board member roles and responsibilities, effective nonprofit board practices, and how to navigate being a BIPOC nonprofit board member. Topics discussed during each session are meant to deepen understanding of the basics of nonprofit board services, roles, responsibilities, trends, and best practices. You will also have access to an extended network with opportunities for continued collaboration.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact Mayra Chavez at mchavez@oc-cf.org or (949) 553-4202 ext. 237
Interested in learning more about the program?
Participants
Click the link below to express your interest in participating in a future program!
Nonprofits
Looking for Latino board members? Express your interest via the link below.
PROGRAM PARTNER
We are proud to partner with Adelante Partners Inc. in the development and management of this program.
Adelante Partners is a mission-driven company that provides consulting services to nonprofit organizations.
For more information about Adelante Partners, click here.
