Project Diversity provides minority professionals with training to expand their leadership capabilities

 

 

 

 

The mission of the United Way of Central Ohio (UWCO) is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. UWCO has always been in front of the most pressing issues facing our community.  Recognizing that the makeup of the community is changing, the organization has remained committed to identifying, understanding and developing solutions for the most critical issues related to common need.  The Community Vision of UWCO is a community in which everyone has the aspirations, opportunities and resources to realize their potential and achieve economic well being.

In 1989, the United Way of Central Ohio initiated Project Diversity to increase volunteer opportunities for people of color.  Today, the program continues to align with the organizational key principle of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion.   Currently, the program involves an intense eight-month training curriculum designed to prepare minorities for effective service on a not-for-profit board or leadership position. The intent is to give underrepresented populations a much-needed voice in community leadership particularly as the ethnic make-up and demographics of our community continue to change.  To be considered, applicants must submit a current resume and complete an application as well as demonstrate an interest in participating in community service.

The program consists of ten to twelve sessions that are two to four hours in length. The sessions are conducted during the business day.  Typical workshop sessions include: Organizational Planning, Leading through Conflict, Fundraising and Resource Development, Fiscal Management, Parliamentary Procedures and Public Relations.  Class or Cycle size is usually 16 to 18 individuals per year.  Each participant pays a tuition fee of $500.  Project applicants are selected by a group of volunteers representing the United Way of Central Ohio and corporate sponsors.

There are two outcomes for Project Diversity that represent short and long term objectives – 1) Increase the knowledge & skills of participants to effectively prepare them for service in a not for profit setting (short-term); and 2) increase the ethnic and racial diversity of local not-for-profit boards/committees through the placement of Project Diversity graduates into these environments (long-term).

For more information, contact Shayne Downton at shayne.downton@uwcentralohio.org.