Rise on Boards+ is designed to support participants on their journey to joining their first board of directors. Participants acquire the essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective board membership by completing a number of virtual modules on the topics of board governance and leadership.  

Upon successful completion of the curriculum, participants gain exclusive access to a directory comprising board opportunities with nonprofit organizations across Canada. This directory enables participants to explore and apply for board positions that align with their interests and aspirations. Please note that as Rise on Boards+ is a new program, the directory is limited with board opportunities, but is growing. The program offers flexibility in the application process, allowing participants to pursue opportunities both through the board directory and externally. 

To help build inclusive boardrooms, Fora provides the opportunity for partnering boards to engage in equity training and access resources to support the inclusion of board members from diverse backgrounds and identities. Through this two-pronged approach, Rise on Boards+ seeks to promote equitable representation in governance and contribute to the advancement of inclusive and effective nonprofit sector leadership. 

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to…

Participants of Rise on Boards+ will have the opportunity to enhance their board readiness, expand their network, and contribute to promoting equity in governance across the non-profit sector in Canada. The pilot program offers comprehensive training that will help participants develop the technical and leadership skills to make effective board directors, provides access to board opportunities through a directory of non-profit organizations, and professional group coaching to support goal setting and personal development. Rise on Boards+ will empower each participant to join their first non-profit board to promote equity and re-imagine decision-making in boardrooms across the country.  

As a Group Coach, you will have the opportunity to:

• Access learning and support materials about equitable and inclusive coaching/mentoring

• Participate in equitable and inclusive ‘train the trainer’ courses

• Support young women and gender-marginalized youth in developing their networking, communications, leadership, and community-building skills through group coaching

• Develop coaching content and adapt approach based on the unique needs and goals of the participants, maximizing relevance and impact of the group discussion

Research indicates the need for diverse voices in leadership and boardrooms to enable stronger and more innovative decision-making. By partnering with Rise on Boards+, your board will gain access to a diverse pool of board-ready candidates, and the opportunity to strengthen its effectiveness through inclusive decision-making. In addition, your board will receive free equity training and resources to help you build a welcoming environment for prospective board members and integrate equity, diversity and inclusion practices in your organization.

Your participation in Rise on Boards+ will undoubtedly enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence to look and apply for a non-profit governance board position. While we cannot guarantee immediate board placement, it will open doors to promising leadership opportunities. As a participant of RB+, you will be expected to take the lead and actively work towards securing a governance position through independent efforts. To support this process, RB+ will equip you with access to necessary training and resources to strengthen your candidacy for board positions and connect you with a directory of organizations interested in recruiting candidates from the program.