I’m finding out that every experience is very attainable if you just ask. My supervisor Dave encouraged me to shape this fellowship to make it worthwhile. Attending a board of trustees meeting was at the top of my list and he made sure that happened. It could possibly have been my first and last board of trustees meeting that I was happy and engaged in the whole time.

What could I possibly be doing that’s so fun at our meeting? Well, the meeting was a bit dry but I wasn’t paying too much attention to the meeting’s content rather, I was intrigued by the dynamics of it. My specialized track at Ohio State is nonprofit management, meaning hours of case studies and best practices readings. During the whole meeting, I kept notes on the mannerisms of the group while mentally referencing my base knowledge of board and director relationships. It was absolutely incredible! You can tell our executive director, John,  is seasoned and comfortable with our board as well as how strategic and visionary he leads with the board. I could see this delicate dance happening as both parties work to understand and decide together what decisions would act in the best interest of the organization.

Sitting at a board meeting is substantially different than a staff meeting. I could pick up right away that my coworkers are very mission-driven. The board members are able to remove them self to look at the bigger picture and of funds, practically every other comment at the trustees meeting referred to CD4AP’s budget.

After the trustees meeting, I turned to the gentleman on my right and asked him to explain further about how the board operates. I was curious about generalities such as board annual contributions and expectations, committee organization, and recruitment. It felt really good to apply my basic foundation knowledge about nonprofits to a real situation.

Greatest #osusummer ever!

Amber