Instructors

Since it was established 28 years ago, the Board Development Program has recruited individuals with extensive experience in the not-for-profit community as board members or senior staff to deliver workshops across Alberta.

Instructors receive training on board governance issues, and workshop design and delivery. Instructor training is mandatory and completed through four events in a four month period. Travel and training costs are covered by the program.

Volunteer instructors work in pairs to customize and deliver 10 weekend workshops over the 2.5 years following training. The ten-hour workshops use materials that have been developed and updated regularly for 28 years.

The model that the BDP has developed is based on:

• Recruitment of highly skilled individuals with a positive approach to working with organizations.
• Provision of rigorous training (approximately 70 hours of intensive on-site training).
• Regular inservices that emphasize keeping abreast of the latest information and trends.
• Mentorship by program staff and other instructors.

There are approximately 55 volunteer instructors in the program who make a three year commitment to participate in extensive training and to facilitate 10 workshops.

Why volunteer?

• Volunteer instructors make a significant difference and impact within the nonprofit/voluntary sector.
• Volunteer instructors enjoy the challenge of working with diverse groups, and have the opportunity to work with experienced co-instructors.
• The BDP provides a unique volunteer experience that is well supported and models best practices of volunteer management.
• Volunteer instructors gain personal benefits through volunteering with the BDP:
• Learn and practice transferable facilitation skills.
• Travel around Alberta.
• Grow professionally and personally.
• Meet new people.

Who volunteers?

Board Development Program volunteer instructors typically possess:

• Extensive experience in the not-for-profit/voluntary sector as board member or as senior staff
• A working knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and functions of not-for-profit boards
• Experience and skill in teaching or training adults and facilitating small groups
• The ability to work effectively with other volunteer instructors and diverse organizations
• An awareness and understanding of diversity
• The time and energy needed to commit to training and delivering 10 workshops
• An interest in learning opportunities

Where volunteers work

• All over Alberta - small or large communities
• All travel and accommodation arrangements are made for volunteers and all expenses are paid by the BDP

Expected Time Commitments

Training

• 2011-2012 training dates
• Individuals who are invited to training are expected to attend all of the training sessions (no exceptions) which involve a single day of training in November, two weekend retreats (from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening) and a weekend of Peer Leading.

Preparation for a workshop

• Most new instructors set aside 3 hours of preparation time for every hour of actual workshop delivery

Workshops

• Typically held on Friday evenings and all day Saturday
• Majority of workshops are scheduled between Labour Day and the beginning of December and from mid-January to the end of June
• We ask our instructors to be available on average once every six weeks to conduct workshops

How To Apply

The Board Development Program recruits new instructors in the late summer of each year. If you would like to receive an application package or get more information about this rewarding and challenging volunteer role, please contact the BDP office at 780-427-2001 (outside Edmonton call: toll free 310-0000, then 780-427-2001) or BDP@gov.ab.ca.