Welcome to Our First Newsletter
- Joanne Conger
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
We are delighted to begin this new chapter as we work to build a qualified nonprofit educational program and open community.
At the Board Table was created with a simple belief: strong nonprofits begin with strong leadership. Whether you are a board member, executive director, founder, volunteer leader, or someone exploring the nonprofit sector for the fist time, we hope this newsletter becomes a valuable resource for learning, connection, and inspiration.
In each issue, we'll share upcoming trainings, practical leadership insights, facilitator spotlights, governance resources, and opportunities to strengthen the organizations that serve our communities.
Thank you for joining us at the beginning of this journey. We look forward to learning alongside you.
Meet Our Summer Instructor:
Shannon Farrar
One of the greatest strengths of At the Board Table is the experience and wisdom of the facilitators who guide our training programs. We are pleased to introduce Shannon Farrar.
Shannon Farrar brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, governance, and capacity building. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside nonprofit organizations to strengthen leadership teams, improve organizational effectiveness, and help mission-driven organizations navigate growth and change.
Known for her practical approach and engaging teaching style, Shannon helps nonprofit leaders connect big-picture strategy with day-to-day implementation. Her work emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and creating organizational cultures where both staff and board members can thrive.
Summer School: Get Started and Be Ready by September
Building Your New Nonprofit: What Every Founder Needs to Know
Starting a nonprofit is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. What if by September, you were ready to begin or kickstart your new nonprofit with clarity and vision? By November you’ll be ready for your end of year giving and January ready to start a brand new year with support and encouragement.
Our Building Your New Nonprofit course is designed for founders, emerging leaders, and community changemakers who want to move from a great idea to a sustainable organization.
Join us and explore:
Determining whether a nonprofit is the right structure for your mission
Building a strong foundation and clear purpose
Understanding boards and governance responsibilities
Incorporation and tax-exempt considerations
Early fundraising and resource development strategies
Creating systems that support long-term success
This practical course helps participants avoid common startup pitfalls while building the framework necessary for a healthy and effective nonprofit organization.
Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership
Strong organizations require strong leaders.
Our Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership course provides a practical overview of what it takes to lead within today's nonprofit environment. Designed for new executive directors, managers, board members, and aspiring nonprofit professionals, this course examines the unique challenges and opportunities of mission-driven leadership.
Topics include:
Understanding nonprofit culture and leadership roles
Leading staff, volunteers, and boards effectively
Strategic thinking and decision-making
Building trust and accountability
Communication and relationship management
Developing leadership confidence and effectiveness
Whether you are stepping into leadership for the first time or looking to strengthen your skills, this course offers practical tools you can begin using immediately.
Looking Ahead to Fall
More Than a Meeting: Essential Tools of Nonprofit Leadership
September 2026
Board meetings should be more than reports, motions, and routine approvals.
Our flagship More Than a Meeting board training explores how boards can transform meetings into meaningful opportunities for governance, strategic thinking, and mission-focused leadership.
Participants will learn practical techniques for increasing engagement, improving board culture, and making meetings more productive and impactful.
Introduction to Nonprofit Finances
October 2026
This introductory course will help participants understand nonprofit financial statements, budgeting, financial oversight responsibilities, and the key questions every board member should be asking.
No accounting background is required. The course is designed to build confidence and provide practical knowledge that participants can immediately apply within their organizations.
Join Us at the Board Table
The challenges facing nonprofits today are complex, but none of us have to navigate them alone. At the Board Table exists to help nonprofit leaders build stronger organizations, stronger boards, and stronger communities through education, connection, and shared learning.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming classes, training opportunities, resources, and special events. Each issue will be delivered directly to your inbox and archived on our website for easy access.
Newsletter subscribers also receive exclusive benefits, including early registration opportunities, special announcements, and discounts on select classes. Be sure to watch for our popular "Two for One" offers, designed to encourage board members and staff from the same organization to learn together and strengthen their leadership as a team.
Together, we can build leadership that makes a lasting difference.
If you have any questions, at all, please email us at hello@attheboardtable.com.
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