K-State Research and Extension is conducting a series of community board leadership workshops designed to provide basic training for members of community-based boards across the state on Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2018.

Workshop participants will meet at host sites throughout the state to take part in web-based instruction and locally facilitated discussion. The Frontier Extension District will host a site at its district office at 411 S. Oak St., Garnett, Kan.

“Informed and committed board members are the key to healthy, effective boards and committees in our Kansas communities,” said Trudy Rice, Extension community development specialist. “K-State Research and Extension’s board leadership series will provide an opportunity for board members to learn the basics of being a good board member. Whether you are a member of a church board, a township board, a United Way agency board, or a rural water board, this training is appropriate for you.”

All sessions will be conducted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The series will kick off on Feb. 6, with training on conducting effective meetings. During this session, participants will learn about their roles and responsibilities as a board member, basics of parliamentary procedure, and strategies to make meetings more productive and effective.

On Feb. 13, the topic will be fundraising, fund management, legalities and ethics. This session will explore a board’s options for raising and managing money, understanding such things as articles of incorporation, bylaws, and policies.

The Feb. 20 session will cover understanding fellow board members and conflict management. Participants will explore how personalities and generational differences affect the decision-making process, and learn how to manage conflict in a way that is productive, not destructive, to the board.

Strategic planning will be the final topic on Feb. 27. Participants will learn about establishing a common mission and vision for the board, and how to plan priorities for the future.

Registration for the training is required by Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018. A $40 registration buys a seat for all four sessions. Individuals may choose to attend on their own or boards may buy a seat and send a different board member to each session. Boards sending multiple members may negotiate a group rate. Registration should include: name, phone number, email address, and board represented. Registrations may be sent to Fran Richmond, PO Box 400, Lyndon, KS 66451. For more information, contact Richmond at 785-828-4438. Registration fees may be sent with registration or can be paid at the door. Registration includes a light meal, four educational sessions, and materials.