Are you part of a nonprofit looking for qualified board members? Are you a community member who has considered joining a nonprofit board? Now there is a unique tool that allows prospective board members to navigate and understand the value of board service through an interactive, online virtual conference: Nonprofit Board Basics Online 2.0 from CompassPoint Nonprofit Services. Nonprofit Board Basics Online aims to give prospective and new board members a solid understanding of the essentials of board service. The program also aims to educate a wide range of audiences, including those in the for-profit sector, general public and the nonprofit sector.

Funding for the project was provided by Silicon Valley Community Foundation as a result of CompassPoints’ success with a project for Cisco Systems. Cisco contracted CompassPoint in 2003 to develop a similar online course specifically for Cisco employees. Now in its 2.0 version, the upgraded program is free and easy to use and functions like an interactive conference. Users have the option to hear from a keynote speaker, receive a virtual "conference bag" of resources and attend various interactive sessions to learn about the role of board members. Throughout the conference, prospective board members can, "talk" with animated characters and watch short videos of others discussing their nonprofit board experiences. The program also offers users a short self assessment about board service preparedness.

Here are some ways nonprofits can benefit from this tool:

• Re-engage, create dialogue and motivate current board members to learn more about the organization.
• Recruit and retain new board members.
• Educate staff on board roles and requirements.

"There are so many nonprofits that could use great people on their boards," says Peter Hero, senior advisor at the community foundation. "The Nonprofit Board Basics program will help many organizations overcome the significant barriers associated with educating individuals about board service and will introduce many to new opportunities to give back to the community."

The community foundation is committed to inspiring greater civic participation and giving throughout our region. By partnering with CompassPoint Nonprofit Services and offering this tool free of charge, the community foundation not only assists the greater public but it helps promote board service among professionals. Take a tour of the program or get started right away at www.compasspoint.org/boardbasics.

For more information about the Nonprofit Board Basics Online tool, read the press release or contact Nelson Layag at nelsonl@compasspoint.org. CompassPoint Nonprofit Services is a consulting, research and training organization providing nonprofits with management tools, strategies and resources to lead change in their communities.