“Serving on a board is both a privilege and a responsibility,” says Eleanor Draper, Director of Finance at United Way Waterloo Region Communities. She is the first-ever graduate of the Modern Board program to score a 100% on the course.
Modern Board is a board governance micro-credential program offered by Capacity Canada in partnership with Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. The program equips you with the credentials and the knowledge to modernize your approach and successfully take on the challenges of serving on a non-profit board.
Eleanor, who is pleased to have had a chance to take the Modern Board course, wanted to gain more insight into board functions related to her current role with the United Way Waterloo Region Communities. “I support the board on the operational side of the financial oversight. I am also the finance representative of a different local non-profit board. I knew Modern Board would enhance my contribution to these organizations.”
The Modern Board program aims to provide the training and tools necessary to drive non-profit boards towards their goal of positive impact in their community. Students learn the essential tools and techniques to become successful contributing members of a non-profit board through video lectures, discussions, reflections, and case scenarios.
“The course material examines relevant topics that directly impact our experiences and relationships not only on the board but also outside of the boardroom and in the workplace. It provides the tools that are required to create a thriving future,” says Eleanor.
A great starting place for anyone who has not previously been part of a board, the program is a unique and credible two-course online training module. It offers in-depth insight on board functions. “Even with my experience, the courses opened my eyes to new perspectives. It’s changing how I communicate. I have already had the opportunity to put some of the learnings into practice, affecting change on a board level. More importantly, I feel equipped to introduce new ideas to my board to help our continued transformation,” adds Eleanor.
Eleanor credits course instructor Susan Radwan for her success along with the resources provided. “Capacity Canada tells me that I am the only participant to have scored 100% on the course. My experience, the varied resources provided, Susan Radwan’s feedback on assignments, and the flexible learning environment contributed to my success. There are useful resources presented for a more in-depth look at every aspect of the learning. The online format worked well for me because it allowed me the space and flexibility to explore the content that benefited me the most. The volume of material in a tight time-frame was challenging but well worth it.”
While Modern Board is an excellent course for anyone who wants to be part of a board, Eleanor highly recommends the course to anyone interested in understanding how they can help take their organization and their own performance to the next level.
Capacity Canada’s Modern Board program equips board directors with the credentials they need to demonstrate their abilities to stakeholders in a concrete way. The multiple courses in the program can be completed in your own time. Applications are currently open for Course 1 – Essential of Governing. To enroll in the course, please visit Capacity Canada’s website.
