Ready to Lead

2 cohorts annually | in-person | free

Ready to Lead seeks to support and engage historically under-represented people who wish to serve on nonprofit/government boards, committees, task forces, commissions, and other work groups. We seek to increase both the diversity of skilled people ready to serve and the inclusiveness of organizations who deliver services in the community.

Next Session: Fall 2026

Dates: Sep 23, Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 4

Time: 4:30 – 7:30 pm on each date

Where: In-Person at Rochester Area Foundation

Apply for the cohort

Bri, Spring 2023 Cohort

“Ready to Lead strengthened my confidence as a community leader by equipping me with practical knowledge and empowering me to step into the unfamiliar territory of serving on a board of directors. Since completing the training, I’ve expanded my community involvement by serving on several local committees and boards, particularly those centered on mental health and social justice. Ready to Lead reinforced that I not only deserve a seat at the table, but that I can make a meaningful impact because of the tools and insights I gained. I recommend Ready to Lead to others because organizations benefit from highly effective board members, and it’s vital that diverse voices have opportunities to participate in leadership spaces where they have too often been excluded.”

Grace, Fall 2018 Cohort

“I participated in the program when I was just starting to serve on a Board of Directors. It gave me a great foundation of knowledge as I was also “learning on the job.” Without coming in with some foundational knowledge, I don’t think I would have continued to serve in Board member roles because I would have felt a little lost from only learning through experience. I’d encourage people who are joining or are on a Board to use this free resource as a way to strengthen your governing ability. I would recommend nonprofit staff to participate to better understand organizational management and governance.”

Zeni, Spring 2023 Cohort

“I would highly recommend the Ready to Lead program because, unlike traditional lecture-based training, it offers hands-on practice and real-time examples. The expectations are realistic and doable, and the program provides clear instructions and practical guidance. After completing the training, I was able to serve on other community-based boards and participate in public meetings. This helped me better understand governance processes and confidently provide feedback as an engaged community member. I appreciate the connection I gained at the cohort, the long term relationship I built with my mentor, and I encourage others to take advantage of it.”

Halley, Spring 2025 Cohort

“I would recommend the Ready to Lead program to others that are considering getting out there to have a larger impact. That could be within a non-profit, it might be an HOA, or maybe it is a smaller club board. The tools that you will learn and gain from attending the Ready to Lead program will be valuable whether you have had previous experience years ago or you are just jumping in for the first time.”

Tiffany, Fall 2019 Cohort

“Ready to Lead elevated the way I serve on the board. I now structure agendas around clear decisions, use dashboards to anchor discussions in data, and facilitate equitable participation so every voice is heard. The governance and finance modules strengthened my oversight, while the storytelling and stewardship practice made me a more effective fundraiser. I left with practical tools — consent agendas, decision logs, and board metrics — that I use at every meeting to keep us mission focused and accountable.”

Mirna, Spring 2024 Cohort

“What made Ready to Lead especially impactful was the combination of practical knowledge and real-life experiences shared by other participants. Hearing diverse perspectives made the learning relatable and empowering, and helped normalize questions or concerns about board service. I would highly recommend the Ready to Lead program to others who are interested in community leadership. It provides a strong foundation, builds confidence, and equips participants with the insight needed to serve thoughtfully and effectively.”

Ready to Start Your Leadership Journey?

You’ve wanted to represent your neighborhood on the association board, serve on a school committee, be part of a nonprofit board or city/county commission but just didn’t feel like you knew how things worked—and didn’t want to embarrass yourself.

Ready to Lead brings together a small group of people to teach the basics of how to participate in and lead meetings, what to expect and how to contribute in a meaningful way, and the roles and responsibilities of board/committee volunteers. You’ll graduate feeling confident with your new skills; have a community mentor, and an expanded network of friends.

If you are ready to take the next step towards community leadership through board participation, we urge you to apply for this free program today. Ready to Lead provides a unique opportunity to build a foundation for engaged board membership as well as direct connections to leadership opportunities.

The cohort will be limited to 12 people.

Session 1 - Board Member Roles and Responsibilities

Objective: Participants will learn the various roles and responsibilities of serving on a board.

Topics include legal and fiduciary responsibilities of serving on a board; relationship of board members to organization staff; policy formation; and the importance of strategic planning.

Session 2 - Governance Structures & Financial Statements

Objective: Participants will understand what is “board governance” and how it relates to both board member roles and operational staff.

Topics covered include legal and ethical responsibilities of a board, an overview of board governance (principles, practices, and models), roles of committees, and considerations for accepting board assignments.

Objective: Participants will understand the basics of financial statements and how to review them as a board member.

This session provides an overview of basic financial reports, insights on how to read them, and key points of consideration from a board member perspective.

Session 3 - Robert's Rules of Order

Objective: Participants will learn and demonstrate the basics of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Topics covered include the Basic Rules and Principles of Parliamentary Procedure, basic types of motions, and debating and discussing motions. 

Session 4 - Board Member Panel & Speed Networking

Objective: Participants will graduate from the Ready to Lead program with knowledge, skills, and connections that position them well for leadership opportunities.

The final session provides participants with the opportunity to ask questions to a panel of experienced board members, connect one-on-one with community leaders, and reflect on the skills they have gained throughout the program.