Step into the boardroom feeling prepared, confident, and clear about your role.
This full-day workshop distills the most essential lessons from Pillar’s All About Boards (AAB) series into a fast-paced, engaging crash course for new and seasoned board members alike—delivered over one powerful Saturday at Innovation Works.
Across this focused, immersive day, participants will explore:
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Core governance principles (what a board is actually responsible for)
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Roles and responsibilities of the board, individual directors, and the ED/CEO
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The difference between governance and management (and how not to slide into staff work)
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Strategic thinking and how boards help organizations stay mission-focused
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What healthy board culture looks like—and how to contribute to it
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What it really takes to support a thriving nonprofit in practice, not just on paper
By the end of the day, participants will feel armed, ready, and genuinely confident stepping into their board role—effective from day one.
Who This Workshop Is For
This session is designed for:
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New or incoming board members who want a strong foundation
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Current directors seeking more clarity and confidence
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Board chairs and committee leads looking to strengthen their governance practice
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Executive Directors who want a shared language with their boards
Whether your board is community-led, working board, policy board, or somewhere in between, this workshop helps align expectations and build shared understanding.
What You’ll Learn
By participating in Boardroom Basics, you will:
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Understand the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of board members
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Gain clarity on where the board’s work ends and staff work begins
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Learn how to ask better questions and contribute more effectively in meetings
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Explore practical strategies that build trust, accountability, and equity
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Leave with tools and frameworks you can bring directly to your board table
This one-day session mirrors the spirit of the All About Boards series—just condensed for those who want the essentials in a single Saturday.
Note: This Boardroom Basics session does not include the Financial Fitness module.
Keep Learning: Financial Fitness Discount
Because this workshop does not cover the Financial Fitness portion of the AAB series (board financial literacy, reading financial statements, budgets, etc.), participants will receive a 25% discount when registering for the Fall Financial Fitness Session on November 4, 2026.
Continue your learning journey—and save while you’re at it.
What to Expect on the Day
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A full-day, live, in-person learning experience
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Held in the bright, inspiring spaces of Innovation Works
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A mix of presentations, real examples, group discussions, and practical scenarios
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Lots of opportunities to ask questions about your own board situations
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An approach that is accessible, candid, and grounded in real nonprofit experience
Ready to Strengthen Your Board?
Give your board (and yourself) the gift of clarity, confidence, and stronger governance.
Let’s turn good intentions into great governance.