activate Your board members to be ambassadors

The ability of board members to tell an organization’s story is essential for success, whether you’re launching a capital campaign. growing the annual fund, or managing a difficult situation.

Mimi Bliss has extensive experience as a communications coach, TV reporter, and board member for nonprofits, foundations, higher education, and independent schools. Her workshops provide a practical framework for board members to practice a simple way to talk about the organization and why they support the mission.

One or two-hour interactive workshops are customized to fit the needs of advisory boards, boards of trustees, nonprofit boards of directors, alumni boards, and conference attendees. Mimi focuses on actionable skills that board members can use immediately, including how to:

• Share your personal “why” in a concise manner

• speak in an authentic manner that’s appropriate for informal conversations

• Give concrete examples that show impact (not a list of services)

• Ask questions that engage others

• Respond to challenging questions when appropriate

• Make the asK, whether you’re connecting a potential donor to staff or asking for a gift

• Pause between thoughts for a natural delivery

Workshops include follow-up programs and videos that organizations can use to refresh and reinforce the skills with their boards over time. 

A significant benefit of the workshop is that board members learn more about each other and each person’s personal reasons for being involved.