Project Blueprint: Training future leaders

Have you heard about Project Blueprint? It’s a program through the Heart of West Michigan United Way promoting diversity and inclusion on Boards and committees at local nonprofit organizations.
 

Project Blueprint seeks identified ethnic minority candidates with strong leadership qualities who want to be more involved on the boards of West Michigan charities. Candidates may be nominated by individuals, organizations or self-nominated.
 

“Project Blueprint strives to create the future leaders in civic and community development and engagement for Grand Rapids,” says program administrator Charles Archie, Jr.
 

The program has shown success over the last 30 years with its graduates. And, the classes are as diverse as the students in program: fundraising, group dynamics, team modeling, communications, board fiduciary responsibilities and networking. Additionally, they tackle real-world problems with current nonprofit leaders for experiential training.
 

“In my short time in its administration, I can say that it is… diverse leaders interacting and sharing ideas [that] leads to better understanding each other,” explains Archie. He continues, “We hope to transcend better working relationships, and ultimately create synergy for more viable solutions.”
 

Want to do good with Project Blueprint? Here’s how:
 

• Learn more about the Project Blueprint program at the Heart of West Michigan United Way 

• Apply to be a program candidate 

• View a sample class schedule 
 

Source: Charles Archie Jr., Heart of West Michigan United Way

Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor