Running a nonprofit organization in a rural region is very different from what our colleagues do in metro regions. Nonprofits in rural areas do not need a give-get-or-get off approach to boards similar to a metro region, but need a more engaged board who can also support fundraising and management. How do you go about building a successful board that can be a partner with you as the executive? How can you find board members who will be active members as well as support your mission? We will find answers to these questions as well as why rural nonprofits need to find a different board member than what other nonprofits need in larger metro regions.
The Bite-Sized Learning events are designed by MCN’s Greater Minnesota team to keep us connected across the state. While the topics are chosen to meet the needs of Greater Minnesota, all are welcome here! Each event will have a short presentation along with plenty of time for networking and discussion on the designated topic. Bring your questions and expertise on the topic! With our cameras and microphones on, we can stay connected, learn, and support one another.
Event Details
The event will be hosted on Zoom. You will need a computer and a phone as a back-up audio method.
Register for the event on Zoom.
Speaker Information
James Smalley is currently an assistant professor of social work at Southwest Minnesota State University. Before SMSU, Smalley taught social work at Minnesota State University Mankato. James previously was the executive director of New Horizons Crisis Center in Marshall and the Minnesota West Foundation (Minnesota West Community and Technical College). He has almost twenty years of working in the nonprofit sector in Southwest Minnesota from front line staff duties to program management duties. Smalley has social work degrees from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul) and the University of Minnesota, and his Ph.D. in Human Services from Capella University. His Master’s Degree and Ph.D. includes an emphasis in nonprofit management. James is also a licensed social worker in Minnesota. He lives in Marshall with his wife and three children.