GETTING THE BOARD ON BOARD: DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION TRAINING FOR NONPROFIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Abstract

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a critical issue in nonprofit governance. This paper suggests how to create and implement an effective DEI training for nonprofit board members that is sophisticated, targeted, and customized to the board's strategic and fiduciary responsibilities. The methodology for the project was based on a review of scholarly literature of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion theory, both at the board and organizational level; adult learning theory; and instructional training design. The proposed DEI board training includes three modules (In-Person Activation, Asynchronous Online Education, and In-Person Engagement). The overall goal of the training is to introduce nonprofit board members to DEI principles and best practices and the reasons why DEI needs to be an intrinsic component of their fiduciary responsibilities. The training will engage board members in meaningful DEI-based conversations through which they will begin to understand how they can, and why they should, effect robust DEI practices and policies throughout their organization and incorporate DEI principles in carrying out their governance duties. The training is designed to be the initial stage in the greater DEI education of nonprofit boards. As a result of the training, nonprofit boards can become better positioned to help lead their organizations in ways that affirm the unique needs of all stakeholders.