Program available
The Fayette County Human Service Council is seeking volunteers for its mission of building a stronger Fayette County by supporting people and organizations. The council is again making available the Community Builders of Fayette County program, which provides learning and networking opportunities for people who want to make a difference in their community. This year marks the second time Community Builders has been made available in Fayette.
Based on a model developed in Greene County with educational support from the Penn State Cooperative Extension, Community Builders is a nine-month training program that prepares participants for leadership roles in non-profits. People who complete the certificate series will be matched with opportunities to serve local organizations.
The Community Builders program begins Feb. 21, and subsequent sessions will be held the third Monday of each month, all at the Uniontown Holiday Inn, located on Route 40. Community Builders will meet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and a light dinner will be served.
Church groups, health and human service agencies, volunteer fire departments, parent associations and other organizations are the types of local groups that Community Builders is looking to help. The program also serves as a way to get people involved as volunteer leaders and board members. Community Builders’ informal training sessions will cover the following topics: introduction to non-profits in the community; non-profit governing issues; boards of directors and how they operate; board management and recruitment strategies; working with volunteers; team communication; organizational strategic planning; creating goals and evaluation; public relations and promotion methods; grant writing and funds management; organization financial management; budget development; and using technology to support an organization
Local leaders and educators who have experience in these topic areas will lead educational sessions.
For people looking to join organizations, Community Builders provides opportunities to meet community leaders in an informal setting. There is no fee to join the Certified Community Builders series. The program includes a binder, materials, graduation ceremony and certificate, and meals.
For more information or to obtain an application, call 724-438-0111 and ask for Lucinda Robbins, or visit the Web site at http://fayette.extension.psu.edu/Community/CEDev.html. Program applications are due by Feb. 4.