The first step in the QBA is building a local pool of Board member prospects, and we do this in three ways:

—We work with each participating nonprofit to invite their respective networks of supporters to learn more about Board service at their organization.
—We conduct targeted outreach to recruit Board candidates with the skills most commonly desired by nonprofit Boards: accountants, attorneys, HR professionals, and more.
—We invite candidates to a Queer Boards 101 workshop where we demystify Board service, dispel misconceptions and encourage candidates to make the leap and declare interest in a Board.

The next step is hosting a QBA Match event. In one incredible evening, the QBA Match brings together everyone who was recruited and cultivated in step one to connect with phenomenal nonprofits serving queer and trans communities.
Participating nonprofits report making meaningful connections with an average of 7 prospective new Board members at Queer Board Match events.
Following the event, participating nonprofits interview and vet the applicants they connected with at the Board match. TurnOut can provide resources and best practices for Board vetting processes if requested.

One month after the QBA Match event (after participating nonprofits have had a chance to vet and confirm new Board members), TurnOut hosts a 6-week training for all newly minted Board members called QBA Optimize.
Offering a combination of in-depth lectures, workshops, case studies, and inspiring guest speakers, the Catalyst Training ensures new Board members are equipped for high-performance Board service on day one.
The curriculum covers all aspects of nonprofit Board service, including: fiduciary duties of Board members; standard policies and procedures; differentiating between staff responsibilities and Board responsibilities; recruitment strategies and fostering equity in Board participation; interpreting nonprofit financial documents; Board fundraising; and Board ethics.

Following the conclusion of the Optimize Training, all Board members at all participating nonprofits are given access to resources for ongoing support.
These include: 1) a shared Slack space where Board members at each participating organization can share information and resources and provide mutual support; 2) an extensive resources library containing articles, guides, and templates for Board members; and 3) access to an Ask-the-Expert email address where Board members can reach out to a professional nonprofit consultant for questions that come up in the course of their ongoing Board service.