Boards and Commissions Fellowship
The Boards and Commissions Fellowship is an opportunity for individuals in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, South Sioux City, and Fremont (other communities welcome to apply) to learn how to effectively serve on a local board and commission. The goal of this fellowship is to diversify the pool of qualified candidates in the aforementioned communities and five them the tools to serve on local boards and commissions. Diverse means more than just ethnic background; we are looking for individuals of different ages, members of the LGTBQIA+ community, new citizens, BIPOC, individuals with disabilities, and individuals in various socio-economic status.
In addition, Conservation Nebraska expects that Fellows who finish this course continue to have the mission of Conservation Nebraska in mind when making decisions within their appointed position. The program will begin in January and run through August. Courses will cover a wide range of topics including finding the right position to fill, public speaking, and conservation efforts in Nebraska. Fellows will be paired with a mentor in their community who will possess experience serving on a board and/or commission whom they will meet with a couple of times a month.
Upon completion of the program, Fellows are expected to work with their mentors to find and fill open positions on a board or commission in their respective community. The end goal being that Fellows will better reflect the population of their community, be prepared to lead, and be more informed leaders who will make decisions that align with the mission of the program.
The fellowship will kick off in January with an activity in Omaha, followed by the first session in February. The rest of the course will be held at the UNO Civic Engagement Center with a virtual option.
Expectations during the program:
- Attend every session
- Apply to be on a Board or Commission
- Ask questions of peers, coaches or Conservation Nebraska staff to feel confident and competent in serving on a Board/Commission
- Work with your mentor to build relationships that will support you to be effective in public leadership roles
- Ask questions and be informed
- Support each other
Expectations between sessions:
- Complete homework
- Attend on Coaching session per month
- Communicate with other Fellows
If you have any further questions about this opportunity, please contact Rogelio at rrodriguez@necv.org.
