Agencies Further Collaboration by Offering Free Trainings to Non-Profit Board Members

ALBANY, NY (12/10/2007)(readMedia)-- As part of a continuing effort to assist board members of non-profit organizations that are funded and regulated by New York State, the New York State Board Training Consortium’s (SBTC) Achieving Excellence in Governance Training Series has announced the first of several regional trainings to be held across the state.

Beginning in December, training sessions will focus on understanding legal, ethical and fiscal responsibilities, non-profit accounting basics, human resource issues and ethics. A total of 55 free trainings will be offered each year up to five years.

The SBTC includes the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH), the NYS Department of Health (DOH) AIDS Institute and Center for Community Health, and the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). These agencies are working together to support trainings that will improve non-profit board oversight and enhance the standard of care and the delivery of services to New Yorkers.

As a result of these trainings, the SBTC expects to empower board members of affiliated nonprofits with the information and tools necessary to carry out their very important legal and fiduciary responsibilities and obligations. All four agencies share in the cost and oversight of the training program.

Trainings are designed for both newly elected board members and for those with many years’ experience serving on boards. Board members are volunteers who are legally responsible for the operation of a non-profit entity. Executive Directors, Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers are also encouraged to attend when accompanied by a board member. Trainings are free and conducted through a contract with the Council of Community Services of New York State, a statewide membership organization dedicated to promoting good governance and fiscal responsibility in the non-profit sector.

OASAS Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo said, “These training courses are the result of exceptional collaboration among the four state agencies that comprise the SBTC. We recognize that by sharing resources and information we can better serve the people in our programs, many of whom also receive services from our partner agencies.”

OMH Commissioner Michael F. Hogan, Ph.D., said, “The New York State Board Training Consortium is an outstanding example of interagency collaboration that benefits everyone involved. Many people, including some with a mental illness, depend upon the information and services provided by nonprofit agencies. The comprehensive training of their volunteer boards of directors in their varied roles and responsibilities is extremely important.”

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., said, “Non-profit community agencies are the backbone of the state’s network of services to people in need. We hope the training will make their operations easier and expand their knowledge base.”

OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrión said, “We are excited about these innovative learning opportunities for board members, and encourage the non-profit organizations that work with OCFS and our sister state agencies to take advantage of them. Working together, we can achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families in New York State.”

For more information about upcoming SBTC training sessions or to register, visit www.ccsnys.org or call 1-800-515-5012 x126.

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