Outstanding board leadership is a critical component of being a successful cooperative business. Great boards don’t just happen, they are built and honed. Governance training is critical to developing a productive and forward-thinking board and ensuring a positive relationship between the board and management.
Directors have many duties and responsibilities. Every director has a unique combination of skills, expertise, and blind spots to the board room. The stronger the individual directors are, the stronger the board will be as a whole.
This training is designed for new directors from all types and sectors of cooperatives.
Who should attend: Newly elected directors and directors who have not received formal cooperative board training.
2025 Training Offerings
101: Roles and Responsibilities of Directors – in person
Spring Date and Location TBD
This session will focus on what cooperative governance is (and isn’t) and how as a director you can best fulfill your responsibilities to the cooperative in this role. In addition to the big picture, we will discuss specific tools that can help make directors and the board more effective. Learning objectives include:
- Understanding of primary responsibilities and standards of conduct for cooperative directors
- Familiarity with core cooperative and board documents and how they help you fulfill your responsibilities
- How to use tools like a board calendar and committees to help the board be most effective
- Comfort with cooperative finance terms and clarity on financial information you should be receiving
- Practice thinking through cooperative governance scenarios
102: Finance Basics for Directors – Webinar
Spring Date and Location TBD
Monitoring the financial health of the organization is often the most intimidating responsibility assigned to co-op directors—but it doesn’t have to be! This session will provide an overview of cooperative finance.
Learning objectives include:
- Understanding the unique features of co-op finance
- Deeper understanding of the financial responsibilities of a cooperative director
- Reading and understanding financial statements and reports
- Questions boards should be asking about the co-op’s financial picture
This session will be recorded and shared with registered attendees.
103: Tools for Governance Success – in person
Spring Date and Location TBD
Learn tools for improving the way your board meets its responsibilities to the cooperative and membership.
Learning objectives include:
- Types of policy and how to develop them
- The purpose and process for conducting a General Manager/CEO evaluation
- The purpose and process for a board evaluation
- Understanding of tools that can be employed in the board room including agendas, meeting roles, Roberts Rules of Order, and executive session
- Understanding of facilitation and decision-making tools that contribute to productive board processes
Logistics
Registration
Registration will open in 2025
| Full Training Package
Includes registration for 101, 102, and 103 |
$250 | Registration to open in 2025 |
| Director Training 101
In person, October 8, 2024 |
$150
|
Registration to open in 2025 |
| Director Training 102
Online Webinar, October 30, 1-3 p.m. CT |
$25
|
Registration to open in 2025 |
| Director Training 103
In person, November 12, 2024 |
$150
|
Registration to open in 2025 |
| Director Training Full Package with Scholarship
Includes registration for 101, 102, and 103 Requires application |
$75
|
Applications to open in 2025
|
Scholarships
There is a limited number of scholarships available for cooperatives with demonstrated need for financial assistance, which may include:
- Board members or organizers from start-up cooperatives
- Board members from emerging cooperatives that are in the process of becoming operational and already incorporated as a cooperative
- Board members from established cooperatives that have limited financial capabilities.
While scholarship awards will be prioritized for those able attend all three training sessions in the series, we understand schedules may not allow attendance for every session. If you are unable to attend the entire series, please tell us which session(s) you plan to attend. Scholarship applications will open on July 15 and close September 17, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be notified by September 24, 2024. Please contact Abby Grott at agrott@wisc.edu for more information.
Payment methods
All tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. Eventbrite accepts all major credit cards. When registering, be sure that the zip code you enter matches the zip code associated with the credit card you use.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Refunds are available up to 7 days before event and must be made through Eventbrite. Please contact Abby Grott at agrott@wisc.edu if there are any issues.
Questions about Registration?
Please contact Abby Grott at agrott@wisc.edu.