Daily News

OnBoard Encourages Nonprofits to Take Part in Networking Event

SPRINGFIELD — OnBoard, a Springfield-based nonprofit organization that matches qualified individuals and area boards of directors, is inviting local organizations and businesses to participate or become a sponsor in the “Get On Board!” event in October.

The event, to be held Thursday, Oct. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will connect local organizations with individuals looking to increase their community involvement.

OnBoard was founded in the mid-’90s by attorney Ellen Freyman of Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C. The group’s mission is to help organizations expand their governance diversity by enlisting women, people of color, and other under-represented populations to their boards of directors/trustees, committees, and advisory groups. OnBoard has been connecting qualified people in the Greater Springfield area with organizations seeking leadership that reflects the diversity of the region.

“Our goal with ‘Get On Board!’ is to facilitate an introduction of new talent and organizations around Greater Springfield,” said Freyman. “Diversifying your board of directors by recruiting members of under-represented populations can provide you with insight into different ways to engage with the community at large. Our goal is to create new relationships for both the individuals and the organizations who will benefit from each other’s resources and experience.”

The cost for organizations to register to participate in the event is $100 before Aug. 31 and $125 if submitted after Aug. 31.

As a nonprofit organization itself, OnBoard relies on the support of local businesses in order to hold ‘Get On Board.’ A number of funding options are available to local businesses who are interested in contributing to the event, including a $500 community-partner sponsorship and a $1,000 general-sponsorship opportunity.

“We encourage local nonprofits and businesses to help us make this a successful networking and recruiting event,” said Freyman. “We have a history of connecting qualified people in the Greater Springfield area with organizations seeking leadership that reflects our region’s diversity, but we wouldn’t be able to do so without our supporting sponsors.”

To register or become a business sponsor, visit www.diversityonboard.org.