Pride Leadership Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Pride Leadership program and who are the intended participants?
A. Pride Leadership is a program of the United Way of Central Ohio and is designed as an
8-month training program for Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgendered professionals designed to facilitate their placement onto volunteer boards and leadership roles on committees with the intent of giving the GLBT population a voice in community leadership. The profile of Pride Leadership participants will vary but as a benchmark the program will normally be completed by novice to mid – level professionals who have demonstrated leadership skills that can easily transfer to a non-profit board setting.
Q. Why Pride Leadership?
A. As an organization focused on community impact, the United Way of Central Ohio recognizes the need to have a broad spectrum of individuals represented in decision making capacities within our community. As the number of diverse populations served by not-for-profit organizations continues to increase, the need for representation from different groups in leadership and governance roles has become a factor in ensuring that decision making is inclusive and represents diverse perspectives.
In response to the changing dynamics of our community, the United Way of Central Ohio created the Cultural Competency Standards to help organizations serve an increasingly diverse Central Ohio community and work more effectively in cross cultural situations. Through Pride Leadership, individuals will have an opportunity to assist the United Way of Central Ohio and its’ affiliate agencies in adhering to cultural competency standards within our community.
Q. Who sponsors Pride Leadership?
A. The program is an initiative of the United Way of Central Ohio. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee, a board level committee of the United Way of Central Ohio currently oversees the program. The Committee consists of volunteers from corporations, donors, issue experts, organizations and community representatives.
Q. How much does Pride Leadership cost?
A. The cost of participation is $500 per participant. In some cases, the cost is covered by the participant’s employer. A limited number of scholarships are available if the employer is not able to make the investment.
Q. How are participants selected?
A. The application process is very competitive. Participants are chosen by a volunteer committee consisting of representatives from non-profit agencies, sponsors, GLBT community representatives and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the United Way of Central Ohio.
Q. How soon will participants be chosen and classes begin?
A. Selection and notification is expected to occur late- February. The cycle will kick-off with an orientation for participants and employer representatives in mid-March.
Q. How much time should I plan to commit to Pride Leadership?
A. Pride Leadership is a big investment in time and energy. Most sessions are at the end of the day to make it convenient for participants - 2:30pm to 4:30pm. Special events are held at other times. Details regarding exact dates of workshops and special events will be provided at the orientation in mid-March.
Q. Does Pride Leadership guarantee me a board or leadership committee assignment once I graduate?
A. No, although many of the agencies that will solicit Pride Leadership graduates are funded by the United Way of Central Ohio, there is no automatic placement for graduates. Participants are given the skills to be successful at navigating the search and interview process for selecting boards or committees on which to serve. Several networking opportunities are provided to connect participants to potential opportunities.
