Our Approach
In a collaborative effort between Inclusive Leadership Cohort (ILC), a program of Multi-Cultural Bridge, and R3SET Agency, the Black Community Nonprofit Board Inclusion Idea Jam was conceived. Designed as a multi-station event, this approach aimed to foster engagement, encourage empathy, and generate actionable solutions. Through interactive activities, participants were guided to empathize, share experiences, envision an ideal future, and discuss transformative strategies.
The Problem: Bridging the Divide
Berkshire County’s nonprofit boards grappled with a lack of representation and inclusivity, particularly concerning the Black community. The narrative was one of tokenism, underrepresentation, and a perceived inability to affect meaningful change. These barriers persisted due to limited recruitment efforts, institutionalized racism, and a disconnected approach. The absence of a diverse and inclusive boardroom culture hindered the realization of positive community impacts.
The Solution: Crafting Empathy, Envisioning Change
The ID3A Jam addressed these challenges by fostering empathetic understanding, promoting dialogue, and designing inclusive solutions. At Station 1, Empathy Mapping guided participants to embody the experiences of their loved ones, uncovering deeply rooted sentiments about board service. Station 2 unveiled stories—both painful and uplifting—providing insight into the Black community’s journey with nonprofit boards. Station 3 encouraged participants to envision an ideal board culture that embraced diversity, equity, and inclusion. Finally, Station 4 focused on building pipelines for qualified Black individuals to serve on boards, closing the gap between community leaders and impactful board participation.
Blackshires Leadership Academy Accelerator
A beacon of change emerged from the ID3A Jam: the Blackshires Leadership Academy Accelerator. This visionary program serves as a community-owned and community-informed online and offline platform, dedicated to community development and leadership education. It stands guided by the values and interests of the community, fostering connections and encouraging collaboration between organizations and community stakeholders to address pressing community issues.
The Program Goal: Empowering the Next Generation
The central aim of the Blackshires Leadership Academy Accelerator is to cultivate a robust pipeline of community leaders, with a focus on people of color. By nurturing strong leadership skills among individuals from diverse backgrounds, the program seeks to foster the next generation of influential voices within municipalities, planning boards, and committees. This empowerment initiative aims to shift the narrative, promoting inclusivity and positioning communities for a brighter, more equitable future.
