Junior League Of Billings Inc

Programs: The theme adopted for the year was based on a "servant leadership" quote by nelson henderson, "the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit. " the long-term benefit of the league extends far beyond the years of each member in the league, and we challenged ourselves to "plant seeds" in the community and within our membership this year. Ajli continues to lead the way in challenging leagues to enhance branding and to stay relevant in the world of today. Several initiatives stem from this objective. Regarding technology and expanding our brand, the league rolled out several enhancements during the year. Allison murphine and an ad-hoc committee finished the upgrade to a new, fully functional website in august. The phenomenal site has full integration and single sign-on with ajli and includes such facets as a blog, board biographies, online payment of dues or t-shirt purchases, and an option to donate. It was determined by the board that marketing and social media require an intentional focus. To that point, the board recommended adding the role of communications chair to the board of directors. Approved by the general membership, the communications chair was added to the slate of officers in the bylaws and will be a voting member of the board in the 2017-2018 league year. In the interim, jennifer massey took on the additional role to manage the facebook page and assist with administration of the website with allison. A more detailed definition of the communication chair's role, any needed budget, external marketing, procedures, etc. Are action items for the upcoming board as the chair is fully integrated. This professional imaging and marketing will continue to assist in expanding our message to external markets, which was an action item from the previous year's survey assessment. A refocus on our mission was another initiative. Women's leadership development is a critical piece of the league. The board voted to use training funds to fund bringing trainer and consultant vicki clark to billings. In january, this goal was realized and is viewed as one of the league highlights of the year. Vicki presented a luncheon seminar "11 commandments of wildly successful women". It was well attended by active members, sustainers, and women in the community. The january gmm presentation was "investment in the individual member and her leadership journey. " representatives from the junior league of great falls also attended. Vicki additionally provided league breakout sessions on rethinking fund development, wisdom of teams and sharing the message and facilitated a "board check-in" with the board of directors. The board also sought to take more ownership to identify, review and formalize processes and procedures. Cash handling policies for marketplace magic and the laundry days were formalized and approved by the board. Additional strategic objectives will benefit with attention going into 2017-2018. These include information retention and security, employee description and responsibilities, etc. Another challenge to the league was to review fund development events and evaluate alternative fund development tools. The board made a decision to forgo an event-based fundraiser in the spring in order to purse a community/ mission-based direct solicitation fund development strategy. A flyer/ summary letter was developed. The intent is to secure the ability to present to local businesses that share interest in the league's mission and seek to allow the league to leverage their funds through league volunteers. No meetings have yet taken place, which remains an opportunity to develop. During the budget process, a spring fundraiser line item was added, as was an item to contribute to the league's reserves in 2017-2018. There is a goal to develop a league infographic. Development of a formal metrics tracking system with councils is still an area needing improvement and has been communicated to the incoming board of directors. In summary this year, we hosted 8 free laundry days, 13 community impact events (partnering with over 10 local agencies), raised $32,818, welcomed 8 new members and one transfer, and sent 3 delegates to national conferences. The league was also honored with the founder's award by tumbleweed, which was celebrating 40 years in service to billings. The junior league of billings continues to provide a vital opportunity for women - developing leaders who will continue to lead the civic community for years to come!

regarding nonprofit board leadership development, pam sanderson provided the incoming board initial training on board roles and responsibilities after the turnover board meeting in may 2016, and then the board subsequently convened for an offsite board retreat in june. Topics covered included establishing a consensus for board expectations and a board work plan, elevator speeches, running an effective meeting, and how to read a financial statement. In the spring, payne west provided board training on the importance of non-profit insurance plans and the difference between the general liability and director's and officer's insurance. The strategic and annual plan, established last year, is underused and provides additional opportunity for the upcoming board of directors.