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Aspiring Leaders Cohort

2023 Leadership Cohort - Atlanta
2023 Leadership Cohort - Atlanta

NATA's thriving community and strong commitment to supporting its members to serve their congregations with excellence is made possible through the passion and dedication of volunteer leadership.

Our Aspiring Leaders program is designed to provide a solid foundation for success as future leaders of the association.

Goals

The goals of the Aspiring Leaders Program are to:

  • Engage and develop NATA members who are interested in exploring potential leadership opportunities within the organization.
  • Expand participants’ current level of NATA involvement.
  • Enhance strengths to ensure volunteers are equipped with the leadership skills relevant to our specific goals as a professional association.
  • Educate volunteers about NATA programs, operations, and governance.
  • Energize and build a diverse, motivated pipeline of future leaders.

Cohort Activities

  • Cohort applications are accepted in August each year and 4-6 candidates are selected to participate.
  • Cohort activities take place from September to the following June.
  • Activities include:
    • In-person meeting at the NATA annual conference in November or December.
    • Recognition as Aspiring Leaders at the NATA annual conference.
    • Attendance at the in-person Board of Directors retreat in February or March.
    • 3 virtual meetings to be held in September, April, and June.
    • Educational components at each meeting.

Educational Components

The purpose of the educational component of the Aspiring Leaders Program is to provide participants with information about volunteer and engagement opportunities, educate them about the inner workings of the organization, and explore the path to serving on the Board.

Aspiring Leaders will learn about:

  • Getting Involved - the variety of opportunities for volunteering
  • All About NATA - our mission, vision, programs and operations
  • Governance - best practices in nonprofit leadership
  • Path to Board Service - how to meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for service on the NATA Board of Directors

Eligibility

To be accepted into the Aspiring Leaders Program, you must:

  • Be a Regular NATA member in good standing.
  • Complete the online application.
  • Demonstrate a strong desire to be more involved in NATA as a volunteer / lay leader.
  • Attend at least 1 annual conference or Institute prior to applying for the program.
  • Be available to attend the annual in-person Board retreat in February (airfare and hotel paid for by NATA).
  • Commit to participate in 3 to 4 virtual cohort gatherings.
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