CANTON, Ohio — University of Mount Union employees Carla Sarratt, director of libraries, and Darnell Tucker ’15, communication and event manager, recently graduated from the Project Blueprint program as part of the United Way of Greater Stark County.

A total of 14 Stark County professionals participated in the second class of Project Blueprint, which is described as, “a 9-week course is designed to increase the involvement of underrepresented groups on local nonprofit and public-sector boards, committees and leadership roles. 

According to a release from the United Way, this past session’s format was weekly, 90-minute online classes that consisted of a series of training sessions and activities that introduced participants to the roles and responsibilities of a nonprofit board, while developing skills which help them become successful board and committee members. Hands-on training includes session topics such as economics, boardsmanship, Roberts Rules, financial management, strategic planning and agency spotlights.

“It’s so important to bring who you are and your experience in the community to the table,” said Tucker. “This program taught our group how important it is to have an emotional connection to the organization you serve, and how meaningful it is to invest your time, effort, energy and finance into our community.”

The next session of Project Blueprint begins September 16. Learn more at uwstark.org.