Sessions begin in November

Community Development Works is recruiting participants for the 2026-27 session of Cenla Boardbuilders, a program that prepares individuals for service on local nonprofit boards. The deadline to apply is October 30.

The free program provides emerging professionals in Central Louisiana with the training, networking and knowledge needed to become effective nonprofit board members. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of board governance while connecting with community leaders and local nonprofit organizations working to address meaningful causes.

The program runs from November through February and consists of a series of sessions about the roles and responsibilities of being an effective board member. A graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 26, 2027.

Participants choose between two learning tracks:

• Track I is for newly seated board members with limited service experience who are only seeking training. Interested nonprofit board members must be from a nonprofit with an actively engaged board with a working committee structure
• Track II is for individuals with no previous board service who are seeking training in preparation for nonprofit board service and help to connect with local nonprofits.

A virtual orientation is scheduled for Friday, November 6. The remaining sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays in The Rapides Foundation Building, 1101 Fourth Street, Alexandria. Session dates are November 20, December 4, January 8 and January 22.

The program also includes two networking events that give participants and nonprofit leaders a chance to connect. These networking opportunities allow participants to learn about different organizations that meet their interests, and it gives nonprofits the chance to recruit new, energetic board members.

Local employers are encouraged to sponsor their emerging professionals for participation in the program, allowing for a meaningful professional development opportunity for the employee and community development opportunity for the organization.

To learn more, visit www.communitydevelopmentworks.org/boardbuilders or call CDW at (318) 767-3022. Community Development Works is a program of The Rapides Foundation.