Table Talk for Boards is a 12-session, drop-in style training series designed specifically for nonprofit board members. Each session focuses on a core governance priority and practice. These can be taken in any order, providing flexibility for busy board members and executive directors..

Here’s the revised version with an emphasis on the monthly tools, exercises, or practice sets:

January | Aspirational Review
Begin the year by revisiting your board’s purpose and potential. This session includes a guided visioning tool to reconnect to what inspired your service in the first place. Guiding Question: What future are we truly trying to build—and why does it matter?

February | Governance Review
Clarify roles, responsibilities, and rhythms using our Governance Roles Map to strengthen structure and shared leadership. Guiding Question: Are we governing in a way that truly reflects our mission and capacity?

March | Strategic Review
Step back with our Strategy Snapshot Worksheet to assess alignment and recalibrate for impact. Guiding Question: Is our current strategy positioning us for relevance and resilience?

April | Budget & Financial Review
Demystify the numbers using our Values-to-Budget Alignment Chart to explore how money reflects mission. Guiding Question: What does our budget say about what we really care about?

May | Recruitment Review
Use our Board Matrix and Inclusion Audit to reimagine who belongs at the table and what perspectives are missing. Guiding Question: Who is missing from our board—and what are we missing because of it?

June | Ethics / Compliance Review
Evaluate risk and integrity with our Risk Readiness Self-Check and Ethics Dilemma Cards. Guiding Question: Where are we most vulnerable to missteps—and how do we prevent them?

July | Funding Review
Explore board engagement in fundraising using our Funding Roles Spectrum and Donor Conversation Starter. Guiding Question: How are we showing up as resource builders for the mission?

August | Performance Review
Create a culture of feedback with our Board-Executive Reflection Tool and Peer Assessment Starter. Guiding Question: How do we know we’re doing a good job—and who gets to say?

September | Operations Review
Unpack policies, procedures, and board supports using our Operational Blind Spots Checklist. Guiding Question: Are our policies and processes empowering—or obstructing—our people?

October | Environmental Review / Strategy Retreat
Scan the horizon using our PESTLE Trend Tracker and Scenario Planning Cards. Guiding Question: What’s changing around us—and how must we evolve in response?

November | Programs Review
Assess mission impact through our Program Dashboard Template and Story Harvest Exercise. Guiding Question: Are our programs doing what we say they’re doing—and how do we know?

December | Staff Encouragement
Close the year with our Culture of Appreciation Toolkit to help boards show meaningful gratitude. Guiding Question: How do we cultivate a board that champions and uplifts our staff?

The topics covered in this series are evergreen board development themes that if attended to regularly, a board not only professionalizes its shared practice, but that team can be assured it acheives the social impact required by its missio

Summary

Table Talk for Boards is a specialized 12-session training series for nonprofit board members, offering a flexible drop-in style format for busy individuals. The program focuses on core governance practices crucial for nonprofit effectiveness and success, emphasizing practical application over theoretical discussions.

• Each session addresses evergreen board development themes.
• Sessions can be taken in any order.
• Topics are designed to empower board members to make better decisions and foster sustainable impact.

Examples of sessions include:

• Aspirational Review: Encourages reflection on the organization's mission and long-term goals.
• Governance Review: Ensures effective and ethical board operations.
• Budget Review: Equips members with financial analysis skills for informed decision-making.

The training series is grounded in *The Culturally Conscious Board* approach which encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in governance practices, promoting representative and inclusive decision-making.

Alongside essential governance practices, sessions like Strategy Retreat/Environmental Review, Programs Review, and Staff Encouragement offer opportunities for strategic planning, program evaluation, and fostering team dynamics.

Ultimately, Table Talk for Boards aims to:

• Empower board members with knowledge, skills, and confidence.
• Enable effective stewardship of nonprofit organizations.
• Drive positive change and impact in communities served.