Project Blueprint
Sponsored by

'We are part of our communities and our communities are part of us.'

We chose the name "Community" because of our commitment to those who live and work in the communities that surround us. The Community's Bank actively invests to build the pillars of healthy and prosperous communities: good schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, successful businesses and economic vitality. These goals cannot be accomplished unless our volunteer-driven service organizations are well represented by our communities'
most responsive and responsible leaders.
This is why The Community's Bank
is the exclusive and proud sponsor of United Way's
Project Blueprint.

- Peter F. Hurst, Jr.-
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT PROJECT BLUEPRINT

United Way of America launched Project Blueprint in 1987. The program now serves approximately 40 communities. United Way of Eastern Fairfield County’s first class of volunteer leaders graduated in 1995. To date, Project Blueprint has graduated 165 individuals, many of whom are now serving on boards throughout our community.

A Project Blueprint Advisory Council, comprised of local community leaders and volunteers, has policy-making and oversight responsibility.

VISION: Project Blueprint’s vision is that the governance structure of non-profit boards in Eastern Fairfield County be reflective of our diverse community.

MISSION: Project Blueprint’s mission is to increase the involvement of historically underrepresented groups, such as Caribbean/African-Americans, Hispanics, Native-Americans
and Asian/Pacific Islanders, in volunteer and policy-making positions in the non-profit sector of Eastern Fairfield County.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Project Blueprint identifies, recruits, trains and places individuals from historically underrepresented groups on the boards of non-profit organizations in the Greater Bridgeport area. The Project is a collaborative effort among several partners to help non-profit agencies become more inclusive and reflective of the diverse populations they serve. Individuals attend a variety of workshops developed especially for Project Blueprint and participate in community projects designed to enhance knowledge of organizations and to build leadership skills.

CURRICULUM

The Project Blueprint Curriculum includes an array of topics related to:

• Board Meeting Management and Parliamentary Procedures
• The Inclusive Leader: Managing and Valuing Diversity
• “Boardsmanship” - Becoming an Effective Board Member
• Teamwork - Team Building and Team Playing
• Strategic Visioning and Planning
• Financial Management
• Resource Generation and Financial Development
• Ethics: A Meaningful Conversation About Things
  That Matter
  
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

Project Blueprint seeks diverse candidates who have:

• Strong leadership qualities but who do not yet serve on a board;
• A proven track record of community involvement;
• Adesire to serve and strengthen the Greater Bridgeport community;
• The willingness to participate in a rigorous three-month training program;
• A commitment to serve on a non-profit Board of Directors for a minimum of one year upon graduation.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Candidates should be nominated by either an individual or an organization; individuals may also self-nominate.

TUITION

A tuition fee of $500 to cover program expenses, is due upon acceptance into the program.

CONTACT

For further information, contact James A. Crispino, Ph.D., Senior Vice President at 334-5106 ext. 319 or email:
Jcrispino@thewaytocare.org

2005 - 2006 PROJECT BLUEPRINT
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Carolyn Vermont, Program Chair
Urban Family Development

Cheri Amado
Sikorsky Aircraft

Octavio G. Choy, M.D., Honorary Member
Advanced Radiology Consultants

Anna Cruz
Housatonic Community College

Edna Farace-Wilson, Ed.D.
Fairfield University

Stephen Jakab
Bridgeport Hospital Foundation

Felipe Reinoso, Honorary Member
The Bridge Academy

Frances Sharp
City of Bridgeport

Sandra A. Worrell
University of Connecticut

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Click HERE to view Project Blueprint reunion.
Click HERE to view Project Blueprint Class 2005 Graduation.

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