Parallel Session Proceedings »
4.7.1 Leveraging Organizational Development in Support of Gifted Education
Nonprofit associations and groups are vital to the existence of gifted education because of the state-by-state variability in funding, programming and services for students, and professional development for educators and administrators. The organizational and leadership structure of advocacy groups can impact how effectively and efficiently they are able to carry out their mission to support gifted learners. Using best practices for nonprofit management, our organization recently has engaged in a process of self-evaluation to enhance our organizational efficiency and our ability to support gifted education in our state. In this session, we will share steps we have taken to insure that our organizational activities support our mission of recognizing, supporting, and respecting the unique and diverse needs of talented and gifted learners through advocacy, education, and networking. These steps include engaging in strategic planning, employing an executive director, reviewing roles and responsibilities of board members, revitalizing the structure and work of committees, creating committees (e.g., governance and finance) that support vital work of the organization, and creating a culture that values the contributions of passionate board members and advocates. Members and leaders from advocacy groups will take away suggestions for enhancing the group’s ability to work on behalf of gifted students.