Testimonials

I highly recommend that non-profit organizations that want to develop modern governance best practices for their organization, participate in the Good Governance for Good Causes program. The investment of financial and people resources will be an asset for any organization.

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The program is designed with practical and hands on experiences throughout each module, so you get to practice what you are learning immediately. During the training modules that I took part in we had participants from four different organizations, allowing for a broader and diverse perspectives and I found that it worked well. The ten modules focused on needs and challenges organizations face on a daily basis, from building relationships not only internal but external, rolls and responsibilities, to managing big data and AI, to name a few. Of particular interest to myself was module four-“Diversity of Thought”, which in today’s environment plays a big role in changing the way organizations and people think, so that we can move from “white supremacy” to “not-racist” organizations. I was thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in the Good Governance for Good Causes program and looking forward to putting my new knowledge into practice.

Sherwin Knight, Governor

Northeastern Ontario Family and Children Services

A thought-provoking and reflective journey into strengthening and advancing one’s governance skills and outlook. The information and knowledge shared were comprehensive and rich with an interactive learning experience that challenged traditional mental models and fostered not only professional but personal growth.

Joel McCartney

Ex Director, Cochrane Temiskaming Resource Centre

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a pilot program for the Good Governance for Good Causes course offered by the Barnes Management Group. As part of a small group of leaders and board members for non-profit organizations, I found the course truly transformative.

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The course comprises ten modules that teach the principles and practices of good governance, emphasizing integrating heart, mind, and spirit into decision-making. This approach ensures that ethical behaviour, transparency, and accountability are always prioritized in our organization. The course was well-structured, and the instructors were knowledgeable and engaging. Through their guidance, I learned so much about the importance of good governance in organizations and how it can positively impact the organization and the community it serves. One of the best parts of the course was the opportunity to collaborate and learn from other organizations. Participating with other groups enhanced the learning experience and built on existing partnerships. I highly recommend the Good Governance for Good Causes course to anyone interested in improving their governance principles and practices. The knowledge gained from the course is invaluable and applicable to various organizations. Thanks to this course, I feel more confident and equipped to lead my organization with integrity and excellence.

Cléo Charlebois, Executive Director

North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services

The Good Governance for Good Causes 10 session program is grounded in the work of subject matter experts, research, and best and leading practices for not for profit governance and without question, supports the professional development of volunteer board directors.  The driving force of the program integrates the heart mind and spirit of the board volunteers in all their decision making, process development, fundamental work of their non for profit board and supports a deeper connection to the organizations mission, vision and values. 

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The facilitation by subject matter experts positions the content for the session in such a way that the learners have an expert to learn from, while the self-directed, dyad and group learnings advance the content of the session considerably and integrates the knowledge into the learners practice. 

With the pilot group we had, the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other not for profit board directors and their ED’s/CEO’S

was incredible. This combination of organization’s leaders and board directors from various sectors made the learning rich and robust for all participants. The perspectives shared allowed us all to think differently, bigger, collaboratively and more creatively. 

The one on one opportunities and the small group discussions were filled with learners openly and authentically sharing thoughts, comments, challenges and ideas based on their own governance experiences.  There never seemed to be enough time to finish the conversations in these groups as there was always so much to share and learn from each other. 

By the end of the program it would seem to me that all those who participated have been transformed into more competent, confident and knowledgeable volunteer directors. These folks will be the catalysts at their respective boards to encourage all board volunteers to enroll in the course. I believe that boards across all

not for profit sectors, who engage in this program will benefit significantly and the result will be high performing boards across the not for profit sectors in our province. 

Working with boards of directors to promote cross sectional learning and development will position organizations to do the same as we move forward in our communities with collaborations that make sense for all members of community. 

I am grateful to have been able to participate in this program. I sit on four not for profit boards and I look forward to implementing the learnings with each board and anticipate other volunteer directors to step up to take the course!!

Catherine Simunovic

The Good Governance For Good Causes Program was an amazing educational experience that greatly enhanced my governance, professional, and overall life knowledge.  I found the course to be very “leading edge” and “current’ and introduced some new concepts and research that I had not learned or heard about in previous executive and degree level education.

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By using a variety of instructors the program really capitalized on the expertise of each facilitator.  The instructors/facilitators were system experts in both knowledge and ability to educate and facilitate adult learners. The group work was well thought out and gave participants a chance to learn and work with individuals with varying personalities, professional backgrounds, ideologies etc. The program capitalized on the use of the material within the group work and often I found myself feeling as if I was working in a real life scenario rather than a class assigned scenario. I feel extremely lucky and fortunate to have had an opportunity to take this program. It has enhanced my work in governance, my professional career in health care, and expanded my thinking and outlook on many social issues that impact our lives on a day to day basis. What more can a person ask for? Nothing I say!!!

Gail Waghorn

Good Governance for Good Causes
© Barnes Management Group 2023

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