Community Builders of Fayette County

The Fayette County Human Service Council is working to construct a stronger Fayette County by building up people and organizations. And they want you to join them.

Community Builders of Fayette County, a project of the Special Activities and Professional Development Committee of the HSC, provides learning and networking opportunities for people who want to help build a solid Fayette County.

Fayette County is constructed of individuals that work hard to strengthen our communities. Church groups, health and human service agencies, volunteer fire departments, parent associations, and other organizations form the foundation upon which the county is built. These are the types of local groups that Community Builders is looking to help.

In addition, we recognize that Fayette County is full of enthusiastic and talented people who would make great volunteer leaders and/or board members. Until now, the community did not have an organized way to get these people involved.

To correct this situation, the Human Service Council brought the Community Builders series to Fayette County. Based on a model developed in Greene County with educational support from the Penn State Cooperative Extension, Community Builders is a nine-month training program that covers various topics such as fundraising, managing the funds, communications, promotions, and using technology to gain support. People who complete the certificate series will be matched with opportunities to serve local organizations.

Community Builders’ informal training sessions will cover the following topics over a nine-month period:

• Introduction to non-profits in the community;
• Non-profit governing issues;
• Boards of directors and how they operate;
• Board management and recruitment strategies;
• Working with volunteers
• Team communication
• Organizational strategic planning;
• Creating goals and evaluation
• Public relations and promotion methods;
• Grant writing and funds management;
• Organization financial management;
• Budget development; and
• Using technology to support your organization

Community Builders of Fayette County was built up in order to: 1) cultivate the talent and dedication in Fayette County that supports our local organizations; 2) develop new leaders and ensure that skills and knowledge are passed on to the next generation; 3) equip volunteer and other small groups with the tools they need to flourish; and 4) support individuals in the community and spread community building tools throughout families, churches, organizations, and businesses.

Educational sessions will be led by local leaders and educators who have experience in the various areas listed above. These local professionals are donating their time and expertise to support this important effort. This is just another way Community Builders is keeping costs minimal and making the program relevant to the local area.

For people looking to join organizations, Community Builders provides great opportunities to meet and network with community leaders in an informal setting.

There is no fee to join the Certified Community Builders series. The program includes a binder, materials, graduation ceremony and certificate, and meals.

The Community Builders program begins on February 21st and subsequent sessions will be held the third Monday of each month. The Uniontown Holiday Inn located on Route 40 is hosting all sessions. Community Builders will meet from 5:30 to 8:30 PM and a light dinner will be served.

For more information about Community Builders of Fayette County or to obtain an application, please call Cheryl DeCarlo at 724-425-1818.