The Future of Boardrooms: Greater Diversity, Higher Impact: Applications are now open for Cohort 4!
Application closes on 2nd July 23
ISDM got seeded as an idea in early 2016 when its founders came together with a common vision to launch a first-of-its-kind educational institution that would develop and groom the next generation of professional leaders and managers for the development sector. ISDM envisions building Development Management as a stand-alone domain and an aspirational choice for professionals in the development sector.
Dasra meaning ‘enlightened giving’ in Sanskrit, is a pioneering strategic philanthropic organization that aims to transform India where a billion thrive with dignity and equity. Since its inception in 1999, Dasra has accelerated social change by driving collaborative action through powerful partnerships among a trust-based network of stakeholders (corporates, foundations, families, nonprofits, social businesses, government and media). Over the years, Dasra has deepened social impact in focused fields that include adolescents, urban sanitation and governance and has built social capital by leading a strategic philanthropy movement in the country.
Are you ready to take your passion for social impact to new heights? Our 3-month program is back and better than ever, providing you with a transformative experience that empowers you to make a real difference.
As a member of Cohort 4, you’ll gain invaluable insights, expand your network, and amplify your leadership skills to drive meaningful change on Social Purpose Organisation boards and beyond.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a diverse community of changemakers.
Apply now and join us in building a future where women’s voices are heard at every level of decision-making.
The 5th goal of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Why Women
One of the specific targets for SDGs’ 5th goal is to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. While there has already been a significant growth of women at senior levels in the corporate sector, there is still a lack of women in leadership and advisory roles in social impact organisations.
Why Boards
Given the SDGs’ focus on leadership, it makes sense to first focus on boardrooms, as they are in the position to set the direction of organisations. Being a board member or advisor to an organisation enables individuals to contribute to the social impact sector whilst leveraging their network, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Additionally, the individuals also implement these learnings in their current roles.
Why this Program
While expanding leadership potential for non-profit organisations, the program looks to provide participants with the necessary perspectives, tools, means of engagement and networking opportunities with social impact organisations that align with their skill sets.
Program Objectives
Build a thorough understanding of the social sector
Develop an understanding of self in the context of the social sector
Deep-dive into Board roles and responsibilities
Explore structures and processes that improve Board governance
Volunteering engagement in-between modules to empower the learning journey with field based experience as board readiness is being built
Master classes (virtual) between modules on various aspects of Board and organisation engagement to enrich the knowledge base
Who is it for?
Women who have:
- A minimum of 15 years of experience in any professional sector, such as corporate, academic or entrepreneurship, among others.
- A desire to learn about, serve and influence social impact organisations.
- An aspiration towards serving in a Board role.
- Served in leadership positions and/ or led organisations, built businesses/ teams, possess deep expertise in a particular field.
What’s in it for you?
- Exposure to the needs and challenges of the sector to help you find the areas where you can add most value
- Advisory Board positions in the sector that align with your profile and interests
- Mentorship and support during the first year to enable a smooth transition into the board role
- Organisational preparedness sessions with Founders/ CEOs of social impact organisations to ensure their readiness to induct you as a new board member
- Sector immersion through the intensive curriculum developed by social impact organisation governance expert, Aarti Madhusudan, and delivered by experienced sector leaders, practitioners and academia
Learning Journey
This is a blended program (a mix of virtual + in-person) that comprises three modules. At the end of the program, participants will be matched with social impact organisations that can leverage the specific skills and expertise that they bring to the table. The participants will be provided with mentorship support during their onboarding phase.
Each module offers:
Cross-functional curriculum focusing on perspectives, tools and means of engagement on social impact organisation boards
Peer learning and experience-based exercises in the form of case studies, discussions, group work, activities and role play
Interaction with sector leaders and experts
Reflection and self-work
Through the modules you will explore the social impact sector and good governance in the context of social impact organisations as described below:
Module 1
Understanding of the Social Sector and Self in that Context
This module provides a strong understanding of the sector, its challenges, founders’ journey and strategic imperatives for the organisational leadership. Participants will also be able to reflect on their own motivations and aspirations that will enable them to be more conscious of their alignment to specific domains within the social impact space and how their experience and expertise could be well-suited to those.
Module 2
Board Roles and Effectiveness
This module will outline the role of a Board and the responsibilities associated with it both at the Board and the individual member level. It will also provide insights into the various types of Board role engagements aligned to the life stage of organisations.
Module 3
Governance Mechanisms and Best Practices
The module will cover aspects like a rotation policy, the work of Board positions and committees, conflict/ duality of interest policies and Board development.
Hands on volunteering between modules at nonprofits in your location for 10 hours. The engagement will involve interactions with clients and recipients of the efforts of the nonprofit. The aim is to empower the learning journey with field based experience as board readiness is being built.
Masterclasses (virtual) between modules on various aspects of Board and organisation engagement on topics like leveraging networks, using technology for change, the role of a good Chair etc.
Program Schedule
| Curriculum | Mode | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1: Understanding of the Social Sector and Self in that Context | Virtual | 25th – 26th August 2023 |
| Volunteering | TBD | |
| Module 2: Board Roles and Effectiveness | ISDM campus | 29th – 30th September 2023 |
| Masterclasses | TBD | |
| Module 3: Governance Mechanisms and Best Practices | Mumbai | 27th – 29th October 2023 |
Program Fees: INR 70,000 + GST
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Women on Boards program?
The primary goal of the Women on Boards program is to provide a platform that enables the transfer of learnings, thoughts and ideas, between the corporate and social impact sectors, while enabling higher diversity on nonprofit boards—diversity both in terms of women’s participation and diversity of experience and expertise.
How would the program deliver the aforementioned sessions and attributes?
The program will aim to ensure active learning across sessions, via:
- Case studies
- Role play
- Expert-led sessions
- Exercises, activities and group work
- Self-reflective work
- Peer learning
- Mentorship
- Sector Immersion
How much time do I need to dedicate to the program?
This program is structured to include classroom engagement, one day of on-field immersion with organisations, self-reflective work and a deep dive into case studies. Hence, you would be required to dedicate 60 hours to classroom learning and 20 hours should be set aside for self-reflection.
How will I benefit from this program?
As a participant, you will receive insights into the Indian social sector. In addition, you will find opportunities to serve on Advisory Boards of social impact organisations. The experience during and after this program will help build your institutional governance experience overall.
If I am unable to attend any part of the program, will I still be able to get certified?
No. Attendance for every engagement is mandatory in order to complete the program and receive certification.
As a board member, will I be getting any honorarium or pay?
No, as a board member you won’t be entitled to any salary or honorarium.
Are there any scholarships available?
Currently, we aren’t providing any financial assistance. You can reach out to your CSR department and discuss the funding possibilities with them. We are willing to facilitate that discussion and provide any necessary support.
How much time will I be expected to invest as an advisor?
It would depend on the organisation’s needs and the expectations set in the beginning. However, it would be a considerable amount of time for the organisation to benefit from your expertise.
What are some guidelines for placements?
- Participants who complete all modules and sessions will be given preference in recommendations to the organisations for advisory positions.
- The participants who miss on sessions will need to complete the same through listening in to recordings, allotting time for discussions with faculty/peers to be considered for advisory positions.
- Participants who miss an entire module will not be considered for placements unless they join the modules in following cohorts. An additional fee of Rs 20000 will be charged.
- Volunteering between modules will count significantly towards preference for placements.
