The AH: The Nonprofit Scholars Program at Eastern Michigan University is part of the American Humanics, Inc, a national association. For more information about American Humanics Inc. please visit: http://www.humanics.org/
The AH: The Nonprofit Scholars Program program gives students the chance to develop skills in 14 competency areas, skills that are highly valued on the job market.
The AH: The Nonprofit Scholars Program had a Board of Advisors composed of leaders of the nonprofit community whole main role is to mentor students and help the program develop and growth.
~How to receive an American Humanics Certificate
~The AH: The Nonprofit Scholars Program competencies
~AH: The Nonprofit Scholars Program Advisory Board
How to receive an American Humanics Certificate
In order to receive an American Humanics certificate, students must:
• Be undergraduates pursuing a bachelor's degree in any major or minor
• Achieve competency in fourteen specific areas outlined by American Humanics, Inc. (see below for details)
• Complete 300 hours of field-based experiences at local nonprofit agencies
• Be active in the American Humanics Student Association
• Attend the American Humanics Management Institute
American Humanics, Inc. provides a certificate and transcript indicating the student has completed the stated program requirements.
AH: The Nonprofit Scholars Program Competencies
Students will develop two types of competencies: foundation and professional Foundation Requirements
1. Career Development and Exploration
Describe opportunities for careers in nonprofit youth and human service management; discuss the realities of the entry-level employment market including opportunities for growth, the need for relocation and expected salary ranges; describe the changing nature of work in the nonprofit sector; communicate the primary focus of the mission for three or four of American Humanics' national nonprofit partners; identify one's own personal and professional development needs.
2. Communication Skills
Use effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills; use proper grammar and vocabulary in written and verbal communication; demonstrate effective pubic speaking skills; use effective listening techniques; demonstrate the ability to address members of various constituent groups appropriately; explain the importance of cross-cultural communication skills;develop positive working relationships with staff and volunteers; handle constituent requests; demonstrate the ability to resolve conflicts; explain the importance of understanding group dynamics.
3. Employability Skills
Develop an effective resume; prepare appropriate job search correspondence; research an organization to determine compatibility with personal values and goals; prepare for an interview; exhibit appropriate personal appearance; demonstrate effective interviewing skills; demonstrate appropriate interview follow-up practices; demonstrate basic computer literacy skills.
4. Personal Attributes
Demonstrate a positive attitude; demonstrate initiative; demonstrate commitment to the mission of an agency; exhibit responsible behavior; discuss the importance of ethical behavior; demonstrate honesty and integrity; explain the importance of a commitment to service; explain the importance of maintaining confidentiality; explain the importance of accountability in a nonprofit agency; demonstrate the ability to be an effective team member; demonstrate leadership characteristics.
5. Historical/Philosophical Foundations
Describe the role of nonprofit agencies to meet human service needs in American society; describe the philanthropic structure of nonprofit agencies; explain the importance of a mission orientation for nonprofit agencies; discuss the personal rewards of a career in nonprofit youth and human services agencies.
6. Youth and Adult Development
Describe the developmental needs of youth; explain the ways in which nonprofit agencies meet the developmental needs of youth; describe the developmental needs of adults; explain the ways in which nonprofit agencies meet the development needs of adults; discuss the adult learning process and how it differs from that of youth.
Professional Development Requirements
1. Board/Committee Development
Explain the purpose and structure of nonprofit boards and their relationship(s) to the agency; discuss strategies for determining staff support needs for committees and boards; explain techniques for the recruitment of volunteers to serve on committees; discuss the importance of providing supervision and support for committee and board members; discuss strategies for recruiting members to the board of directors; explain the importance of fostering board/volunteer/staff relationships; explain the importance of board recognition and evaluation.
2. Fundraising Principles and Practices
Discuss the importance of developing fundraising activities that support the mission of the agency; explain ethical considerations and accountability of funds, which should guide fundraising efforts for the agency; plan fundraising activities; conduct fundraising activities; evaluate fundraising effectiveness; identify the segments of donors that may support an agency; discuss factors that may motivate donors and concerns that donors may have; explain strategies for securing in-kind support; develop grant proposals; explain techniques for recognizing donations.
3. Human Resource Development and Supervision
Identify factors that motivate individuals to volunteer their services to a nonprofit agency; identify sources for staff/volunteer recruitment; explain strategies for the recruitment of staff and volunteers; explain strategies for selecting staff and volunteers; explain strategies for providing an orientation to staff and volunteers; explain strategies for training staff and volunteers; exhibit basic knowledge of human resource issues; exhibit the ability to manage diversity and cultural competence; explain strategies for motivating staff and volunteers; explain strategies for supervising staff and volunteers; explain strategies for evaluating staff and volunteers; explain strategies for recognizing staff and volunteers; explain strategies for terminating staff and volunteers; explain the importance of delegation as a technique for the effective utilization of staff and volunteer talents.
4. General Nonprofit Management
Demonstrate time-management skills; utilize effective techniques for problem solving; exhibit effective decision-making; demonstrate effective supervisory skills; explain the importance of building an agency that acts with the interests of clients in mind; explain the importance of developing services that effectively respond to diversity in the community; possess basic knowledge of nonprofit management trends; explain the importance of collaborating with other nonprofit organizations to meet community needs; exhibit ethical behavior; understand the importance of ethical behavior; understand the importance of the role of advocacy and lobbying in the nonprofit sector.
5. Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Management
Describe appropriate procedures for handling income receipts; explain the importance of policies and procedures for requisitioning; explain procedures for developing a program budget; explain the importance of reporting mechanisms and requirements; read and interpret financial statements.
6. Nonprofit Marketing
Explain the importance of a marketing philosophy in a nonprofit agency; explain the nature of public relations activities for nonprofit agencies; explain the role of community outreach activities; develop strategies for obtaining client feedback; discuss strategies for conducting a community needs assessment; explain the importance of maintaining information systems.
7. Program Planning
Describe the process for developing and implementing new programs; explain the importance of planning programs that are consistent with the mission of a nonprofit agency; discuss the importance of planning programs that are consistent with community goals and diverse cultural values; describe the importance of building inclusive programs for diverse individuals; explain various youth and human service implementation models; explain strategies for facilitating team building among program staff; discuss scheduling considerations for both staff and activities; describe how programs may be promoted by accessing various media; discuss criteria for evaluating program outcomes.
8. Risk Management
Explain the role and importance of risk management to the overall organizational management plan; explain the importance of a working knowledge of nonprofit and employment law regulations; explain the importance of understanding policies and procedures to follow in the case of crisis incidents; explain the importance of recognizing red flags and engaging in appropriate follow-up for child protection issues; explain effective risk-management and crisis-management procedures; follow personal precautions in an effort to minimize personal and organizational liability and vulnerability.
