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 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.
