As the number of Advisory Boards continue to grow, it becomes even more critical that we offer training opportunities to ensure the effectiveness of First Book’s volunteer network. To meet this challenge, I’m pleased to announce First Book University.

FBU includes significant and diverse training categories designed to dramatically increase the efficiency of our Advisory Board network. Categories include Cause-Based Marketing at the Local Level, How First Book Distributes Books, Board Recruitment and Development, and Media and Community Outreach. By participating in these seminars, Advisory Board members and local volunteers will better understand the First Book model — including ways to obtain and distribute books and how to inform and engage their community.

FBU will also help bridge the various aspects of First Book including Advisory Boards, Corporate Partners, the First Book National Book Bank, the First Book Marketplace and Recipient Group Registry by providing training for the various partners and volunteers working with First Book. Training seminars will be facilitated by First Book staff, pro-bono speakers, and Subject Matter Experts from around the country.

Although FBU’s official launch is Saturday, February 24th in Washington, DC, FBU was piloted this week for Recipient Groups picking up books at the California Book Bank distribution. After DC, the next seminar is set for Saturday March 31st in Oxford, MS. We are also planning sessions in Philadelphia, Chicago, and possibly Washington State — with many more dates and locations to follow.

Please let me know if you have questions or suggestions and thank you all for helping First Book take another leap forward!