A Governance Presentation for International House’s Board Retreat

In January 2025, Christine Davis, longtime colleague and founder of Mission Mappers, connected Next Stage to her client International House. The executive committee of the Charlotte-based nonprofit, which has served as a hub for the city’s international community since 1981, was searching for a facilitator to lead a board development session during the organization’s annual retreat.

The request came at a pivotal time: following a year of significant change, including a relocation, onboarding of new board members, and shifting federal policies, International House sought to strengthen board confidence, engagement, and alignment heading into the year ahead.

Next Stage designed a tailored board development session to help International House navigate this period of transition. The experience supported the board in building “civic muscle” — the skills and shared understanding needed to lead effectively during a time of change.

Equipping the Board for Strategic Leadership

International House’s board featured a dynamic mix of seasoned leaders and newly appointed members, all deeply committed to the organization’s mission. Recognizing that strong governance is essential during times of change, the board viewed this period of transition as an opportunity to deepen its impact.

Next Stage began with an in-depth discovery conversation with International House’s board chair to understand the board’s composition, dynamics, and challenges. From there, the team designed a presentation that blended board training with strategic reflection — covering core responsibilities such as setting direction, ensuring fiscal oversight, and managing the executive director, while emphasizing governance as a skill to be cultivated over time.

The session was intentionally designed as a participatory experience that celebrated the assets already present — diverse perspectives, lived experience, and shared passion for immigrant and international communities. Rather than delivering a lecture, Next Stage offered tools and frameworks to help board members channel their energy into strategic leadership during times of uncertainty.

To foster trust and commitment, the presentation incorporated a guided reflection segment, prompting members to consider their personal connection to International House’s mission and their unique contributions. This activity cultivated a greater sense of ownership and belonging, strengthening the foundation for collaboration and decision-making.

Laying the Groundwork for Ongoing Board Growth

By aligning governance best practices with International House’s current realities, the session offered actionable insights and reframed board service as an evolving leadership practice. The board departed with a clearer understanding of their shared responsibilities, a renewed sense of purpose, and practical tools to help them navigate the transitions ahead.