AH Competencies for Students Beginning after July 1, 2008

This listing of American Humanics core competencies, approved in January of 2008, is applicable to students beginning the program after July 1, 2008. Students admitted to the program before that date should continue their use of the prior competencies list.

Foundation Competencies

Career Development and Exploration

• Demonstrate personal commitment to the mission of a nonprofit organization.
• Discuss the personal rewards for a career in the nonprofit sector.
• Describe opportunities for careers in the nonprofit sector.
• Discuss the realities of the entry-level employment market, including opportunities for growth, the need for relocation and expected salary ranges.
• Communicate the primary focus of the mission for three or four of American Humanics' National Nonprofit Partners.

Communication Skills

• Use effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• Use proper grammar and vocabulary in written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrate effective public speaking skills.
• Use effective listening techniques.
• Demonstrate the ability to address members of various constituent groups appropriately.

Employability Skills

• Develop an effective resume.
• Prepare appropriate job-search correspondence.
• Research a nonprofit 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.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrate a positive attitude.
• Demonstrate initiative.
• Exhibit ethical and responsible behavior.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• Demonstrate the ability to be an effective team member.
• Demonstrate leadership characteristics.
• Demonstrate time-management skills.

Professional Development Competencies

Historical and Philosophical Foundations

• Describe the unique character and structure of nonprofit organizations and their role in the civil society.
• Identify the various types of nonprofit organizations that comprise the sector.
• Understand the historical, philosophical, religious, political, economic, and social forces that shaped the development of the nonprofit sector in contemporary American society.

Youth and Human Development

• Describe the development stages and needs of youth and how they differ from those of adults.
• Explain the ways in which nonprofit organizations meet the development needs of youth and adults.
• Demonstrate the ability to plan, organize and conduct activities that encourage and foster mentoring among youth and youth workers.
• Explain the importance of recognizing red flags and engaging in appropriate follow-up for child protection issues.
• Explain the challenges faced, and special skills required, by youth workers.
• Discuss basic research findings in areas of youth development and mentoring.

Board/Committee Development

• Explain the purpose and structure of a nonprofit board and its role in the nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrate an awareness and understanding that board members themselves are volunteers.
• Discuss strategies for determining staff support needs for committees and boards.

Fundraising Principles and Practices

• Discuss the importance of developing fundraising activities that support the mission of the organization.
• Discuss the various forms and methods of fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, in-kind support, annual funds, grants and special events.
• Explain the variety of techniques and skills used to raise funds from a variety of sources.
• Discuss reasons why individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies give to nonprofit organizations.
• Discuss the aspects of managing the fundraising process.
• Demonstrate the ability to write an organizational case statement and grant proposal.

Nonprofit Management

• Explain the importance of a mission orientation and mission statement for nonprofit organizations.
• Explain the role of nonprofit organizations in advocacy and the public policy process.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of human resource and employment issues.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of strategic planning components.

Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Management

• Identify and explain the fundamental principles of nonprofit accounting.
• Explain components of, and procedures for, developing a budget for a nonprofit agency.
• Explain the principles of and standards for effective control and monitoring of fiscal operations.
• Read and interpret financial statements and audit reports.

Community Outreach/Marketing and Public Relations

• Explain the role of community outreach and community development activities in building public awareness of the mission and messages of nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of public relations and marketing functions in a nonprofit organization.
• Describe the process for creating and implementing an effective marketing plan.

Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

• Describe the process for developing and implementing new programs, including conducting a needs assessment for the targeted clientele.
• Discuss the importance of building inclusive programs for diverse individuals and groups.
• Discuss scheduling considerations and challenges for activities and staffing.
• Describe how programs may be promoted by accessing various media.
• Discuss criteria for evaluating program outcomes.

Risk Management and Legal Issues

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic laws and regulations under which nonprofits operate.
• Describe the four basic steps involved in risk management.
• Explain effective risk management and crisis management.

Volunteer Management

• Discuss the reaons why people do and don't volunteer.
• Explain techniques for the recruitment, orientation, training, motivation, supervision, evaluation, recognition and retention of volunteers.
• Explain the importance of fostering vlunteer/staff relationships.
• Describe the components of a volunteer program.
• Descrie the process used to plan, develop, and implement a volunteer program.

Information Management & Technology

• Demonstrate basic compuiter literacy skills.
• Identify component parts of computer equipment and available technology.
• Explain the importance of the role of information technology in the nonprofit sector.
• Discuss the social impact and responsibility of technology.
  
• Explain ethical considerations of using technology in the nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of technology resources.

Ethics and Values

• Explain the importance of having standards asnd a code of conduct in a nonprofit organization.
• Explain the importance of accountability in a nonprofit organization.
• Explain the value of a commitment to service of others.

Cultural Competency

• Demonstrate preparedness for professional practice in culturally diverse settings.
• Demonstrate interaction skills with diverse populations.
• Understand alternative views.
• Appreciate similarities and differences.
• Mindfully approach and successfully navigate encounters, dilemmas, and challenges with diverse populations.