An introduction by Carlos de Jesus, Global CDH College of Mentor, provided a concept developed by Kenneth Kaufman from The John Ernest Foundation – a College of Mentors.   Replacing the more expensive and often less productive concept of an Advisory Board, the College will provide Global CDH with expert experienced advice as needed. 

The aim of the College of Mentors for Global CDH is to capitalize on the pool of knowledge based on professionals who will enhance its strategic interest and strengths based on expert advice. The College is an international group of experts specializing in many areas including: nonprofit administration, leadership, philanthropy, nonprofit development, medical, legal, accounting, marketing, human resources and finance. 

The College of Mentors is also a body that advises the Board of Trustees and management of Global CDH; it does not vote. Mentors in the College are not expected to atake on an active management role or assume any liability for Global CDH or for the advice offered.   

However the College of Mentors is not a collective.   Only when operational issues arise at Global CDH which require multiple sets of expertise, is there interaction between members of the College.   

Very dependent on the good will of the expert, the relationship is not contractual.   A Memorandum of Understanding can be a respectful document, should the expert want a set of guidelines or expectations, though this is only for the comfort of the expert. By lending years of experience and a well-deserved reputation, Global CDH understands the gift the expert is making toward it’s vision, a gift which is considerable. 

The Chairman also has an ear – and functions somewhat like an omboudsperson, should the expert feel that arena for expression.   In the end, it is the Chairman of the College of Mentors who monitors the value Global CDH is adding to its mission through this significant but someone unstructured use of expert advice.    

Global CDH President Luis A. Ramirez is pleased to announce that Mr. Kaufman has agreed to convene the College as its initial Chairman.   “The responses of the first members has overwhelmed us with their generous sharing of invaluable advice.   This enthusiasm underscores the vision Global CDH is incubating.   I am humbled by the kind and useful gestures,” Kaufman remarked last week, as he thanked the inaugural members – “We thank you for accepting our bold invitation to join our carefully selected and unduplicated College of Mentors.