The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County hosted a workshop Tuesday to help nonprofit organizations in the community get a fresh start in the new year.

Vicki Clark, a speaker and consultant from Memphis, Tenn., has trained numerous nonprofits and shared her advice on how to get the most accomplished through effective leadership.

“The Junior League board saw her at a conference this summer, and we knew that it would be a value to the community and other nonprofits,” said Eliza Baker, communications chairwoman for the Junior League.

“In these economic times, it’s so hard to do board training and board retreats. We could offer this at a discounted rate.”

Clark told the representatives of numerous community groups present Tuesday at Gainesville Civic Center that the most important thing organizations need to do is remember why they exist.

“What we get caught up in is the activities, and we fail to focus on the mission,” Clark said.

“It doesn’t matter what sector you’re in — the mission still needs to drive you.”

Clark pointed out the importance to all organizations of having active and informed board members, rather than just figureheads.

Clark said often times boards are composed of those who donate large sums of money or were asked to participate because of their involvement in many other organizations.

“For too long, boards have not been representative of the entire community,” Clark said. “We need diversity in thinking.”

People attending the training session said they came to learn ways to improve their organizations and to meet other like-minded people.

“A big reason I came was not only to learn but to network,” said Nola Baughman with 3 Dimensional Life. “To get ideas and bounce things off of each other.”