How to Be a Star Board Member
For most of my fundraising career, I staffed the development committee and supported Board fundraising. I have worked with high performing Boards and Boards that struggled to govern. I have learned that the success of the Board is not only dependent on the nonprofit’s leadership and organization but also on individual members’ commitment. Board membership is a great opportunity for professional development. However, you want to make the most of the opportunity and serve as an asset to the organization. I want to offer a few key commitments individuals should consider to excel at Board membership.
JOIN A BOARD IF YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR THE MISSION
This is obvious but it must be stated. Join the Board of an organization where you have a true passion for the mission. Find an organization that touches your heart or is of personal interest to you.
Join a Board if You have FINANCIAL Resources
This may sound controversial but hear me out. There are basically two Board responsibilities: governance and fiduciary oversight. As a leader of the organization you must be the first to demonstrate support. Nonprofits are able to fulfill their mission because of the generosity of others and that includes you - the Board member.
If you are unable to make the organization one of your top philanthropic gifts or if you cannot meet the Board minimum donation or have no plans of actively fundraising maybe Board membership isn’t for you right now.
Join a Board if You have Time
You should also have time to attend Board meetings, participate in committee meetings, attend events, and invite others from your network. If you are too busy that you cannot attend meetings, delay joining a Board. They need your presence and attention. It is much better to wait until you can fully participate.
Join a Board if You Have Something to Offer
Although money is important and key to supporting an organization, but your voice, experience, and wisdom is important to the Board and organization. Your voice is needed even welcomed at every meeting. So being quiet, nodding your head when you really have questions or just checking out does no one any good. Show up as your full self. Ask the hard questions, provide your opinion, and seek to understand when you aren’t clear on what is being presented.
INVITATION TO JOIN A BOARD IS AN HONOR BUT YOu ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO JOIN
It is an honor to be invited to join a Board. But you don’t have to accept every invitation if you do not have the capacity to meet the expectations of leadership. No harm. No foul. I have delayed Board membership because of other commitments. I have respectfully turned down Board invitations because I knew that it was not the best fit for me.
I think I have made my point pretty clear (over and over again). Serving on a Board is a very fulfilling experience but comes with a lot of responsibility. Being able to show up for the organization is a key component to their success. As you are building your career, searching for professional development opportunities and building your professional networks, Boards are great volunteer opportunities. Your first step to finding the right opportunity is to reach out to your favorite nonprofits and inquire about Board opportunities. Best of luck.
About the Author: Wanda Scott is the founder and principal consultant of Wanda Scott & Associates. Wanda has over 22 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience. Wanda has earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) professional designation, and a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) in Feminist Interpretations of the New Testament from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and is currently a digital nomad traveling the world.