Whether you want to give back to your community or you are looking to amplify your career path, nonprofits are always looking for great leaders to help guide their organization to success.
Many professionals view board service as a rewarding way to share their skill sets and talents with non-profits that serve a particular mission that they feel passionately about. You might follow or contribute to a charity that serves local residents in your community, or maybe you have a cause that is close to your heart. Your help and guidance will only help that charity or foundation raise further funds toward your favorite causes.
Serving on a nonprofit board gives executives unique access to business leaders across the region and provides the opportunity to demonstrate professional value through meaningful participation in board meetings.
You can learn a lot from a nonprofit about education, health, the environment of whatever interests you. Nonprofit organizations are typically excellent at understanding the cause related to the mission. If you want to dive deep into an area and know it well, a nonprofit board is a great place to help you gain insight.
This journey can be tiring if you don’t know how to best go about it. That’s why we have compiled 3 key tips and 5 key questions to get you started on your board of directors journey.
Tip #1:
Identify what your true passions are and where you want to volunteer your time to make a difference. You can do this by writing down your favorite causes or determine if hoping the homeless is your top priority, providing shelter to animals or advocating for environmental causes. Do you want to help an organization directing helping individuals in need or an organization advocating for system change?
Tip #2:
Research the local nonprofits in your area. The best way to do this is by going online, visiting your local United Way or Nonprofit Alliance businesses, visiting Give.org or Guidestar.org.
Tip #3:
Contact the CEO or Development Director at the organizations that you are interested in and tell them you’re interested in learning more about their board member opportunities.
5 questions you want to ask the organization:
(Have your questions ready. Be prepared for them to ask some questions of you, too.)
What do you expect of your board members (money, time, attendance)?
What are the term limits (meaning how long is the board position)?
Do you have Director and Officer Insurance (known as D&O)?
What does your strategic plan look like for the next 12 months?
If you travel often you may want to inquire whether all meetings require you to physically be present or is there an option to call in or web conference in when possible?
If after your conversation with the organization(s) of your interest, take time to personally reflect on your commitment.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I have the time to dedicate to this cause and organization?
Can I successfully fulfill the expectations they require?
Is my family and employer supportive of my participation?
Ask yourself, “will I be proud to share with family and friends my involvement in this organization?”
Please do not take this commitment lightly. Serving on a board means that you will need to carve out some extra time tin your schedule, juggle your family, social and professional responsibilities and make the commitment to do what is best for the mission at all times.
We have had the privilege to work with many nonprofit board members that wanted to learn how to be a better board member. Our executive coaching program allows customized one-on-one opportunities to work through your individual challenges and opportunities.
Still have questions, or interested in coaching? Contact us: www.therayvangroup.com