Nonprofit Board Members are responsible for the assets of an organization and provide oversight, insight and foresight. They are often compared to sitting up in the crow’s den looking out for storm clouds or rainbows. They aren’t in charge of daily operations but they need to be able to see the bigger picture.
There are many resources that can help you locate the best board members, no matter if your nonprofit is established or just beginning its journey. One of the most effective ways to find board members is to reach out to existing volunteers. Check out your current committees and events. Also look for those who have the potential to be great leadership. You can also make use of newsletters and social media as a means of promoting board positions to your members.
Another option is to search job boards for mission-driven organizations like Impact Opportunity and Idealist. Also, search within your professional fields to find people who are involved with nonprofits through their associations in the field or companies that donate to them. Contact those who appear to be good candidates and ask whether they’re interested in joining your board.
Remember that new board members like any other staff member, should receive a thorough orientation to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities. This includes a clear statement of expectations regarding meeting attendance and schedules, fundraising, responsibilities for which they are hired (e.g. budget management), and other policies regarding governance.
Comments
No Comments