Nonprofit Professionals: The Need to Join a Board

The time is now for nonprofit professionals to begin making changes on nonprofit boards across the country. For too long, these professionals have sat idly by and watched as many boards become too involved with an organization or too complacent. There are many boards who have board members in name only but many of these board members don’t even attend a board meeting throughout the year.

This can be changed. Joining a board allows nonprofit professionals the chance to instill knowledge on the roles of the board in relationship with the organizations. Across the country, colleges and universities are beginning to put an emphasis on educating the future leaders of the nonprofit sector. Rather than just using these skills in a professional setting, these students/leaders need to join boards and begin making changes there also.

Many times, I hear my peers and classmates discuss how they don’t know how to get on the board or feel that since they cannot provide large financial donations they will not be considered for a board position. Others feel they are too young to be considered for boards. All of these statements are false. There are numerous agencies and organizations who would love to have people who have knowledge of nonprofit organizations on their boards.

The time is now, what board are you going to join?

Below, I am including some steps when looking to join a board:

1. Do your research. Find an organization whose mission you believe in. If the financial commitment for an organization limits your involvement, find one which better fits your budget.

2. Get training. There are numerous organizations which provide training for board members (or future board members.) A national organization, Board Source, is a great resource on available training.

3. Volunteer. Many nonprofit boards look to their volunteers to become new board members. You can also volunteer with an organization first and see if it is a good fit for you and your values.

Check out www.metrovolunteers.org. (A Denver based organization which matches volunteers and organizations.) They have a great section on becoming a board member and can match you to an organization who is looking for board members.