By Brenda W Hargroves
Recently, the Executive Director of a local nonprofit, who also happens to be a dear friend, invited me to join her organization’s board. My acute awareness of the amount of time and devotion that is required to be an effective board member helped me craft my answer. I find it extremely difficult to say no to a friend, but she understood and accepted my decision. She did so with the knowledge that although I declined the invitation, I will do whatever else I can to support her and the organization.
Years ago, during my first experience as a nonprofit Executive Director, I learned a valuable lesson. You should never ask people to join a board simply because they are your friends. While these folks may be committed to you, they may not necessarily understand the true allegiance they’ve been requested to make.
I ask you to give serious consideration to the following questions before embracing the responsibility of board membership which, by the way, is usually an unpaid position.
1. Where does your commitment lie? You are doing the organization a grave disservice if you accept the position as a favor to a friend. Before accepting a board member position, you should fully understand and support the mission, vision, values and goals of the organization. Do you believe in what the organization is trying to accomplish? Do you think the path the organization has chosen is the best way to address the problem?
2. What can you offer to help ensure the health and success of the organization? In order to be effective, boards must include members who come to the table with specific knowledge and background such as legal, accounting and fundraising. In addition, volunteers who are willing to assist in any way they can are also essential to the mix. So, the question becomes do you possess any of the skills, talents, interest or time to devote to serving as a board member or can you show your support in other ways?
3. Most important – Are you willing to contribute significantly to fundraising and program activities? “Give, get or get off,” appropriately describes the role of a board member. Every person who joins a board is expected to make a stretch financial gift to the organization. So, will you put your money where your mouth is? Members should also be willing to make efforts to bring significant funding to the organization by offering names and introductions to potential donors, sponsors and grant makers. Another way to meet this obligation is to provide a significant contribution that may not necessarily be financial in nature, but enhances program activities.
4. Are you willing to be a team player? Will you work with the rest of the team to communicate the organization’s role to its most important audiences? Will you commit to attending a minimum of ¾ of the meetings held each year you serve? When unable to attend, will you communicate with the team and the main coordinator to ensure you understand current affairs?
So, as you can see, board membership is not to be taken lightly. Acceptance requires an honest evaluation of your intentions, along with pondering several questions before committing. Sadly, too many folks who join nonprofit boards do not truly understand the obligation they are making to the organization. As a result, they often do more harm than good.
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