Become A Board Member

Summary

The web content encourages individuals to contribute to local change by becoming board members of non-profit organizations, emphasizing the personal and community benefits of such involvement.

Abstract

The article titled "Become A Board Member" presents a compelling argument for individuals to engage in local community service by joining the board of a non-profit organization. The author shares a personal journey of seeking meaningful ways to effect change, especially after becoming a parent. The piece underscores the importance of board members in non-profits, which often operate with limited resources and rely on the diverse skills and perspectives of their volunteers. It also outlines practical steps for potential board members to ensure they align with a reputable organization that matches their values and offers protection through insurance. The author reflects on the rewarding experience of contributing to a cause, in this case, a domestic violence shelter, and the sense of hope and purpose it brings amidst overwhelming societal issues.

Opinions

The author believes that individual actions can lead to significant change, even in the face of daunting systemic problems.
Volunteering on a board is seen as a commitment that can hold one accountable, as opposed to sporadic volunteering.
The article suggests that almost anyone has a skill set that can benefit a non-profit organization, whether it's in finance, HR, or social media management.
Diversity on a board is highly valued, as it brings a range of perspectives to the table when making decisions.
Potential board members are encouraged to conduct due diligence by checking the organization's reputation, financial health, and whether they have appropriate insurance coverage.
The author expresses a sense of fulfillment and optimism from being part of a board that actively works towards positive change in the community.

A small way to affect change

I struggle to find hope anytime I read the news. It feels like our world is devolving further and further into chaos. The issues facing the U.S. are big and systemic. Overwhelming. Maybe you ask yourself how can I help with any of this? How can one person affect change?

I’m here to tell you that you can.

Yes, I will tell you to go vote (go vote!), but I will also tell you to volunteer to be on the board of a local nonprofit.

It was soon after the birth of my son that it became a pressing issue for me to do something. Motivated not only to be an example for my son but to do something, anything to help affect change, I started looking into ways I could help. I knew I wanted to help women, so I looked into local nonprofits whose goal was, in some way, to do just that. I tried volunteering in the past, but it was like working out. You thought about it, knew it would be good for you, but never got off the couch to do it. I needed an obligation, something where people expected me to show up.

I was familiar with how a board works, having been on one years ago briefly. I knew they typically have attendance policies and meetings are usually once a month. Bingo. Right here was the change I wanted to be in the world. I reached out to a local domestic violence shelter and found out they had a board opening. Though I knew nothing about domestic violence I applied. If anything, I knew my financial background would help them.

I had a brief interview with the entire board and the executive director and they voted me on. It’s been about a year and so far, it has been a rewarding experience.

Don’t think you have the experience to be on the board of a non-profit? I bet you do.

You have some sort of skill that would be a benefit to a nonprofit. Frequently non-profits are on tight budgets. They don’t have the funds for a dedicated HR person, or a CPA, or social media manager. They draw from their diverse group of board members to help cover those deficiencies.

They also want diversity on their board — literally, I was given a checklist and was asked to determine how diverse our board was. A board should be made up of people of varied backgrounds. When the executive director is asking for advice on an important issue you don’t want tunnel vision. You want to hear different perspectives. So that means the small business owner or the nurse or the media consultant or the citizen from another city (if the nonprofit covers a large geographical area) has valued, and different, perspectives to offer.

Figure out what issues call to you the most and find a nonprofit in your area that helps in that area. For me, it was women’s issues. For you, it could be an animal shelter or social justice or feeding the hungry, or getting more books to kids. There are over 1.5 million non-profits in the U.S, so whatever it is, I bet there is an organization near you that helps the cause you want to champion.

There are a few things to do once you find that nonprofit:

Ask around and make sure they have a good reputation in the community. Once you become a board member you become their spokesperson, their hypeman, their liaison to the community. To a certain extent, you are selling their product and you want a good product.

Ask if you can see their audit report — because they should have one done annually. Did the auditors give a good opinion or were there issues? Review the financial statements or find their Form 941 (annual tax filing) which is available online. Non-profits are not out to make a profit, but some red flags may pop up if they have significant losses, or lost grant funding, or behind on their filings.

Ask questions of the current board members or the executive director. They want it to be a good fit as much as you do. Note if they seem open and knowledgeable about their organization. There should be good communication between the board and the executive director — be wary if there isn’t. As a board member, you can only make decisions based on the information given to you.

Lastly, ask if the organization has D&O (Director’s and Officer’s) insurance or management liability insurance. This is to help cover you, god forbid, in case there is ever a lawsuit brought against you as a board member.

I’ve been on my board for about a year now. After every meeting, I feel a mix of hope and anxiety. Hope over what we are planning to do and anxiety over how are we going to get there, but I know we are going to get there. It decreases the big feelings of hopelessness to be focused on smaller things like organizing the next fundraiser or applying for a new grant or just listening to those who need a voice.

Instead of complaining over the state of our country or feeling helpless in the face of big systemic issues, find a non-profit, and apply to the board! I guarantee you will feel better about the world when you surround yourself with people trying to change the world.