Why YOU Should Be on a Not-for-Profit Board Now (Not Later)
By Elizabeth Eddy
When I first learned about what a board of directors was I envisioned a bunch of old, probably white, suited dudes sitting around a mahogany conference room table drinking scotch. While this is still true for some boards, the days where boardrooms look like a scene from Mad Men are (mostly) over. Many organizations are wising up and diversifying their board. This means diversity physically but also diversity of experience. They want people that can bring a different skill set and point of view to the mahogany (or plywood) table. My goal here is to make sure you not only see why joining a board is important, but also understand how to get yourself there.
First off, what is a board of directors?
Simply put, it is a group of individuals elected to direct an organization towards a sustainable future. They do this by adopting and administering sound governance and financial management policies, as well as ensuring adequate resources. Not-for-profit boards are volunteer positions (i.e., no compensation).
So based on this definition, if I’m not experienced in financial management and governance I can’t do it?
Wrong. There is so much more that orgs need and want from you. Orgs want the three Ts (or at least two of them): Time, Treasure ($$$), and Talent. At a young age, you might not be rich, but you have strong skills (think: marketing, data, tech, legal, etc.) and probably more time than someone with a family has. So orgs, if you’re listening: young people might not be rolling in dough, but they have the time and the knowhow to be killer board members. If you don’t already, consider this in your next round of nominations.
So why do I want to be on a board?
Exposure. You get to deep dive into other orgs outside your day job. It’s like getting a new job without actually getting one.
Networking. There are so many new people to meet with diverse experiences. They aren’t just your fellow board members, but also the staff, volunteers, donors, etc. that make it all happen.
Opportunity. You get to try your skills and creative thinking out on a new array of challenges. You might be a pro at biz dev pitches for your company; now you get to put those skills to the test by applying them to a totally different audience and business structure.
Learning. With exposure to so many new people, you get the added bonus of learning from the other board members and org staff. There may even be someone working for the org doing a similar job to yours. Think of the insights to be shared!
OK, you believe me. Now what? Board positions won’t be posted on the Internet like a job. The best course of action is to search for an org that excites you and volunteer with that org first. If you’re still having trouble, don’t forget to use your resources. Let your network know you’re looking and you’ll be surprised what opportunities surface.
How do I know which board is right for me?
- Find their mission. Simply, do you believe in what they do?
- Do your due diligence. Check out the org on Charity Navigator, review their Form 990, and simply Google them. Make sure there’s no hidden dirt!
- Volunteer with them. You wouldn’t marry someone before dating, right?
- Get to know the other board members. Are these people you want to spend time with? What is the culture like?
- Get to know the CEO. Do you believe in how they are leading the org? Do you think you can work closely with them?
- Do they have Directors and Officers Liability Insurance? This ensures you aren’t financially liable for the org should things go downhill.
OK, so how do I get on the board?
Once you and an org have fallen in love with each other, you will enter the election process. First, a board member or executive level staff member will nominate you. The board will discuss internally and determine if you are fit for the next steps. If the answer is yes, you will be interviewed by the Board Chair as well as other board members. They will check references at this time as well. Should all go well, your nominator will present you to the board for a vote. And then voila, you’re a board member.
I made it! Now what?
You’re on a board for an org you love, and I’m sure you are the best decision they have ever made. But, you may be asking yourself: what do I do now? It’s important to note that every org is different, so make sure to ask explicitly the commitment they expect from you. These items should also be written in the org’s bylaws.
There are three primary responsibilities that every not-for-profit board member in the U.S. is legally bound to:
- Duty of care: You will ensure organizational effectiveness and appropriate use of assets.
- Duty of loyalty: You will make decisions in the best interest of the org (not self interest).
- Duty of obedience: You will make sure the org is ethical and abides by the law.
Here’s what the commitment to a board generally looks like:
- 2-year term
- Committee involvement
- 4 meetings per year and regular phone calls
- A give or get policy (either give $ or get $)
- Attendance and representation at fundraisers and other events
Regular tasks on a board may look something like this:
- Responsibility to hire, review the ED/CEO performance, and approve annual compensation
- Budgeting (approval and review)
- Oversee leadership
- Ensure org leadership is staying true to mission
- Ask the CEO, “What’s keeping you up at night?”
So get going! You deserve to be on a board now (not later); there’s an org out there that needs you more than they know.
Originally published at blog.dosomething.org.
Liz Eddy began her career in not-for-profits at age 15 with Sisters on the Runway, an org that addresses a lack of dating abuse education in schools. Liz formerly ran special projects for DoSomething.org and is currently Director of Communications and Events for Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. She is an active board member of Experience Camps, a free, one-week camp for children who lost a loved one. In her free time, she is on a global search for the spiciest food. Liz tweets here.
