Every organization needs a good board. Yet new organizations seem to have trouble figuring out why the need them and where to find them. Even established organizations struggle to have an active board.
I’ve seen all kinds of board members – rich, poor, arrogant, meek. Some work hard, really hard, to make the organization a success. Others show up, on occasion.
Let’s look at why you need board members, how to find them, and how to build a great board.
Why do you need board members?
Let’s quickly get the legal requirement over with. Yes, you have to have board members when you register your nonprofit, the number varies by state.
Now, the more important reasons you need a (great) board:
- Board members broaden your reach. Each member comes with their own network of friends, associates, and neighbors.
- Board members represent the community you serve. The more diverse your board, the more connections you have to people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, religions etc.
- Board members bear gifts. Not every board member will make a large financial contribution (some will), others will be active volunteers, or provide expertise, or be great connectors.
Where and how will you find these great board members?
Start where you are:
- Speak and listen. Share the vision of your organization. Pay attention to who shares your values and goals for a better world. They make the best board members because they are already committed to your cause.
- Cast a wide net. Don’t limit yourself to the richest, whitest, or most successful. Influence and money matter but so do diverse voices, hard workers, and committed volunteers.
- Use available tools. Check your community volunteer bank, post on websites like Board Source. Look for those who fill a need (marketing, finance, legal) but keep your eyes open for others who may bring a new voice or perspective.
How do you build a great board?
- Provide a great introduction to the organization. Plan and deliver an upbeat, thorough, and compelling tour. Include stories! Your goal is to inspire first, educate second.
- Stay connected. The new board member is part of your expanding network. Make introductions, provide information and resources, keep in touch. Discover the best way to communicate with your board, as a whole, and with individual members.
- Remember, as a founder or Executive Director, you report to the board. While you will need to be actively engaged in getting a board up and running, it will take on a life of its own. And that’s as it should be.
Your organization will succeed with a good board. A good board is hard working, enthusiastic, skilled, diverse, and representative of your community.
You’ll want board members to fulfill a legal requirement, and, more importantly, to work with you to build a strong, sustainable organization. You will find them by sharing your story and seeking those who share your vision. Finally, you will build a great board by starting strong and continuing to stay connected, while respecting their role as board members.