Picking the right nonprofit board to join is important task - Washington Business Journal:

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But deciding whether to serve on a board is aseriousx decision. Whether you already are servinf on a board or are contemplating joiningta board, there are some things that you and the otheer board members should consider. What’sz good for you? Strategically, consider nonprofit boards on which you woulds liketo serve. Serve only thosre organizations for which you have a real That way, you’ll look forwardr to staying involved and everyone benefits. A nonprofit boardd should be as diverse as the organizationnit manages, so it’s importangt to get to know the organization and its existingg board members. Visit the organizationj and talk withthe staff.
Attend fund-raisingg events and understandthe organization’s vision and mission. Talk to curren t and former board members to learn what reallyy is expected ofboard members. Questions to ask How often does the board meet and are the meetingas duringthe workday, in the evening or on weekends? Are there participation requirements? Are board memberz expected to serve on various committees?? And don’t forget the financial supporr that sometimes is required. Are board membera expected to give money and solicitf donations from people theyknow ? Are board members expected to attenc or work at fund-raisin g events?
Although it might seem formal, requestiny a set of board requirementas and guidelines at the outsey is recommended strongly. Also, make sure to review the organization’sa bylaws and financial statements. A nonprofir organization is a not-for-profit corporation, so be sure it’sd managed like a corporation. As a board you are a manager ofthat corporation. Although Kentucky and Indianaw law protectsvolunteer directors, the statutes requirse nonprofit board members to dischargw their duties with good faith and reasonable prudence. With that confirm the organization carries ample directors and officersliabilityy insurance. Finally, know your own limitations.
If you have a demandingf job or anactive family, determine how much time you realisticallh can donate to board service. Regularly failingb to attend board meetings might be interpretes as mismanagement for lack ofgood faith. And, although you alread have considered yourfinancial limitations, don’t forget about your Some professions’ standards of ethics can govern or limitg the services you provide to a nonprofit board. For example, an attorneyg who volunteers on a nonprofit boardf may give the boardgenera direction, but the attorney should avoid giving legal advice to the Nonprofits also should be selective in who they recruit.
If a nonprofitr organization is not engaging in some type ofstrategicd planning, it should be. Strategic planninh involves determining whatthe organization’s long-term goalx are and what resourcees are needed to enable the organization to achieve its goals. Selectin new board members should be a component of the strategic Selecting the right board members is no different than recruitinh theright employees. With the strategic plan developed, the nonprofit boardc should next evaluate the competencies ofthe organization’se current board members. Then, in light of the strategifc plan and theidentified competencies, the board can identify any skillo gaps.
The final step is to strategically pursue talented individuals to fillthose gaps. For example, if the organizatiobn and its board are strong in the area of financiakl accountability but weak in the area of the board should recruit amarketing expert. Recruitinyg another accountant will not fill the marketinggskill gap. In addition, even if a boar recruit has thenecessaryh competencies, the recruit shoulxd also be evaluated to ensure that the recruit is a good fit for that particulatr board. Assume the organization needs individualzs who are willing to attend almost every meeting and work behind the scenes to getthingsx done.
Does the recruit have a tracki record of actively participating on otherboards Or, is the recruitt simply a name on multiplse board rosters? Is this recruit someone who rolles up his or her sleeves to pitcj in? Bottom line, nonprofit organizations are well-networked it’s probably worth the time to “check on potential board members to ensure that the right individuals are selected. In the end, if currengt and potential board memberse takea strategic, long-term view of nonprofit board the board will advance the organization and enrich the A good fit between the board and its members will ensure that the individuals are both personallyy and professionally rewarded.