Let's Hear It for the Board!

A discussion of joining a Board of Directors for a non-profit. 

The dynamic Executive Director, the hardworking staff, the awesome program volunteers: all help nonprofits make a world of difference. And yet none of it would be possible without the dedicated Board of Directors. Why then, do we find nonprofits so often struggling to find board members?

Maybe, it's because people don't know what boards do. After all, board activities by their nature are behind-the-scenes group efforts. We'll let you in on the secret: Board members get to create the vision and set the direction, and they get to govern by setting policies, goals, objectives and the budget. Board members oversee the work of the Executive Director and sing the praises of the organization, along with ensuring there are adequate resources being used appropriately.

There's another hidden truth about board membership. No matter where you are in your life's journey, you can impact the things that are important to you and make tremendous, real change in your community by serving on a nonprofit board.

Potential board members, by all means educate yourselves, then pledge to do your best and jump right in. There are so many nonprofits looking for YOU to pick up the mantle of board leadership. Along the way, you will gain more than you give.

Article by Jan McGowan, www.JanMcGowan.com

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