Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Becoming a member of the board of directors of a nonprofit organization is an excellent way to do just that. Serving on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization involves much more than being elected: it requires continuously learning about the people it serves and advocating for the mission, making decisions that benefit the organization, ensuring the prudent use of the nonprofit's assets, and looking to the future to help it plan for the future. If you are interested in joining a board of directors, the first step is to find an organization that you are passionate about or motivated by. Do your research to see if this is a good option.
Then, do some preliminary research on one or two groups. It is also important to have your board of directors form a committee that can proactively contact potential members, conduct interviews, and finally bring in new members. Its current members know all the strengths and weaknesses of the board of directors and are the ones who can best fill in the blanks. Some nonprofit organizations find that asking potential board candidates to first serve on a committee or working group, or to volunteer for the nonprofit organization in another way, is a great way for both the nonprofit organization and potential board members to find a good fit.
The committee responsible for keeping the board of directors up to date is also often responsible for ensuring that the nonprofit organization has effective governance practices, that individual board members participate, and that the board as a whole effectively fulfills its obligations as a steward of the nonprofit organization's assets, reputation, financial and human resources, and mission. Serving on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization is an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows you to make an impact in your community while also learning more about yourself and developing valuable skills. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in your community, consider becoming a member of the board of directors of a nonprofit organization.