As you probably know, I’m a big fan of public service and advocacy activities. I’ve written at some length about different ways to get more involved in advocacy.
Serving on the board of an organization can be another great way to exercise your advocacy and public service muscles. While my personal board experience has been primarily with non-profit organizations focused on health or mental health, these suggestions can also apply to just about any type of board.
The first and perhaps most vital step in becoming a board member is to identify one or more organizations for which you have a true interest and passion for their mission and values.
Next, contact these organizations and tell them you’re possibly interested in serving on the board. They can then inform you of the process for becoming a board member.
Some boards will have a nomination and election process where you agree to be on the ballot for a seat on the board. These positions may require that you meet certain nomination criteria, based on where you live, your background or other specific qualifications. Membership organizations will typically require you to first be a member to be eligible to serve on the board.
Other boards have a more informal system where they may accept volunteers to be on the board. In fact, many organizations are often searching for volunteers for board positions and they sometimes have difficulty finding people who are willing to serve.
Also be sure to ask about practical matters such as length of service on the board, frequency of board meetings, required travel, and any personal expenses you may incur. Many board positions are unpaid, but some may offer reimbursement for travel expenses or a small stipend for serving on the board.
Once you’re elected or appointed to the board, what’s next? Having served on quite a few boards, I’ve picked up a few tips and strategies that you can use to become a really great board member. Here you go!
Learn about the organization
Even before you begin your board service, read the board’s website or other materials to get a basic understanding of the organization’s mission, services, programs, and philosophy. If possible, talk with organization leaders or other board members to get their perspective on the organization, its strengths, opportunities for growth, and how you might contribute as a new board member.
Understand the role
Most boards will have an orientation session for new board members in which you will learn all the details about board service and your role as a board member. Some groups will appoint a more experienced board member to be your mentor to help you learn the ropes.
Do your homework
Before each board meeting, board members will typically receive an agenda and lots of materials to review. Carefully review all this information and jot down notes about questions you may want to ask or if you would like to request more information about a particular issue.
Stay connected
Most boards will communicate through emails, listserves, and conference calls apart from the actual board meetings. Take time to review all information that is distributed, and contribute your comments and input as appropriate.
Ask questions
As a new board member, you will naturally have quite a few questions. Don’t be afraid to ask. But it’s also helpful to seek advice about the best timing for your questions. Some questions are better asked outside of meetings so you can get more detailed answers. But if you have a burning question during a board meeting, ask it.
Get to know the other board members
Most boards spend a fair amount of time together in meetings and related work groups. You may also participate in longer annual retreats which may cover a couple of days. There will usually be free time during breaks or meals in which you will have time to get to know the other board members. Find out about them and their interests. Sometimes the people you meet on a board may end up becoming close colleagues or friends.
Participate actively
Great board members are active participants. They show up on time, listen carefully, contribute to discussions, and volunteer to help with tasks or projects. They also support the organization in other ways such as recruiting new members, giving financial donations to fund-raising efforts, and by promoting the organization and its initiatives. When you’re a more seasoned veteran, you may also want to help mentor new board members.
Consider leadership roles
After you’re a more experienced board member, consider stepping up to leadership roles within the board or organization. In many settings, board service is the “boot camp” for you to gain a solid understanding of the activities and priorities of the organization. Board leaders and officers often come from those individuals with prior board experience. Recognize that leadership roles usually require a much more substantial investment of time and energy, so make sure to explore the details of those positions before expressing your interest.
Serving on a board can be an extremely interesting and rewarding experience. Not only can you contribute to many worthwhile causes but you will expand your own knowledge and meet some great people in the process. Give it a try sometime!
Here’s a question: What other qualities contribute to someone being a great board member? Please leave a comment. Also, please subscribe to my blog and feel free to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, “like” my Facebook page, or connect on LinkedIn. Finally, if you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend. Thanks!