I would like to say ‘Board Development’ has become a hot topic with non-profits, but
the truth is, it has always been, and always will be, a hot topic- as it should. An active and involved board of directors is the
most critically important commodity to the success of a non-profit
organization. It is the Board’s
responsibility to ensure that the organization keeps the promises outlined in
the agency’s mission and for assuring that the agency is accountable for acting
within the laws governing the operations of non-profit corporations. Basically, a Board of Directors can make or
break an organization.
Here is a brief overview
of the key elements involved in Board Development simply described in what I
like to call, the four R’s: Recruitment,
Retention, Recognition and Rotation.
Finding the right people
to serve on your board is more of an art than a science. First, you need to recruit those that have a
passion for your mission. It is an honor
to be asked to serve on a board of directors and you want to make sure that the
people you invite have a strong commitment to what your agency is trying to
accomplish. Second, a good board member must
have the means to give to the organization in a significant way. By this, I do not only mean financially. Giving of one’s time, treasure, or talent are
all ways of making a significant impact on an organization. There are many other characteristics to a
‘perfect’ board member, but ultimately a passion for the mission and the means
to give (in some fashion) would be the most essential aspects in your search.
In terms of retention,
board members must be trained and given the appropriate resources to
successfully carry out their responsibilities.
Job descriptions, meeting agendas, calendars, minutes, governance rules
and policies are just some of the basic tools that must be provided to each
board member. Additionally, updates on
the organization’s successes and areas of concern should be shared
regularly. A steady stream of
communication between the agency and its governing board is imperative to its
success. Consider your board your
mouthpiece in the community. If you
share, they share. It’s everyone’s job
in a non-profit organization to ensure that the board of directors is readily
prepared to communicate the mission, the success and the challenges that the
organization faces.
As with any type of
volunteer position, recognition should never be overlooked. Remember the Robert Fulghum book, “All I Really
Need To Know I learned In Kindergarten”?
We all know we are supposed to say thank you when someone helps us. That’s all recognition is, saying “Thank you”
often, always, publicly and privately.
Serving on a board is a big commitment and should be appreciated. Additionally, public forms of recognition –
i.e. events, newspaper ads, etc offer a great marketing opportunity.
The final ‘R’ is often
the most difficult, especially for younger organizations. Rotating board members can be tricky, but not
if it is a concept discussed up front and often. You’ve probably heard of the famous saying
from Henry Ford, “If you always do what you have always done then you will
always get what you‘ve always got.”
Rotating board members, both on and off, allows the organization an
opportunity to grow with new perspectives and experience levels – while
maintaining some of its unique traditions.
I have had the honor of
working with various types of boards and I have found if you really pay close
attention to the four ‘R’s you have a great road map for success.
