Board Members: The Crucial Element

Board members are crucial to the success of a nonprofit organization. They are the cheerleaders, the watchdogs, and the community connection. A campaign is not successful unless the Board leads the way with sacrificial gifts from 100 percent of the Board. They should lead with passion and their pocketbooks! When I conduct seminars, the most often complaint is the lack of interest (passion?) from board members. Many have served for years, lost interest, but do not want to disconnect totally.

New members should be recruited through an organized plan to share the mission, vision, and the expectations (including giving and attendance). Expectations should include 100 percent attendance, annual fund gift, major campaign support, and a planned gift. Lead by example.

We abuse our trustees way too much. Long boring meetings, weekend events, and precious time away from family find many board members slipping away and feeling guilty. Our job is to make their time on the board an exciting period in their life, a substantive social contribution, where they make a difference.