GuideStar - News ~ Articles - Finding Effective Board Members: May Question of the Month Results
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Finding Effective Board Members: May Question of the
Month Results
Last year, Newsletter readers identified board recruitment as one of their key challenges.
"Great topic," we thought, and started searching for expert advice on the issue. Although we
found excellent resources on other aspects of nonprofit boards, little came up on recruitment.
Hence May's Question of the Month: "If someone asked you for advice on recruiting effective
nonprofit board members, what would you suggest?"
As always, readers had Ilent suggestions. The most frequently offered piece
of advice was (in the words of one anonymous reader), "Look for someone who is passionate
about the cause. Their passion and energy will help you get others motivated." Readers
offered several ideas for finding those individuals.
. Start with Your Volunteers
"Look for dedi d program that other vol
advised Dennis Walsh of Forgiven Ministry.
look to for leadership,"
Susan Gregory of the Hitchcock Academy Community Center agreed: "Invite
potential board members to become active in some aspect of your organization as a
volunteer so you can grow together. If the individual is excited and participates, you
have created a stepping stone for your newest board member. An active volunteer
will become an active board member."
2. Consider Your Donors
"Look through your donor base," an anonymous reader wrote. "These individuals
have already made a commitment to your organization. They have an interest in
seeing your organization's success."
3. Consult Your Current Board and Staff
"Ask the most effective present Board members to nominate candidates," an
reader ded. A second participant d, "Ask
staff for suggestions of friends, donors, or others who have a vested interest in the
organization." A third maintained, "If you know someone who seems to know exactly
the right person to refer to when there's some issue to solve, then recruit that person.
They won't know the answers but they'll know who might."
4. Reach Out to People Beyond Your Organization
Business. CPA Dianne Saunders advocated, "Look for people who are involved in the
business community and are network-oriented team players. They will be more aware
of current trends and governance requirements, and more concerned with what the
organization needs. And because they are busy people, they will appreciate good time
management, budgets, etc."
Youth. "Do not automatically discount a person's value to the board because of
his/her youth," wrote Randy Turn of the Smith County Chapter of the American Red
Cross. "The energy and 'can do! attitude they bring to the organization can be an
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GuideStar - News ~ Articles - Finding Effective Board Members: May Question of the Month Results 09/20/2007 11:08 AM
invaluable asset. Today's young people are tomorrow's community leaders."
Other Organizations. "Go to your local PTA," an anonymous reader suggested. "In
my experience, the women who run PTAs have terrific CEO experience as well a
social conscience." Vivian H. Mills of VHM Nonprofit Solutions advised consulting
"past leaders, sister organizations, funders." An anonymous participant noted, "Board
members who step down from boards of organizational allies may be willing to join
yours."
The General Public. Vivian Mills also recommended letting people know you're
looking: "As appropriate get word out that the organization is seeking board members.
Use various chi ‘Is—the organization's , anews release for the media,
word of mouth."
5. Use Board or Volunteer Recruitment Sites
Readers listed boardnetUSA, BoardSource, and VolunteerMatch as helpful sites.
Before You Start Recruiting
Several people suggested that a board do a self-analysis before recruiting new members. "The
process should be driven first by the organization's vision, mission and strategic plan," wrote
Sharon A. Dorn of Clear Creek Consulting, LLC. "Then, a 'gap analysis’ should be conducted
to determine what skills, talents and interests current board members have and what is needed
to move the organization forward in its evolution." Don't forget diversity when determining
which gaps need to be filled.
After You've Identified Your Candidates
Let potential board members know what will be expected of them. "Be sure to be specific
about what the position will entail," Laurabelle McCaffrey, a community volunteer and
retiree from the Allen County Public Library, recommended. "This way there should be no
surprises on either side." Tracy Morgan Hollingworth of Morgan Hollingworth Public Affairs
& Association Management urged, "Don't downplay the work that's needed to guide the
organization to meet its mission."
If fundraising will be a responsibility of the position, say so. "It is MUCH harder to
implement a board giving program after the person is on board as opposed to making it 'part
of the job! before they start," an anonymous participant observed.
Make a job description or board handbook available to your candidate(s). Consultant
Cathy C. Lee stated, "No volunteer should be asked to serve in any capacity without a 'job
description’ or at least a written summary of their expected time/talent/treasure investment."
Peg Libby, executive director of the Kids First Center, suggested, "Schedule a lunch meeting,
bring the board handbook and be completely honest."
An Ongoing Process
Meera Rao of Wynona's House recommended making board recruitment a process,
"Incorporate it as an on-going Board effort, with a committee dedicated to" it. Ramon Reyes
of the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club advised, "Be patient until you identify the right
board members."
"The most important qualification for an effective NPO board member is that they have a
passion for the mission of the organization they will represent. | have found that you can
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GuideStar - News ~ Articles - Finding Effective Board Members: May Question of the Month Results
overlook current position, education, experience, religion, political affiliation and every other
status both personal and professional. Everything an effective board member needs to know
can be taught to a willing mind and heart, but ... you can not teach passion." Kimberly Pillow
Williams, International WAGR Syndrome Association
“Board members are usually expected to serve on committees and help with our events. We
recruit volunteers for our committees and that way we and they can see if they are a fit with
the organization. We then invite some of our best committee members to serve on the board
and we already know they are willing to work and understand our mission." Lisa Christie,
Executive Director, Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, Inc.
"Ask major donors or a recipient of one of your program that has turned into an active
supporter/volunteer." Anonymous participant
"1) Every year our organization holds an annual dinner to which we invite an interesting
local personality who can speak to our mission, values, or issues. They sometimes become
excellent candidates for our board. 2) Our children's teachers, coaches, mentors, counselors,
and instructors have also been mined for our board even though we have nothing to do with
youth or schools. 3) University professors in fields related to our mission have recommended
graduating students (bringing fresh blood, youth, and new ideas) to our board. 4) Board
members who step down from boards of organizational allies may be willing to join yours.
5) Never assume that someone is "too busy," "won't be interested,” or "can't afford it." They
will be flattered you asked and even if they turn you down now, they may be able to come on
your board in a couple of years. 6) Ask that same person for recommendations. 7) It's never
too early to start i in their late teens/twenties to grow into a great board
member. Start by taking them to a board training or conference where they get to see and
learn new ideas and meet interesting people." Anonymous participant
Suzanne E. Coffman, June 2006
© 2006, Philanthropic Research, Inc. (GuideStar)
Suzanne Coffman is GuideStar's director of communications and editor of the Newsletter.
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