What does it mean to be on the board of a nonprofit?
Benefits of Being a Board Membrer
There are benefits to board members. I once worked for an attorney who was very good at her job. She had an excellent reputation. However, when it came time to announce new partners in the firm, they told her she did not make the grade. Why? Because she didn’t show evidence that she was involved in the communty. She set out to find a cause she believed in, joined a board, and was promoted the following year. Being a board member of a community organization is an excellent career move.
Being on a board also helps with networking. When you are on the board of an organization, you meet other professionals. You meet people who care about the same issues you do, and want to do something to cause positive change in the community.
Being a board member is also a great resume enhancer.
What are some costs of being on a board?
Usually, being a board member doesn’t take too much time. Many boards meet quarterly, some meet every month. There will be times when extra meetings are called, but for the most part, being on a board is a good use of one’s time. But be prepared to dedicate some time to the organization you are serving. You will be expected to attend fundraising events and to be available when the nonprofit you are serving needs some extra help.
As a board member, you should show your faith in the organization by providing some kind of financial support. The expecations are different for each organization. Some organizations may expect you to help with fundraising by asking your friends and coworkers for donations. Some nonprofits expect regular donations from you as a board member. But remember, you are supporting a cause you believe in. I have been on some boards where there were no financial expectations of its board members. Howevere, nonprofts that don’t expect much from board members may have finanical issues or management issues that they don’t want close observance from a board to notice, so I would be wary of nonprofits that don’t expect some kind of financial advice or assistance from a board member. This does ot mean that you have to be rich to be on a board. People should give according to what they have and what they can afford.