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August 2006 eNews
So You Have Been Asked to
Serve on a Non-Profit Board…
Ten Questions to Ask before Saying “Yes!”
Many church and secular non-profit leaders sooner or later find themselves to be the target of recruitment for service on another non-profit’s board of directors. Non-profit leaders appreciate the perspective that colleagues can bring to their organizations because of the challenges they share. And the value added, of course, is not all one-sided. As we tell those who join our own boards, we can often benefit from other community involvements because doing so broadens both our connections and deepens our learning.
However, before you say “Yes!” it is wise to know what to expect from the organization and what will be expected of you. Listed below are ten questions that will help you decide whether or not to accept the invitation. And they also serve as a handy reminder about what you should be prepared to discuss with people you invite to serve on your own board.
- What is the stated mission of the organization? If the purpose it serves is one that sparks your passion, you can look forward to getting involved enthusiastically. If you can’t be enthusiastic, it’s better to leave the seat open for someone who can be.
- What is its vision? Non-profits go through cycles just like for-profit entities. They may be preparing for a new stage of growth, turning around from a decline, or enjoying a period of stability. Knowing where a group sees itself in terms of its own future will give you insight about the challenges its board faces and if they are the type you want to engage or feel you can positively influence.
- What is the scope of its programs? The stated mission is one thing; the actual mission can be another. Find out what is considered to be the heart or main thrust of the institution. If you would be happy to be identified with it – if it speaks to your values and you could imagine telling family and friends about it – then you may have found your niche in community service.
- What is the condition of its finances? Boards hold fiduciary responsibility for the entities they oversee. Before you invest your time and talent (and money – see below), make sure you get a clear picture of the current state of the agency’s financial affairs. Troubled finances shouldn’t necessarily make you run the other way but getting a vague or hesitant answer should make you wary.
- What is its reputation in the community at large? Again, any candid answer is a good one, whatever the news is. The main signal for caution is an answer which is either deliberately unrevealing or ignorantly unaware.
- What is its reputation among those it serves? You know how important it is to satisfy the customer. This is no less true in the non-profit world. Program quality and effectiveness affects funding, image, staff morale, and – sooner or later – the agenda of boards.
- What is the time commitment? A seat on a board rarely implies just attending a monthly or quarterly meeting. Participation on a committee and attendance at fund-raising and public relations events are also common expectations, whether explicit or not.
- What is the financial commitment? Virtually every non-profit expects its board members to contribute financially to the organization and some even have a suggested minimum contribution. Many also look to their board members to assist in fund-raising efforts.
- How are new members oriented? This is a more important matter than it might seem. In my experience, an organization that seats new board members without some deliberate form of orientation is one where it will be hard to break into the group or where individual contributions are not acknowledged. Either way, the experience can be disappointing and frustrating.
- Why is the leadership interested in me? Finally, it is illuminating to know why you are being invited. Ideally, the organization’s interests should match your own. If, for example, you work in finance all day and are looking to do something entirely different with your volunteer time, then you might wish to decline if the intent is to put you on the finance committee. On the other hand, if you always wanted to learn more about mentoring, then saying “yes” to an organization that wants to tap your experience as a professional might be just the opportunity you have been waiting to have.
Getting answers to these questions before attending your first meeting will help ensure that you and the organization are a good fit for each other. And a few can help you avoid walking naively into the midst of chaos or calamity.
Peace,
David
If you know someone going through organizational changes or who might benefit from this article, please forward them this email. If you have a topic you'd like to read about, please let me know.
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Suggested Reading
Leaders of religious organizations in particular will find Building Effective Boards for Religious Organizations to be helpful.
Edited by Thomas Holland and Davis Hester, it serves well as a general handbook for trustees, presidents, and other leaders of ecclesiastical institutions.
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