Learning, prestige, opportunities for leadership development, and networking are all advantages of being a member of a board. Cammy and Ali also noted that it’s a way to get C-level skills in areas like governance, financials, marketing and public relations/communications while helping to shape the strategy and make decisions that impact a business.
You can identify opportunities by looking at nonprofit organizations in your community. Our panelists suggest identifying those that you admire and contacting them to inquire if they have a board seat available, or an active volunteer position. They also suggest attending an event similar to a career fair, which is a board match.
You’ll be required to attend meetings and give strategic advice when needed. You will also be responsible for fundraising. Our panelists suggested you focus on finding an organization that you feel comfortable contributing at a rate that you are comfortable with.
One of the biggest issues the panelists discussed was the necessity of keeping up with paperwork and other responsibilities, particularly as boards become more diverse and multi-cultural. They suggested looking for tools that can streamline these processes, and staying in contact with fellow board members through email and via verbal communication.
Lastly, the panelists discussed how being a board member can be a fantastic source of personal satisfaction. They suggest finding a cause that you’re passionate about and becoming an advocate for it to help you find meaning in your work.