Position Your Board for Success

1. Recruit individuals who have influence and affluence. Make sure you have representation from large employers who have the inclination to support charitable programs. Many corporations are more inclined to support an organization financially if they have employees actively involved in the organization. Don’t be afraid to call the company and ask for a representative if you do not have a candidate in mind.
2. Interview the potential board members before they are nominated. Be up-front about the expectations regarding attendance, financial support, events, committee participation and key programs. Think of the meeting as an abbreviated board orientation. Allow the candidate time to consider all you have shared with them and then check back to determine their interest. If their interest and availability are not in line with those of your organization, allow them to respectfully decline. It is much better not to move forward with the nomination if they are not passionate about your organization.
3. Conduct an orientation with all new board members and provide them with all the materials they will need to be successful. Don’t belabor the by-laws, and rules and regulations. Spend the orientation time talking about the organization’s mission and programs. Share stories about how your organization has changed people’s lives. Arm them with enough information that at the next cocktail party or barbecue they will be telling your stories and sharing their passion about the difference your organization makes.
4. Hold board members accountable. Review attendance on a regular basis and contact those members who have not been at meetings. Develop a system to allow them to satisfy their financial obligation. Report levels of support from board members for events. Provide recognition at board meetings for those members who go the extra mile.
5. Communicate outside the board meetings with each board member. A board newsletter is not enough. Get to know your board members and their likes (and dislikes). Once you know them. it is much easier to ask them for extra help.
6. Provide education to the board on a regular basis. You should not assume that just because they are on the board that they know all that your organization does. Take a few minutes at the beginning of each board meeting to share a success story. Keep in mind that if you want them to talk about your organization…you have to give them the information to share!
7. Thank the board members for their participation. A personal note and phone call can make all the difference. Good board members give their time and financial support and should be thanked for both on a regular basis.