Questions to Ask Before Joining a Non-Profit Board
You’ve been asked to join a board. Great, but what does that mean?
Joining a board can be a rewarding experience and enhance your personal and professional development.
Does it light you up? What is the mission or vision? Does the organization align with what you believe in? Is it a cause you support? Are you excited to learn or talk about the organization and the work they are doing?
Check yourself:
Do I care enough to be away from my family for meetings?
For those of you who are self-employed - Is this worth missing away from billable hours?
What are the current challenges or opportunities facing the organization?
Do your homework before you commit. Know the current challenges and opportunities. It’s crucial to know what you’re getting into. Where does the organization want to be in three, five, or ten years? Do they have a plan? Do they know where they are going, and are they able to communicate that to you? When you understand the organization’s goals, obstacles, and strengths, you can make an informed decision if you’re the right fit.
What skills do I possess that would be an asset to the board?
Is the board or organization looking for a specific skill set they lack or want to improve? Do they understand what you’re good at and not so good at? Be honest about what you’re not. What skills does the board already possess?
I am not a direct sales type, and I don’t enjoy going out and asking just anyone for money, but I do enjoy building relationships and thrive when I connect people to other people.
What kind of commitment? When I say commitment, it’s more than time. What is the time commitment outside of meetings? Is the expectation to join a sub-committee? Is there travel involved? Attend events? Financial commitment? Some boards need each member to contribute financially in order to qualify for certain grants.
When are the board meetings? How many meetings can you miss? Does the meeting cadence work with your schedule? Often times there are parameters on how many meetings you can miss. Do you travel a lot? Can you attend via an online platform, like Zoom? Are you the one who stays home with sick kids? Often there is a limit on how many meetings you can miss.
Who else is on the board? How many people are on the board? Ask about other members, have a conversation with them, and find out if the board is seasoned or new.
Are by-laws accessible and clear? By-laws establish the rules and responsibilities for shareholders, directors, and officers. By-laws provide clarity and transparency - two of our favorite words. See how both are intertwined into our Core Values.
Where does the organization want to be in three, five, or ten years? Do they have a plan, do they know where they are going and are they able to communicate that to you?
Does the organization have directors’ and officers’ insurance? If not, your answer should be a hard no. Why? Things happen, and D&O insurance protects you from personal financial liability, and it’s essential to any board so you can make informed decisions without the fear of consequences.
Can you advocate? Join a board because you want to be a voice for an organization, its people, and the people that the organization serves. As a board member, you have a unique and ethical responsibility. Join because you want to participate and participate in the conversation.
Being on a board can teach a small business owner or entrepreneur valuable lessons. You can learn skills that can be applied to your personal and professional life. A board can allow you to flex your brain in different ways and work with others. Collaborating and effective communication is key to making informed decisions when working with diverse perspectives.