If you’re looking to get more involved with the organization as a volunteer or potential board member then you’ll need to do a little more homework. Get a list of the current board members, see if you know any of them or have a connection through alumni associations, business, or other activities. Contact the board member to introduce yourself and explain how you would like to get involved and your unique “Talents.” One of the important roles for current board members is to identify other potential board members. You may be asked to send your resume and perhaps be interviewed by a board nominating committee. Describe your specific skills and explain how you might assist the organization. Organizations are always looking for new members who offer a specific skill set (legal, marketing, finance, accounting) and technical expertise related to the non-profit’s area. You can also contact the organization’s development or fundraising director to introduce yourself and evaluate ways to get involved.
A great way to get introduced to non-profit organizations is through volunteer consulting assignments, or giving your “Time.” My alumni organization (Harvard Business School Community Partners in San Francisco) ran a program that matched MBA professionals interested in doing consulting for non-profits to non-profits looking for consulting resources. After four to six month assignments working with the organizations, many of the volunteer consultants were invited to become board members. The volunteer consultants had a chance to work with senior management of the non-profits, understand the issues facing the organization, and get to know the type of work they were involved with. In a successful project, it’s a win-win for the organization and the consultants. I was a volunteer consultant for several non-profits and later joined the board of one of the organizations that I had worked with on a project.
Before agreeing to join a board, make sure you understand what is expected of you. All boards expect a financial commitment to the organization. Ask for the terms of reference for board members and other information related to meetings, expenses, fundraising, and committee assignments.
