How non-profits can attract young board members

The non-profit sector is providing a remarkable opportunity for twenty-somethings in all walks of life. Most non-profit leaders, especially board members, are retiring soon, leaving a void that we should step up and fill.

I’ve written before that twenty-somethings should extend their volunteer roles to include executive-level volunteering such as joining boards and committees for non-profit organizations. However, organizations have to provide key things if they want to attract young people to help lead them:

A sense of purpose. Good board members want to connect with a noble cause and “give back” to the community. They want to connect with a defined mission that helps someone else. For the Ronald McDonald House of Durham, where I work, it’s helping critically ill children and their families. For Traction, the organization whose board I’m on, it’s getting more 20 and 30-somethings involved in civic life.

Clarity. Recruiting board members should be taken as seriously as hiring new staff. With many organizations, people are simply asked to “join the board” without details on what they will be expected to do. Instead, potential board members should be given a clear, concise job description that outlines roles, responsibilities, or expectations.

Accountability. Good board members need to be managed effectively and held accountable for their performance. Staff at non-profits should regularly touch base with all board members, make sure they are engaged, and help them accomplish their goals for the organization. And if they aren’t, you should ass them to “piss or get off the pot.” Good board members will want their colleagues to be held accountable as well — no one wants to pull a disproportionate amount of weight.

Technology and social networking. Keeping millennial board members engaged will require thinking outside of the box for decision-making and communication. In-person meetings will always be necessary for some things, but organizations should start using conference calls, voice over IP, online document collaboration, chats, and social networking groups that can allow busy people to contribute outside of boring meetings.

Benefit to them. The best board members will stay with organizations because there is a personal and professional benefit to their involvement. Organizations should provide opportunities for networking, professional development, skills extension, fun and other benefits to board members.

A sense of accomplishment. Board members need to see the fruits of their labor. Organizations should set SMART goals (smart, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) and involve board members in accomplishing them. Giving them specific tasks, creating an action-oriented culture, sharing the organization’s success will surely keep great board members around — as opposed to many groups, whose boards do little other than sitting around and talking about what should be done.

Organizations that don’t provide these things for board members will lose severely. Board members could feel unchallenged, unneeded, or like they’re spinning their wheels. And given how busy talented millennials are, they’ll likely move their time toward structured activities and organizations.

The smartest organizations will use these tactics now to ensure sustained participation and leadership from the best and the brightest our generation has to offer.

May 19, 2008 | Filed Under Blog, Non-Profits

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Expand volunteer roles to gain experience in your field

For twenty-somethings, volunteering has long been a part of our lives. Our parents made us volunteer as kids, our high schools required it, and we needed it for college admissions and resumes post-undergrad. We built Habitat houses, volunteered in soup kitchens, mentored kids, worked in group homes, and all kinds of things that help our community.

Continuing our volunteer work is important to personal growth, but expanding our roles as volunteers can give us a professional boost. We should considering joining boards and committees for non-profit organizations they believe in — and taking leadership roles in them.

Joining non-profit boards and committees and providing pro-bono services to organizations give great experience and learning opportunities to young professionals. And twenty-somethings can get involved with local organizations who need our knowledge and skills.

My best friend Josh, a 23-year-old construction executive in South Carolina, recently stepped up as a Trustee of his church, which he’s been a member of his entire life. He’s taken on a heavy role with the church’s finances, learning about non-profit accounting and governance.

Because he’s done a great job as a Trustee, he’s been asked to lead the church’s capital campaign to build a new sanctuary. He asked me to volunteer, and I’m trying on a consultant hat for the first time by giving them some fundraising advice as they plan their campaign.

We’ve already prepared a strategy document for the church (attached below), had one excellent meeting with the church’s leadership, and I’ll be working with Josh to train church members, prepare materials, and coach them through the fundraising process.

These experiences will not only accomplish good things for his church, but they’ll give us added experience that will hopefully help us in our careers.

Look at non-profit organizations. At my job, the Ronald McDonald House and Family Room of Durham, volunteers are crucial to our operations and leadership. Volunteers help us provide direct service to the families; advise us on operational, legal, fiscal and strategic moves; and are actively involved in our fundraising and special events. We have several young professionals, including two Duke MBA students, on our Board of Trustees and committees.

Political committees need volunteer leaders. When I worked in politics, volunteers were key to fundraising, get out the vote (GOTV), and events. Political experience is applicable to many careers, especially fundraising.

Also, public boards and commissions are always looking for young people to serve. A college friend of mine with an interest in city planning was the only person under 30 who applied to serve on the Town of Chapel Hill’s Transportation Board, and he had a very successful term.

So get involved! No matter your field, I bet there is an organization in your area who could use your help. You’re doing great work, and it gives you valuable experience that could be helpful in future career endeavors.

April 2, 2008 | Filed Under Blog, Career, Fundraising, Non-Profits

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