Serving on a nonprofit board is something that promotes happiness and a sense of well-being by making a contribution. Many people think that you need to be wealthy or have a certain skill set to join a board. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because we have so many nonprofit organizations in Missoula, opportunities for service abound but there are some things to think about as you consider a board position.
Determine what you are interested in. If you are not dedicated to the mission of an organization, find one that is more aligned with your values so that you will be energized by your service.
Understand the requirement of the board. How much time is involved? Will you need to fund raise? Are you expected to contribute personally? Will you serve on a committee? How many years is your term?
Consider if you have any special skills or experience that will help make your participation meaningful. Do your areas of expertise match the organization’s needs?
Investigate how is the organization doing financially? Remember that as a board member, you will have a fiduciary duty to the organization (keep your eyes on our blog site for a future blog on fiduciary duty).
Try dating first. Think about volunteering for a few organizations whose work you are interested in to see if they might be a good fit for you and you for them. If this goes well, applying for the Board might be the natural next step.
Thanks for contributing and making a difference in our community.