Making people and ideas findable

Good techniques for recruiting Board Members - Need Advice

Hello,

I am on the board of a great Community Center on the Far-Eastside. We've only been around for a year but have been awarded with some significant grants and have been able to garner some attention from the community.

We have a lot of great ideas but we're in need of equally passionate people to serve on the board and committees.

I'd like to hear any advice/suggestions on some board recruiting techniques.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Shaamora

Tags: a, advancement, better, board, career, difference, entrepreneurship, help, make, making, More…

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Robby Slaughter on September 17, 2010 at 11:32am

1) Get connected with the Lacy Leadership Association and their annual "Get On Board!" event. I think it's next week!

2) Define the expertise you need for your board. Do you need attorneys? Accountants? Medical experts? Social workers? If you know the areas of focus you need, you can reach out to professional groups.

3) Visit churches and ask for short-term board recruiting volunteers. You'll often find that churches are looking for volunteer projects that don't require travel/costs and help the local community, and you can get some folks to make phone calls or brainstorm ideas.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Shaamora Harden on September 20, 2010 at 9:41am

This does help. Thank you. Unfortunately I missed the deadline for Get On Board so we won't be able to be one of the exhibitors this year.

I've never considered professional groups. That makes complete sense. We are definitely in need of attorneys, people with financial knowledge/skills as well as individuals experienced in fundraising and marketing.

I will reach out to other churches as well. We definitely need short term help on projects.

Thanks again for this advice!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Duke Snyder on September 17, 2010 at 11:23pm

I can well imagine a good many residents here in Smoosierville have walked in your mocassins at least once in their adult life.
Have been on both sides of this Catch-22 coin more than once, sometimes with pleasurable remembrances and sometimes with the sense of "what in the hell was I thinking when I accepted this?"
First a quick reference to something Robby suggested...possibility of seeking temporary help from area churches. That is one Ive never heard before and sounds excellent, especially since I am soon going to be establishing a new Board myself.

Only real tidbit I thought I would offer is in the selection process of permanent board members. This one comes from my serving as Chamber Exec more than serice organizations and as Chairman of the Board for my church several years.
Have stressed it to many when asked of my opinion. First, review carefully the committees in place or under consideration if a new venture. If in charge do not hesitate in realigning how you see the composition of committees.In short, do not be afraid of taking a strong stand on this...you have been charged in seeing this project through so be the leader and do not shrink from establishing guidelines and directives you feel best reflect the liklihood of success.
In short, don't operate from fear...dont be outlandishing brash but be bold. If you didnt have it in you to succeed they wouldnt have placed you in charge to begin with!
Best of Luck to you.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Shaamora Harden on September 20, 2010 at 9:44am

Thank you. It's interesting that you included information about the evaluation process. This is something that we are working (and testing out) at the present.

Thanks again!