They are volunteers, too!
Look here for information and the latest techniques to develop your board or committee. The purpose is to help those who work or serve on nonprofit boards of directors or committees.

~November 2008~

       Selecting the right people to serve on a governing board or advisory committee is key to success.  This is always a challenge.  It begins by having the best people on a nominating committee.  The nominating committee members need pertinent information on the background of current members the needs of the board.  For example, governing boards should always have legal, finance, development, human resource, and finance skills represented among the members of the board.  Create a matrix of board members to share with the nominating committee to show where there are gaps in necessary skills. 
        

When it comes time to seek out members here are some sources for the nominating committee to consider.

Start with your volunteers.-- Administrative or direct service volunteers can grow in experience and knowledge to qualify as members of the board.  These are prime candidates for board membership.

Look at your donors.-- Those people who contribute to an organization have a vested interest in its success.  Seek out people with special skills to serve.

Parents, grandparents, relatives of clientele.--In organizations serving children or vulnerable adults there is a likely board or committee member among the relatives of those who are being served.  This needs to be done with caution.  Boards and committees need to be populated by those who can see the big picture, this can sometimes be challenging for those with a personal vested interest in service.

Ask volunteers, board or committee members and your staff for suggestions.-- Create a process where those who know the organization best have the opportunity to contribute names.  Once the nominating committee has determined the types of skills needed for the board or committee, let people know and solicit suggestions.   Provide this information in newsletters, emails, or on your Web site.

Check with local groups for names.-- Some United Way and Volunteer Center’s have training programs and “banks” of those interested in serving on a board or committee.  Take advantage of that service.  Also seek the names of business leaders in the community; outstanding young people; and active volunteers at other organizations.

Use board or volunteer recruitment websites.-- There are online sites where people can search out volunteer positions.  Three of them are listed below.  These are also good resources for information on how to work effectively with a board. 

BoardNetUSA
http://www.boardnetusa.org/public/home.asp

BoardSource
http://www.boardsource.org/

VolunteerMatch.
http://www.volunteermatch.org/