Look Before You Leap: 5 Things You Must Do Before Joining That Board

Valerie F. Leonard
Published: October 4, 2018

Valerie F. Leonard Founder, Nonprofit Utopia, LLC

You have just been invited to join a board of directors of one of the hottest local nonprofits in the city. What should you do before accepting?

Do some self-reflection. Being a member of a board is serious business. Unlike other volunteer assignments, being a board member carries with it fiduciary responsibilities. As such, the board is responsible for adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission. (Council on Nonprofits, 2018). Are you willing to commit the time, financial resources and access to your networks to contribute to the organization’s success? Realizing that you cannot be rewarded financially for your service to the organization, what are the benefits of joining the board? Are there additional leadership and management skills you can learn? More