Eligible Young Board Members (EYBMs)

I chair the board of an all-volunteer nonprofit organization  that approaches board building in an uncommon way. We put out an open call for applications to the members of our network (young professionals working in the nonprofit sector) once a year and select board members to fill open positions from the resulting pool of applicants. (more…)

Organizing for Change

(With Rebecca Southers)

Melissa Sines

“There’s just so much that’s wrong with the world – and with my community – that I don’t even know where to start.”  I’ve heard this statement a lot. Okay, I admit, I’ve even said it myself. Some days, news of all the miserable things that happen in the world – natural disasters, poverty, discrimination, disease  –  stacks up, and the mountain of problems in front of us seems insurmountable, like Mount Everest. (more…)

Hey Boomers… Move Over and Pass the Potatoes

David Sternberg

So, you’re a member of Generation X or Y, and considering nonprofit board service?

While the Boomers want you to think this is all about stuffy boardrooms and business attire, it is really more like the adults table at Thanksgiving. Remember that? It was actually the kids table where all the really cool things got discussed! (more…)

Leadership for Dummies

Melissa Sines

When our founding executive director resigned, as the chair of a small nonprofit (around $400,000 annually in revenue), a large portion of the transition tasks fell directly on my shoulders. I won’t lie – it was heavy, and I was daunted. Unfortunately, the board hadn’t gotten around to the succession planning part of our “to-do” list, so there was no neat list of steps, no criteria, and no defined way forward. (more…)

The Fear Factor

Jessica Griffin

Around this time last year, the current board co-chair of the organization I serve called me and said that based on my exceptional commitment to the organization over the past year, he felt that I would be a great candidate to assume a co-chair position. He was submitting my name for consideration to the nominating committee. (more…)

Nonprofit Board Governance Scholarship for Emerging Leaders

Are you a nonprofit leader interested in learning more about governance?

I’m excited to announce that BoardSource will be accepting applications for the 2010 Judith O’Connor Memorial Fund Scholarships for Emerging Nonprofit Leaders. Created to honor the legacy of former BoardSource President and CEO, the late Judith O’Connor, the scholarships enable emerging nonprofit leaders to participate in the annual BoardSource Leadership Forum to deepen their governance knowledge. (more…)

Are Leaders Made or Born?

Melissa Sines

This question has been asked – and answered – a million times. I’m not claiming a definitive answer – but as for my board – they were leaders-made.

As a young board chair in my first months of the job, I was beginning to get into the swing of leading an organization. Then, just as the board was about to approve our organization’s first strategic plan (an effort I had spearheaded) – our longstanding, founding executive director unexpectedly resigned. (more…)

Sometimes It Is What Is *Not* Said

David Sternberg

One way I make certain that I can be effective as a governance consultant is to walk the walk…  This loosely translates to being a board member, myself.  Today, I thought I would share an experience I had as a board member. (more…)