Searching for the Perfect Opportunity

David Styers

Looking for that perfect board to serve on? There may never be a perfect board, but hopefully you will be able to find the perfect board service opportunity for you.  Nonprofit boards are everywhere, but sometimes it can be confusing how to join. 

Often it seems boards just perpetuate themselves through adding friends of current or former board members and staff.  And while all current board members should be actively identifying and cultivating future board members, there are some proactive steps you can take to get noticed.

First, determine the type of organization’s board you would like to serve.  Passion for the mission is the number one requirement for all board members.  Where do you already volunteer your time?  Express to that organization’s staff or board members your interest in deepening your engagement.  Be sure, however, that you don’t just talk to the chief executive.  Meeting the board chair or your fellow board members for the first time when you show up for orientation or your first meeting is problematic. Getting to know each other before accepting a board position is important.

Also, there are a number of Web sites that advertise board openings.  Several are overall volunteering matching sites, such as www.volunteermatch.org and www.idealist.org.  Others have more specific board matching capabilities, such as www.boardnetusa.org and www.bridgestar.org. Local volunteer centers (www.1-800-volunteer.org) additionally may have specific board training and placement programs.

Finally, talk to other friends and colleagues about their board service and how they got on their first board.  Often, once you make the first step, other organizations will start seeking you out to serve on their boards as well.  Happy hunting, and happy board service!