How to Be a Non-Profit Board Member

One of the best ways to improve karma is to pursue volunteer activities. Corporations often get all of the notoriety for giving to non-profit organizations. The majority of the financial donations and volunteer work, however, is done by individuals. It makes sense that some of these same individuals are capable of serving on non-profit boards. With some mentoring, many will make excellent board members.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lead with humility. Allow the agency director to do his or her job managing the day-to-day activities of the organization. Work with other board members to serve in the capacity that best fits the mission of the agency.

2. Repeat the mission and vision of the organization until it is committed to memory. Often, organizations get off track when board members fail to stay in tune with the organization's original goals and mission.

3. Promote transparency to the public, the members of the organization and the beneficiaries of services received by the organization. Issues related to ethics and financial standards occur when a limited number of eyes have access to an agency's records.

4. Encourage diversity. Different people bring different ideas to the table. In order for an organization to remain viable, it must seek individuals from all of society.

5. Be an expert on board governance. Reading and understanding the bylaws of an organization are key to being an effective and respected board member. Rules governing conflicts, minutes, meetings and planning should be understood from the beginning of any board membership.