How to Select a Non Profit Board of Directors
A board of directors is more than a managing facility for your not-for-profit organization. They are, in a way, the face of your cause and the leading entity in approving major structural changes and improvements. When selecting members for this board, find individuals who will truly be motivated to help your organization succeed. A board should be more than a stationary fixture in a hierarchical list of executives--a passion that embodies the missions of your not-for-profit should be shining through this authoritative level of leadership.
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Instructions
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Understand the needs of your organization by researching on past important changes and the people responsible. An appropriate board of directors can be molded to fit what members of your not-for-profit cannot already do.
For example, if you are a health care providing service, but none of the employees are trained health professionals, it might be a good addition to your team for a doctor or nurse to be on the board of directors. In this scenario, it is likely that untrained staff can still make effective decisions and accomplish all your organization's goals. A board with a diversified viewpoint, however, may augment results and ease the process itself.
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Speak to similar organizations and meet with their boards of directors to understand the different ways a board can help the organization. Because of the authority a board provides, have positive examples of personalities wielding their power with professionalism and a true desire for success. Lame duck figures are wasteful, and meeting with other groups will help you identify such characters in your search.
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Recruit people of similar taste and past history through contacts, other organizations and the Internet. The first place to start may be people who you have come across in the past that have either benefited from or helped your cause. These individuals may have unique expertise or experience in management. Since you will also be communicating with groups similar in function and purpose to yours, you may also find potential volunteers or tangential figures that may be candidates for your selection. Document such individuals for your record and pass your information along to them. Meanwhile, posting an advertisement on websites like volunteermatch.org may attract potential candidates with flourishing resumes who may turn from a volunteer position into a spot on the board.
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Interview all possible candidates in a spread-out period, looking for possible contributions and interest level. Boards may not meet frequently, but are an integral part of their causes. Measure the dedication level of each individual to the best of your ability and make notes of their plus and minus points. Making one list with all the ideas and goals they have for your organization and another with your perceptions of their shortcomings or disinterests will help you make a decision. Discover how much the candidate wants to be part of your cause and other motivational factors.
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Select candidates with maximum potential for benefit to your organization and pleasant personalities. Have other members of your group either sit in on interviews or meet candidates. This will give you more opinions in your selection process and provide an overall happier work environment.
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