It is a great privilege to serve on the board of directors of a not-forprofit organization. Board membership provides the opportunity to shape an organization and thus effect change in the larger community. As board members, we are accountable for the successes and failures and, in a broader sense, for the ethical behavior of the organizations we serve. It is a responsibility that should be taken with great seriousness.
There are a number of issues to consider before agreeing to join a board:
- What is the mission of the organization, and how does the mission reflect your values? Ask for the mission statement, as well as for the by-laws, articles of incorporation, and board policies. This material will not only provide a fairly clear understanding of the history, philosophy and goals of the organization, but will also help you formulate questions.
- Read minutes of some board meetings from the current and previous years. You will ascertain the issues that have challenged the board and how (or if!) they are being or have been resolved.
- Who is on the board? This is, after all, a family you are joining. You will be spending time with the members, working through problems, trying to compromise and to reach consensus. Are there women on the board? If not, why not? Are you to be the token woman? Are there women officers? Are women even allowed to become officers? Has there ever been a woman president? And if not, why not?
- What are the organization’s expectations vis a vis time and money? What are you willing and able to commit? How often are board meetings held? What are the requirements for serving on committees? What level of financial contribution is expected? Will you be required to solicit gifts?
- Board members have legal and fiduciary responsibility for their organizations. Ask about liability. Do the board members have Directors and Officers Liability insurance? Has the organization (and thus the board members) ever been sued? Why? Did the insurance fully cover any liability? What was the final disposition of this lawsuit?
- Assess the organization’s finances. Ask to see recent annual reports and financial statements. Request budget and audit information. Ask for anything that will help you evaluate the fiscal health and integrity of the organization.
- It is enormously valuable to attend a board meeting before making a final decision. Observe the interaction, participation and leadership. Do things indeed get done? Or is there just a lot of talk?
Board membership is a sober and wonderful undertaking, one that affords great opportunities to make a difference. View it with care and concern. Board membership is more than a title; it is a trust. It is an honor and not an honorific.