To become a non-profit, the IRS requires that your organization has some form of governing body. Most of the time, that governing body is a board of directors. The “Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards” listed by BoardSource are:
- Determine the organization’s mission and purposes
- Select the executive staff through an appropriate process
- Provide ongoing support and guidance for the executive; review his/her performance
- Ensure effective organizational planning
- Ensure adequate resources
- Manage resources effectively (the buck stops with them, ultimately)
- Determine and monitor the organization’s programs and services
- Enhance the organization’s public image
- Serve as a court of appeal for unresolved issues or complaints
- Assess its own performance
The most important thing to remember when creating a board or looking for new members is to utilize your network. The three main categories of networks are people you know (1st circle), your first circle’s network (2nd circle), and people you don’t know who are passionate about similar causes (3rd circle).
1st Circle
- Dedicated volunteers – Communicate the fact that you’re recruiting board members through your newsletter, word of mouth, emails and social media
- Donors
- Friends and Family
- Organizational partners
2nd Circle
- If you already have a board, ask your current board and staff for nominations or recommendations
- Ask members in your 1st degree circle if they are aware of anyone who would be interested
- Reach out to those beyond your nonprofit, like youth, or people in business or from other organizations
- Make sure that communications going out to the first circle are easily shared with people outside of your direct network.
3rd Circle
- Contact new organizations and volunteer centers that teach people how to be effective board members and then match them with nonprofits who need them
- Use board or volunteer recruitment web sites like BoardNetUSA, BoardSource, and VolunteerMatch.
Happy searching, and good luck!
The Gay Humanitarian 