It is my experience, after many years in the nonprofit sector, that too many nonprofit organizations shirk the critical step of recruiting Board members effectively. They recruit "good" people and assume these "good" people will figure out what they are supposed to do...somehow.

 

Is it any wonder that you end up with a room foull of 'good' people with mixed, uncertain and vastly diffrent understanding of your expectations?

 

Let's explore 4 Steps to make Recruitment work better.

 

Step One: Ensure that every prospective Board member receives consistent information so he or she can make an informed decision about whether your Board is the right fit for their skills. Develop a Recuitment Packet that includes financial information, mission and vision, fact sheet, Board job description and commitment letter, conflict of interest policies, org chart for Staff and Board and calendar of important events.

 

Step Two: Establish a standing Nominating Committee, chaired by the past president, president-elect or senior member of the Board. Begin work immediately after the annual meeting to give ample time to recruit thoughtfully and carefully. Build a matrix with five columns: What Skills Are Needed (to serve the mission), When Do We Need Them, Who Might Fit the Skills, How are they Related to the Organization and Plan to Recruit. Recruit non-Board members to the Nominating Committee to extend your reach to those you might not know and generate new ideas.

 

Step Three: Starting early allows you to involve prospective members in Board committees to get them involved.

 

Step Four: After new Board members are recruited - and before their first Board meeting - hold mandatory Board Orientation led by the Board president and Chief Executive. Include review of strategic plan, bylaws, Board operating policies, job descriptions and commitment letters, conflict of interest issues, review of financial statements and most recent 990 to ensure understanding, review of D&O policy coverage and a discussion about governance and fiduciary roles and responsibilities...at bare minimum. I'd also advise a tour of your agency or a presentation by someone whose life has been improved as a result of the work of your organization.

 

For sample job descriptions, commitment letters and other useful forms, go to the resources page at Jblockinc

 

I can help. Contact me to present a workshop on Building Better Boards or Best Practices. The training is based on my book The ABCs of Building Better Boards. Order your copy: Order ABCs .