From Board Internship Program to Board Chair: Christine Lee Shares Her Experience
The Austin Involved Board Internship Program cultivates the next generation of philanthropists, board members, and community leaders for Central Texas. The program creates civic leaders who are prepared to serve our community on a nonprofit board or committee and connects these professionals with I Live Here I Give Here’s Nonprofit Member organizations. Participants leave the program ready to commit their time and leadership skills to a cause they are passionate about.
We caught up with Board Internship Program alum Christine Lee, Senior Director of Editorial and Brand at Interfolio. Below, she shares how the program helped her become an impactful board member, and, ultimately, incoming Board Chair for Fusebox Festival.
1. What inspired you to participate in the Austin Involved Board Internship Program?
Christine Lee (CL): After being in Austin for about ten years, I was ready to find a “home” for my philanthropic and volunteer support. I had served on a PR and Marketing board with the American Association of Museums for work and had been involved as a volunteer with other nonprofits, including a performing arts fundraising organization. However, I was eager to give back in a more meaningful way to the Austin arts community.
2. What are one or two key takeaways from the program that continue to resonate with you?
CL: The program highlighted the needs of the Austin community and also introduced us to some of the fantastic organizations working to fill those needs. We had the opportunity to hear from nonprofit leaders and connect with peers in the program (many who were active volunteers at various organizations). Another takeaway was to simply ask questions—whether about the organization, about financial statements, or another person’s story. The program reiterated the importance of board service and gave us the starting tools to succeed as future board members.
3. How did you get involved with the Fusebox Festival? What personally motivated you to serve on their Board of Directors?
CL: After participating in the Board Internship Program, I began discussing board service with friends and colleagues, including David Wyatt, one of our arts PR leaders in town, who recommended that I visit with Ron Berry at Fusebox. After researching the organization and visiting with Ron and board members, I was invited to join the board.
In terms of motivation, volunteering and the arts have always been core parts of who I am, and, honestly, it just felt like the right fit. And thankfully, Fusebox agreed!
4. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience on the Fusebox Festival board? What is your role? What goals do you help the organization advance?
CL: With a board of nineteen and a full-time staff of four, serving on the board at Fusebox offers a really lovely combination of strategic and hands-on work. My background is in marketing and PR, so I focus much of my Fusebox time in those areas. I became the Chair of the Marketing and PR committee last year and served on our fundraising event committee, and in September, I will start my term as Board Chair.
5. How has the Board Internship Program helped you to be a more effective board member?
CL: The Board Internship Program’s educational grounding, including an overview of requirements and expectations, helped me really understand the commitment of serving on a board. It clearly delineated the roles of staff versus board, as well. With this background, I was able to identify what type of board would be the best match and how I could best contribute. Then, once active, I was much more fluent in the structures and processes of a governing board.
6. What advice would you give other Central Texans interested in serving on a nonprofit board or committee? What personal and professional benefits can they receive from giving back in their community?
CL: Serving on a board has been personally rewarding for me—working with a wonderful group of smart and creative colleagues on the board and organization levels, experiencing thought-provoking performances, and being able to give back to a cause that I feel so strongly about. On a professional side, boards can give individuals a chance to gain experience and make connections that might not be possible through other avenues.
I would recommend reaching out to organizations that you are passionate about. Many boards and organizations are looking for new voices, perspectives, and collaborators so they can represent and support the community in even greater ways. Fusebox certainly is! And, if you’re not ready to join a board, there might be an event committee or another way you could get to know the organization first.
About Fusebox Festival
For over sixteen years, Fusebox Festival has presented ground-breaking performances from local, national, and international artists as a means of facilitating artistic exchange between Austin and the world, creating a global hub for the performing arts.
Fusebox commissions world premiere performances, brings unique performers and innovative projects to thousands of people, and offers vital professional development and training opportunities for artists. Fusebox marries our city’s bold independent spirit and its generous sense of collaboration with a deep belief in the potential of creativity and imagination to shape the world.
During this time, we are actively working on projects and professional development opportunities to help artists, who, according to the AARP, are the second most affected occupation in the COVID crisis. Fusebox is a catalyst for direct support to those artists in need.
If you’re interested to learn more, you can visit our website, donate, or get in touch if you’d like to volunteer or serve on the board by emailing volunteer@fuseboxfestival.com.
Apply for the 2020 Board Internship Program
The 2020 Board Internship Program is a collaborative partnership with ACC’s Center for Nonprofit Studies, Mission Capital, Impact Austin, The New Philanthropists, and the Austin Young Chamber and will take place virtually this fall. It will feature interactive virtual sessions that explain how nonprofit boards work, grow leadership skills, and increase awareness about the diversity, equity, access, and inclusion deficits within the nonprofit sector. Topics covered by experts in the field include: the nonprofit cycle and board responsibilities, how to identify your cause, diversity and inclusion, as well as governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
Learn more and apply to participate by August 15 to take the next step on your path to community leadership.