8 Low or No Cost Ways to Give Back in Central Texas (or Anywhere!) (Copy)

Living Your Giving Through Nonprofit Board Service: The Why & How! 

When I was 37 and had small babies, I was struggling to find ways to volunteer. But I knew I had the time for regular meetings and the skills to continue to support nonprofits. I decided that the “grown-up” way to volunteer was to join a board… and so I did! 

Now I work for an organization that STRONGLY believes in the power of effective and generous nonprofit board members. Through my work with I Live Here I Give Here I have learned so much about not just the HOW of being an excellent board member, but also the WHY!

As an intro, a nonprofit board is a group of individuals working as a collective to assure the legal and moral health of an organization. A nonprofit board is a collective and only has authority as a group. The board of directors focuses on the “ends” (results), while the nonprofit management team and staff focus on the means needed to achieve the ends. 

A board has the following high level responsibilities:

  • Establish and maintain the mission and vision through effective strategic planning

  • Provide effective financial, legal, and administrative oversight, including hiring, supporting, and evaluating the Executive Director

  • Ensure the organization has adequate funds to support its mission

  • Maintain a diverse board through recruitment, mentoring, and self-evaluation

  • Serve as an ambassador and actively participate in board and organizational activities

That all sounds kind of daunting so WHY would you want to be on a nonprofit board? Well, the bottom line is that it is actually SUPER fun and vastly rewarding. Plus you can…. 

1. Make a Difference: By serving on a board, you can directly contribute to the mission of an organization that aligns with your values. 

2. Develop Leadership Skills: Board service provides a unique platform for learning how to make strategic decisions, manage budgets, and work effectively with a team of volunteers. 

3. Expand Your Network: Joining a board allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and build relationships within your community. These connections can be invaluable both personally and professionally.. 

4. Gain Valuable Experience: Board service can enhance your resume and open doors to new opportunities. The skills you develop can be transferable to other roles and industries. 

5. Give Back to Your Community: By serving on a board, you're investing in the future of your community. You're helping to create a better place for everyone. 

If you're considering joining a nonprofit board, consider joining our upcoming Board Training Program, on November 18. It is a full-day immersive course designed to prepare individuals who are interested in taking on board service at a nonprofit organization and provide training to nonprofit leaders and board members. 

Come join us - you will NOT regret it!

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