The Power of Giving Back: Why You Should Join a Nonprofit Board

I have been volunteering since I was in middle school - serving breakfast to folks facing homelessness, building houses in the summer, reading to young kids, teaching English to preschoolers, accompanying scared women into colposcopies, and more. But when I was 37 years old and had two small babies, it got harder to find the time to do the physical volunteer work. That’s when I realized that I could give my time by joining the board of a nonprofit. At the time, I thought of it as the “grown up way” to volunteer - which is of course silly! 

I found a list of nonprofit board openings, picked one that I knew, reached out, got vetted and, BOOM, I was on the board of AIDS Services of Austin (now Vivent Health). I loved the way that the board service utilized my organization and networking skills and introduced me to a fabulous new group of friends (Paul, Garrett, Aisha and Noel - looking at you!) From then on I have found other ways to volunteer but I still make the time to serve on a board or commission, and encourage others to do the same!

Turns out that others feel just as passionately about board service… 

How To Give: Through Board Service online event

A few weeks ago, our organization I Live Here I Give Here held a “How to Give” conversation with three prominent, and generally awesome, Central Texans: Kathy Terry, Parisa Fatehi-Weeks, and Ryan Coaxum. During that conversation, a common theme emerged: the profound personal and professional impacts they had found by serving on a nonprofit board. These leaders, each with their unique experiences and perspectives, shared compelling reasons why individuals should consider joining a board. I contributed some thoughts, as well! 

Kathy Terry, co-founder of P. Terry's, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. "It's a privilege to be able to contribute to organizations that are making a positive difference," she said. "We are the happiest, as well as the most beneficial to society, when we're doing things to help other people.” Giving back makes us feel good.

Parisa Fatehi-Weeks, Senior Director of Global ESG Programs & Partnerships at Indeed, highlighted the professional development opportunities that come with board service. "It's a chance to hone leadership skills, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights into the non-profit sector," she explained. “Serving on a board is such a solid reminder that we all have so much to learn from each other.” For example, if you are on a nonprofit board facing difficult times - a merger, a financial downturn, a transition in leadership - you can learn so much by navigating that in cooperation with a group of diverse people with different skills.

Ryan Coaxum, Senior Vice President of Community Development and External Affairs at Guaranty Bank & Trust, underscored the importance of diversity and inclusion on nonprofit boards. “I love the ballet. But I didn't see too many people that looked like me in arts and culture organizations. You can’t make change from the outside. So get in there and roll up your sleeves to find better solutions.” 

So, why should you consider joining a nonprofit board? Here are 5 reasons:

Board Training Program participants at 2023 event

1. Make a Difference: By serving on a board, you can directly contribute to the mission of an organization that aligns with your values. You'll have the opportunity to shape its direction and help it achieve its goals. Ryan Coaxum on our board regularly guides us to better decisions using his unique financial perspective - we are lucky to have him! 

2. Develop Leadership Skills: Board service provides a unique platform for developing leadership skills. You'll learn how to make strategic decisions, manage budgets, and work effectively with a team of volunteers. Parisa talked about leading a board during the pandemic - supporting staff, finding a new executive director, getting the board engaged, providing clients with the food and services they needed. They had to make tough priority decisions at a time when the community’s needs were growing. But today the organization stands strong.

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. Ryan met Kathy Terry on a City of Austin Task Force on Racism and Systemic Equality, then went on to meet one of his best friends on the Leadership Austin Governance Committee. 

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. Parisa first worked with Worker’s Defense Fund when she was a student attorney and had the opportunity to represent immigrant workers who had experienced wage theft. The board, however, is 50% people who have lived experience with wage theft. She notes that she has learned so much from the people on the board who were overcoming profound challenges. 

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. Kathy Terry works with P. Terry’s to give back to the community; she volunteers; she parents engaged citizens; and she serves on boards. She has served on The SAFE Alliance board for many years because she can support a mission and a staff that mean so much to her. 

If you're considering joining a nonprofit board, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, do your research and find an organization that aligns with your interests and values; the amplifyatx.org website is a great place to explore what nonprofits are working in our community. Second, be prepared to commit time and energy to the role. If you would like to learn more about what it means to be a board member, join our upcoming Board Training Program, on November 12. Finally, we publish a list of current board openings twice a year. Take a look and if you see any that are a good fit. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from experienced board members. And remember that you can also dip your toe in by engaging with nonprofits in other ways - volunteering at an event, serving on an advisory committee, or supporting staff with kind notes or treats. 

As Kathy, Parisa, and Ryan have shown, serving on a nonprofit board can be a deeply rewarding experience. It's an opportunity to make a difference, develop your skills, and connect with your community. Be your happiest self today by giving back and joining a nonprofit board - plus, you never know when you might meet a new friend, partner, supporter or even spouse!