According to the Central Texas Board Report by Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, there are about 7,000 empty nonprofit board seats that need to be filled. As a board member of Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, I have the opportunity to see the benefits of serving on a board of directors for a nonprofit. Here are my top three reasons:
1. Growing as a leader and gaining experience
While your job may focus on the same tasks and skills you do/use every day, serving on a board may require a different set of energy, innovation and expertise. You will need to focus on the business aspect of the nonprofit along with the people your nonprofit serves and the services it provides.
2. Giving back to the community
Serving a nonprofit you are passionate about is a great way to get involved, give back and strengthen the organization.
3. Being involved with a great community
Being on a board gives you the opportunity to build your network and relationships with those on the board and in the organization.
To find out more about nonprofit board service, attend a free ‘Board Service Excellence’ event tonight, April 25th, at the Austin Country Club from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Next month, Greenlights for Nonprofit Success is hosting ‘Advanced Board Governance’ on May 10th. The session will be focused on strategies for recruitment, evaluation and deployment. You’ll leave the course with knowledge and tools for stronger board engagement in fundraising, recruitment, and other core aspects of nonprofit governance.
Not sure if board service is a fit for you? Greenlights for Nonprofit Success’s Board Summit is another great chance to learn about nonprofit board service. At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to network with 50 Austin-area nonprofits and see if you’re a fit for an organization. The event is June 7, 2012 from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
