Ten Expectations Non-Profits Should Have for Their Board Members

You would think this is pretty standard, and pretty easy to comprehend. But you would not believe how many people either just aren’t aware or are lazy. Or maybe you’re a non-profit staff member waiting to get through all ten expectations to decide whether or not this is appropriate to send to your board with a giant ‘AH-HEM’ in the subject line. I get that.  

So, if you’re a non-profit staff and aren’t sure what exactly you should be expecting from your board members, this article is for you. If you are a board member not sure why your butt is in a seat at the table, this article is for you too. If you’re Joe Shmoe who was asked to be on a board of a non-profit and you’re researching what it takes, this is for you and you get a big, huge, shining, gold star for figuring this out prior to making a commitment. 

Here is my list of Ten Expectations Non-Profits Should Have for Their Board Members 

1. Attend the meetings. Yes, they can be long. Yes, they can be dull. Yes, you have to attend. We understand that things come up and schedules get hectic and that your life does not revolve around the non-profit. But you made a commitment. Now get your butt to the meeting. Or at least conference call in. 
2. Speak up! You were chosen to be on the board for a reason, most likely for your area of expertise. Engage in the conversation happening at the table. You are there because you are respected and your educated opinion matters. If you’re not comfortable speaking in front of the group emailing a staff member afterwards. 
   
3. Attend the events. Depending on the size of the non-profit the types of events they hold will vary. Regardless, you should be there. Fundraising gala, buy tickets. Heck, buy a table. Live and silent auction? get to bidding! Award ceremony? Be there. Press conference? Yes, be there too. It means a lot for you to simply show your face, to show your support, and to show you care.  
4. Speaking of caring… YOU SHOULD CARE. You should genuinely care about the non-profits mission. Whether it be a healthcare organization, animal adoption, education, international affairs, government politics, women’s rights, whatever, you should give a damn about what the non-profit is doing to make a difference in the community, and in the world. If you don’t care, leave. Seriously.  
5. Be an advocate. This can be so simple but it is easily forgotten. When you are out to dinner with friends and they ask how things are and what’s new this is a PERFECT opportunity to say “blah, blah, blah, oh and the non-profit that I’m involved in has this new initiative that they are doing that I’m really excited about….”. When you care, others will care too.  
   
6. Be a fundraiser. It is your job as a board member to ask others for monetary donations when the need arises. This goes hand in hand with #5. When you care and speak passionately about the work your organization is doing people will feel compelled to contribute and be part of something so wonderful. 
7. Be a contributor. If you aren’t giving to the organization yourself, how do you expect others to? You can choose when and how to give and non-profits should make it very easy for you to contribute and should be asking you throughout the year to participate in various campaigns. You can choose to do a little here and there, or one lump sum around the Holiday season or anything that fits your budget and financial timeline. If you don’t like asking others for money (#6) be ready to open up your wallet x2.  
8. Be a volunteer. There are SO MANY opportunities for people to get involved in a non-profit. And if the organization doesn’t make it easy for others to do so, shame on them. But as a board member you should be one of the first people to sign up to help. Even if it’s just for a two hour shift to help set up for the 5k fundraiser, every minute counts. 
   
9. Be engaged. Social media is the bomb dot com (a little biased) and helps non-profits share with the world and their constituents what they are actively doing. You should be assisting with this. They post a call to action, you should share it. They post about raising $37,000 at the last event, you should share the post and add that you are so honored to be part of xyz initiative. They post a success story...you should like it in the very least. Like your organization on every platform they are on, AND be sure to be added to their email list.  
10. Be educated. Educate yourself on the organization. Duh. Familiarize yourself with the history, their successes, their projects and triumphs. Educate yourself enough to speak intelligently to others on what the heck you just got yourself involved with.

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There you have it. My list of the top ten things I expect from board members. Please feel free to email me or comment below if you have other suggestions!