I have heard from many Executive Directors and Board Chairs over the years who share a common frustration. “We can’t get our board to do anything. There is so much to accomplish for our mission, but we feel like we’re not getting help beyond attendance at meetings.” My first thought in response is almost always, “but have you asked for specific help and if so, in what way?”.
Too often we expect our board members, right from the start, to be intuitive about their active roles, especially after such thoughtful board member recruitment and onboarding. Often though, that is not the case. Board members need initial and ongoing reminders of how they can best use their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. To create an environment in which your board feels both motivated and equipped to help your organization, it’s important to create systems to ask them how they can support your mission, and what resources and connections they bring to the table.
One great way to do this is by creating a simple survey that is administered routinely, at the onboarding process and again once they’ve become more familiar with the program of work. There are many good options for easy online surveys including Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, and Survey Monkey.
I like to ask about several key areas:
Volunteerism: Are they interested in helping your organization in a capacity other than board governance? Do they have any special talents that could be applied? Maybe that banker does photography in their personal time and could snap some great shots of your clients for social media or a future brochure. Maybe the technology consultant really loves budgeting. Are they part of a community organization that is looking for group volunteer opportunities?
Board Development: What committee roles are of most interest - maybe programs, communications, development, or strategic planning? Who else do they know that may be a good candidate for this board in the future?
Financial Stability: Are they talented in budgeting, accounting, or investments? If your organization doesn’t subscribe to a “give or get” approach, how do they plan to support your organization financially, at a level meaningful to them? Can they introduce your organization to other donors? Are they connected to any local foundations or trusts, and could they provide a warm introduction? This can be especially crucial when an invitation to apply is required.
Fundraising: In what way are they willing to help raise funds for the organization? Someone may be uncomfortable with the thought of asking for a donation for the annual campaign but thrilled to have the opportunity to call a VIP donor to say thank you for a significant gift or host a mission-minded house party. Find their comfort zone within the fundraising continuum of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship and utilize their skills - that’s where they will be most motivated and successful!
Just the simple process of completing a survey like this sample is a great way to get your board members thinking about what resources (other than their time at board meetings!) they can bring to the table. At the same time, it gives the Executive Director and Board Chair a better understanding of how board members see themselves contributing to the mission, making it easier to pick up the phone and say, “have I got the perfect job for you!”
When you desire more engagement, survey board members for their input, share the results among the board and staff, then ask for their specific help when needed. I’m certain they’ll heed the call, resulting in the team effort necessary for success.