September 14, 2022
You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Well, that is especially true when it comes to joining a nonprofit’s board of directors. Many people think they need to be a seasoned professional before they can join one, but that’s simply not the case. In this blog post, we’ll break down the misconception and provide information on how young professionals in Southeast Michigan can get involved with their favorite nonprofit organizations.
A board of directors is a group of people who play a vital role in nonprofit organizations by overseeing their activities. Board members provide strategic direction, make decisions on behalf of the organization, and ensure that the nonprofit is operating effectively and efficiently. If you’re passionate about a certain cause or issue, joining a board can be a great way to get involved and make an impact.
There are many benefits to joining a nonprofit board, including:
Gaining leadership experience
Board members have the opportunity to develop and hone their leadership skills. They learn how to work with other board members to make decisions, set strategies, and resolve conflicts. This experience can be invaluable in both their personal and professional lives.
Making a difference in your community
Board members are able to directly impact their community by helping to shape the direction of the nonprofit organization. They can also use their skills and talents to help the organization achieve its goals. This is a great way to make a difference in the world and feel good about doing it!
Building your network
As a board member, you’ll have the chance to meet and work with other like-minded individuals who are passionate about the same causes and issues that you are. This is a great way to build your professional network and make lasting relationships.
(Learn other ways to develop your professional network as a young professional.)
Developing new skills
Board members have the opportunity to learn new skills and grow their knowledge base. They may learn about fundraising, event planning, marketing, and more. This is a great way to develop new skills and learn more about the nonprofit sector.
Boosting your resume
Board experience looks great on a resume! Employers value leadership experience and being a board member shows that you have the ability to lead and work well with others. This experience can also help you to stand out from other job candidates. One thing to be careful of is a conflict of interest. While you may want to serve as a board member for an organization in the same or that influences the industry you desire to work in, you may have to abstain from voting or have to disclose it to your employer.
Generally, no, you cannot be “too young” to join a board of directors (as long as you are 18 and older, in many states). In fact, many nonprofits are always looking for young, fresh perspectives to add to their boards. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re a young professional considering joining a board.
First and foremost, remember that as a board member, you are responsible for the governance of the organization. This means that you need to be prepared to make decisions on behalf of the organization and be held accountable for your actions. If you’re not ready for this level of responsibility, it’s okay to wait a few years until you are.
Another thing to keep in mind is that board members are usually expected to make a financial contribution to the organization. This may be in the form of annual dues or a one-time donation. If you’re not able to make a financial contribution, there may be other ways for you to get involved, such as volunteering your time or skills.
Lastly, keep in mind that board members are expected to stay engaged and attend regular meetings and/or events. These meetings are usually held monthly or quarterly and last a couple of hours. If you’re not able to commit the time to attend these meetings, serving on a board may not be the right fit for you.
The best way to join a board is to reach out to the organization directly and express your interest. Many organizations are always looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about their cause. Once you’ve expressed your interest, the organization will likely give you more information on the next steps.
If you’re interested in joining a nonprofit board, we encourage you to reach out to your favorite organizations and see if they have any openings. Or, if you know of an organization that you think could benefit from your skills and talents, don’t be afraid to reach out to them and let them know what you can bring to the table! The worst they can say is no.
We hope this blog post has encouraged you to consider joining a nonprofit board as a young professional. If you have any questions or would like more information about joining a board of directors in Southeast Michigan, consider connecting with a Let’s Detroit ambassador or Ask a Detroiter.
